8 sneaker trends for 2017

Women have finally found equality for their feet, with footwear brands realising an important fact: that sneakers replaced the uncomfortable shoes in our wardrobe long ago.

Look around and you’ll see that bloggers, celebrities, fashion editors, models and the type of girl who always seems to be captured in street style photographs, all have their feet firmly entrenched in this gender-neutral and trans-seasonal fashion trend. Perhaps it's part classic sneaker nostalgia and part refusal to squeeze into the type of shoe that results in bunions.

And because sneaker culture can feel like it can't make up its mind at times, we did the hard work for you. We had the conversations with the fuccbois, haggled with the resellers and shoegazed at fashion week to bring you 8 of the biggest sneaker trends for 2017. 

adidas Originals Gazelles

The Stan Smith’s popularity might’ve ruined these for you, but we know that you’re not about to turn your back on the brand with the three stripes. Kate Moss’ preferred sneaker, the Gazelle, comes in a myriad of fabrics and colourways and is able to build far more interesting outfits than the above-mentioned white sneaker ever could. And if you think the Gazelle might go the way of the Stan Smith, then make sure you stand out in a pair of Campuses…

Converse high tops

Let’s be honest, when are these ever out of style? You see Chucks everywhere, and for good reason, as the slim canvas sneakers are the ideal kicks for all of your off-duty looks. The only thing that really changes from year to year is whether we’re rocking lows or highs, and this year, we've been leaning towards the highs. Just remember to show off a bit of skin between your ankle length jeans and the understated kicks to balance them better. 

Flatforms

Handy, thanks to the height they add to your frame, flatforms are an edgier iteration of the sneakers they take their look from. Whether it’s trusted favourites like adidas' Stan Smiths or Vans' Old Skools that have been given a boost, creeper-style kicks are officially a ubiquitous part of sneaker culture (shout out to Rihanna, too). Opt for lighter options like maxi dresses and skirts to balance the heaviness of these shoes and to soften your look. 

Nike Cortez

An old-school classic, the Cortez used to be one of the original shoes for long-distance runners. Forrest Gump ran across the country in a pair of Cortezes and Farrah Fawcett went skateboarding in hers. Now loved by the likes of fashion girls like Bella Hadid, the retro must-have makes like work of finishing off athleisure and bold denim looks.

Pink sneakers

Millennial pink has finally made its way to our feet. Or maybe it’s the Tumblr effect or every other blogger's aesthetic on the ‘Gram? Whatever it is, pink has influenced the shoes we choose, ever since we first noticed Didi Monsta rocking a pink pair of Vans, which he painted himself. Now that pink sneakers are a thing, they’re readily available – just look to the buttery leather Reebok Classics or the washed-out canvas  Authentics from Vans. Use either to create an all-pink tonal look, otherwise a blush sneaker worn with cropped denims will upgrade your look from chilled to statement. 

Tech sneakers

Yes, the sneakers you'd wear to gym have become street-style favourites. We’re loving how the functional aesthetic has become very fashion forward. While we’ve seen everything from runners worn with a plissé pants, to the more traditional jeans and a T-shirt ensemble, athleisure that shows off a flash of ankle makes for the best combination. 

Ugly Sneakers

We previously published an entire essay on how oversized sneakers typically worn by dads, netball coaches, 80s businesswomen walking to work, and nurses were suddenly being worn by cool girls. Whether you go full normcore in the most basic looking orthopaedic monstrosities you can find, rock some gaudily coloured fashion kicks sans stripes or swoosh, or opt for an embroidered pair (just keep the rest of your outfit muted, you’re not Riky Rick), you’re sure to have plenty of “what are those?” comments – but for all the right reasons. The clincher? Your feet will thank you as these padded sneakers are seriously comfy. Perhaps your aunt Maude has been onto something for all these years?

Vans Old School

Tyler, The Creator might’ve switched out his beloved Old Skools for a pair of Chucks, but we’re not about to give up on the jazz stripe, especially the worldwide favourite: contrast white jazz stripe on a black low. It's the ideal foil to a floaty dress, but can also go with everything else, whether you choose to wear your pair with all-black everything, or ripped denim and a hoody for a skate-inspired look. Whichever way you wear it and without even trying, the waffle sole will have you one step ahead of others vying for street-style attention.

Photography supplied by:
adidas Originals
Nike
Newspix/REX/Shutterstock
Altman/WWD/REX/Shutterstock
Maltre/WWD/REX/Shutterstock
Nick Harvey/REX/Shutterstock
Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock
Boudet/BFA/REX/Shutterstock
Schildhorn/BFA/REX/Shutterstock
Dinendra Haria/REX/Shutterstock
Wayne Tippetts/REX/Shutterstock
Onnie A. Koski/REX/Shutterstock