5 Sneaker Trends You Need to Know
Sneakers are the most popular shoe type on the planet thanks to their versatility across fashion and exercise. And the majority of people have at least one pair of sneakers in their wardrobes too. If you’re ready to invest in a new pair, here’s all you need to know about the very latest sneaker trends.
Sneakers were first invented sometime in the late 1800s, and were originally known as ‘plimsolls’. This is because the line the separated the upper part of the shoe from the sole was likened to the Plimsoll line on a ship. The Plimsoll line is the maximum depth to which a boat can be immersed in the water, and helps to indicate when the cargo on board is heavy enough. It is also an apt name, because the uppers of these early sneakers were made with material that was not waterproof!
The world of sneaker design truly exploded from this point onwards. Shoe designers realized that using different materials and designs could impact aspects such as traction and speed when used in running. Sneaker weight, shape and inner design for different types of feet all play a role in their effectiveness in sport too.
Although investment in sneaker design for sport is an ongoing practice, sneakers have also become a go-to item of footwear for most people. People choose sneakers for general comfort, to wear in jobs where a lot of time is spent standing, and as a fashion accessory. As such, the global market for sneakers is enormous. Around 20 billion pairs of shoes are produced each and every year, with the sneaker market alone work $73,070 million. Furthermore, this is projected to increase to approximately $120,000 million by 2026. In the United States, around 350 million pairs of sneakers are sold every year, making it one of the most sneaker-loving nations in the world.
The appeal of sneakers transcends age, style and budget, because there really is a pair of sneakers for everyone. So what are the very latest sneaker trends out there that you need to jump aboard with?
1. Black is Back
Sneakers are available in rainbow colors and styles, but one of the latest trends is going all black again. A great looking pair of black trainers is one of the most versatile additions you can make to your wardrobe. You can use them equally well for work or on a night out. Black doesn’t necessarily mean simple, such as these sneakers by Balenciaga (Balenciaga кроссовки) where a cutting-edge design, breathability and a sporty sole come together as one.
2. Biodegradable Sneakers
As the world becomes more environmentally aware, biodegradable and sustainable footwear is becoming a growing trend. The mid sole in sneakers creates the most environmental concern due to the materials used that cannot break down very easily. Biodegradable polymers are increasingly replacing these other commonly used materials. Even for those sneakers that do not currently use fully biodegradable materials, there are increasingly inventive uses for recycling sneakers. In some cases, sneakers are shredded down and then re-used on surfaces for basketball and tennis courts.
3. Platform Sneakers
For people who love sneakers for fashion reasons, the stylistics of platform sneakers continue to go from strength to strength. These sneakers have a little height built into the shoe under the heel, which can create a more style-infused look with some added elegance. For people who want to be a little taller too, platform sneakers are a good option, and they offer a lot more comfort that traditional heels. The style of some platform sneakers mean the built-in heel is not always obvious either.
4. Retro Classics
Sneaker styles from the 1970s, 80s and 90s have started to gain a bit of a cult-like status, with some styles being re-made again with a modern twist. These older styles feature simple logos, blocks of color sitting alongside pristine whites and no-fuss laces. It's worth exploring some of these throwback looks if you want to embrace a vintage look. It is indeed possible to find some rare and interesting items on auction websites, such as the Original Jordan 1, that were actually manufactured between the 1960s and 1970s and can be paired with matching shirts for Jordan 1.
5. Collaboration Heroes
With sneakers now a truly established icon of fashion as well as sport, more and more creative minds are collaborating when it comes to sneaker design. In the sports world, there are some wonderful collaborations between big name sport stars and sneaker brands, helping to make some modern pairs truly iconic. In the fashion world, there really are no boundaries, with collaborations between sneaker brands and fashion designers, celebrities, influencers and artists.
There are even collaborations between jewelry designers and sneaker brands, bringing a little bling to sneakers, such as built-in anklets or shiny jewels. This is a brilliant way to blend your own creative influences in one pair of shoes, as collaborations often mark a moment in time or a symbol of the current culture. It’s also worth remembering that collaboration sneakers often have a limited manufacturing run, and can become collectors’ items!