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Top Sneakers in Winter 2024 Color Trends
No one’s asking you to leave brat green in 2024, but winter’s coolest sneaker trends come in a kaleidoscope of colors that’ll carry you well through the new year. So, no matter what end of the rainbow you’re trying to capture (or avoid entirely), there’s surely a pair of trendy shoes ready to help you achieve the hue you love.
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With the rise of workwear and hiking-inspired fashion, earthy shades like moss green, beige, and brown have become equally popular, finding the flawless balance between rugged and tranquil. Some of the world’s finest brands have recently propelled this trend, including Dries Van Noten’s ’70s-esque sneakers and Asics’ cardboard-inspired joint effort with Doublet.
A dark, stealthy look could never go out of style either, a fact proven virtually every day, though most recently by Nike’s upcoming all-black Dunk Pack and teased Dover Street Market collab: a blacked-out pair of Vomero 5s with glowing green accents. But Nike’s not the only one getting in on the action, with pitch-dark partnerships put forth by everyone from Hagel and Asics to Under Armour and Balenciaga.
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On the other hand, if you want something more colorful, consider the ubiquitous shade of burgundy or maroon, two hues that everyone from New Balance to Gucci has brought to light. Frankly, since the Italian luxury house unveiled its Rosso Ancora collection in late 2023, the merlot-colored train hasn’t slowed down, and Nike’s sneak peek at the Air Max 1000 suggests it’s only speeding up.
And if you need shoes that’ll bring extra shimmer to your ensemble, look no further! There’s an onslaught of silver silhouettes on the market and horizon, like Wales Bonner’s latest pair of Samba Millenniums, ALOHAS’ Tb.490, and Diesel’s Serendipity sneakers.
Like most years, 2024 has been more than kind to footwear brands paying homage to themselves, be that in the form of chunky pairs that help you pull off Y2K-inspired outfits from head to toe, iconic kicks that have stood the test of time since well before 2000, and several cutting-edge pairs that toe the lines between streamlined and mountainous. So whether you’re eyeing something sleek to wear while waiting for your seasonal flight or a chunkier pair to get you through the rain, our guide to the best sneaker color trends for winter has the right option.
Stealth Mode Shades
On Cloud 5 Shoes
No matter what you might think, the Cloud 5 is not exclusive to tech or finance bros, and they’re one of our guide’s more ubiquitous options for good reason. The popular trainers even underwent a redesign to ensure the right fit and promote improved energy with every step, whether heading to the gym in leggings or lounging in joggers.
Nike Shox Ride 2 Premium Shoes
The Nike Shox Ride 2 Premium pulls off just about what every chunky shoe fanatic wants with flying colors; in this case, those colors happen to be black with strategically placed, brownish outlines. A unique blend of materials across the upper and those unmistakable Shox columns for added support make the shoe ideal for whatever oversized Y2K look you’re channeling.
Nike LD-1000 Shoes
Three pairs of Nikes in a row? Don’t be surprised. The LD 1000 is an homage to the archives, taking inspiration from a late ‘70s icon that remains one of the brand’s most notable innovations, now presented with a shaggy suede and twill upper that goes to show there’s nothing wrong with occasionally going back to the basics.
Earth Tones
On Cloudvista 2 Sneakers
ON’s minimalist trail running shoe boasts premium cushioning and a Sticky Missiongrip outsole to guarantee traction on any terrain you encounter. Between its versatile outdoor prowess and Dune-esque look, the newly revamped and earth-toned Cloudvista 2 is an outstanding choice for your next hike.
New Balance 2002R Sneakers
Become one with nature thanks to these grassy-colored classics, finished with a hairy suede tongue that looks like the quaintest patch of moss. Wear them with some complimentary brown corduroys to add extra texture to your fit, or channel your inner Grinch all December long and toss on all the red you can find.
Nike Dunk Low Retro Men’s Shoes
It’s remarkable how easy it is to nab a pair of Dunk Lows nowadays, knowing how tough it was to pull off at the turn of the decade. The timeless icon is available in countless colorways, including this premium brown leather option. No matter the material or color, Dunk Lows are as wearable as any shoe can get; like you, we’ve seen them pop up everywhere, from red carpets to supermarkets and GRWM videos to the club.
Merrell Moc Speed Streak Sneakers
For the most part, gorpcore and Merrell go hand-in-hand, whose surge in the lifestyle world is a result of sticking to its functional roots with uniquely practical designs like this. The slip-on Speed Streak Evo is coated in over five stylish brown hues and sustainably constructed using recycled cow suede, plant-based leather, and recycled mesh.
Rich Red Colors
adidas Handball Spezial Shoes
Accented with popping blue stripes, adidas’ ‘Night Red’ colorway looks right at home on the retro Handball Spezial. Its buttery smooth suede upper is placed atop a gum sole that hasn’t gone out of style even 50 years after hitting selves. Wear them alongside your favorite indigo jeans for a pairing that can’t go wrong.
Asics Gel-Stryax Shoes
While the mule talk has quieted down a bit as colder weather approaches, Asics’ Gel-Styrax is still a pair to keep in mind. The futuristic design takes after the company’s Mountain Clog and Transcend lines, bringing impact-absorbing tech and top-shelf stability to an effortless silhouette. Style them as you would your flashiest pair of trainers, and don’t be afraid to tack on some glowing greens that complement the accents
Brooks Running Glycerin StealthFit 21 Sneakers
Fusing sustainable comfort and streamlined style, Brooks’ Glycerin StealthFit is a fantastic choice for anyone who needs maximum cushioning on their daily walks or runs. Its upper is assembled using over 60% recycled materials to assure they’re as good for the environment as your feet, even earning an APMA Seal of Acceptance to highlight their emphasis on health.
Metallic Silver Styles
adidas VL Court 3.0 Shoes
Dubbed by many as the seamless alternative to combat constant Samba hype, the three stripes’ VL Court 3.0 silhouette is available in a variety of similar colors and materials, but this sleek silver option separates itself from the pack. While simple enough to wear with jeans and a tee, you can just as easily dress the sneaker up as many celebrities did with Sambas all awards season long.
New Balance 1906R Sneakers
Every pair of New Balances you see on the street is just an extra confirmation that the ‘dad shoe trend’ is no longer a trend, but a mainstay. The Boston-bred brand’s lifestyle sneaker combines its signature Acteva Lite cushioning and Abzorb SBS pods at the heel to deliver a set of kicks that are as comfortable as they are cutting-edge, met by a futuristic look that will have you running errands in style.
adidas x Wales Bonner Samba Millenium Metallic Unisex Sneakers
As part of its most recent collection with adidas, Wales Bonner’s latest take on the iconic Samba shimmers from heel to toe. Its standout design is based around a two-tone-and-texture leather upper akin to a mullet — except smooth in the front and croc-embossed in the back — that’s easy to rock with virtually any pair of pants, be them skinny or baggy or jeans or trousers.
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Meet the Author
Yoni Yardeni is a culture, fashion, and footwear journalist who has appeared in publications including HICONSUMPTION, HotNewHipHop, and WWD. Through prior stints, his work ranged from curating buyer’s guides for the fashion world’s best boots, sneakers, and jackets to revisiting Lil Wayne’s quintessential mixtapes and albums. He is based in Los Angeles. Yardeni tested adidas’ Ultraboost 5X sneakers for one month to write this honest review of the running shoes.