How do you define a person who loves sneakers but isn’t as in-the-know about the heritage and collecting aspect of the game? The ones tapping in early on trends and have a knack for styling sneakers within their own personal style. Some may call them the street stylers, the fashion crowd, the trendsetters.
Think the Hailey Biebers, the Bella Hadids, and the Devon Carlsons of the world. The girls who are able to stop scrolls on Instagram with their coveted footwear choices and envied outfit ensembles, but who don’t necessarily line up for the drops or have a vast collection of grails. The thing about us style enthusiasts is that we take our sneakers seriously, but fashion is still at the forefront.
So if you’re a trendsetter looking to add some new hype to your summer lineup– or a sneakerhead looking for some of-the-moment kicks– these are some noteworthy sneakers that should be in every fashion girl’s closet this season. We’ve been checking in with our trusted sneakerhead friends, saving our favorite street style photos, and researching the trends to narrow down the top styles you can’t miss right now on StockX.
Photo: @aimeesong
adidas Gazelle
As someone who could write a love letter to the adidas Samba (my favorite sneaker of all time) I’ll be the first to say it– it’s time to give the Samba a break ladies. And no I’m not talking about a messy Rachel and Ross break that lasted seven seasons too long. I just mean adding other retro-inspired adidas sneakers to your rotation so the Samba can stay looking like this and not like this.
The adidas Gazelle is the perfect stand-in to give your Sambas a mini breather. And who isn’t into a sneaker frequently worn by Harry Styles? If you’re having a hard time going on a break with the Samba, don’t fret. The Gazelle has a similar style, with a low cut and slim fit. However, Gazelles replace the kangaroo leather of the Samba with a vast list of suede hues for cool customization. Since the popular Samba OGs are usually in White Cloud or Black Gum, we recommend going bold with your Gazelle choice to switch it up. The Blue Fusion Gum is a head turning shade that will pair perfectly with your summer staples.
Photo: @hoskelsa
ASICS Kayano 14
I think at this point, we can all understand –or at least acknowledge– the allure of “ugly hot”. It’s why Pete Davidson has had so many girlfriends. And why chunky dad sneakers are quickly becoming the current It sneaker choice. There’s something so fascinating about a “love it or hate it” type of look. You feel like you’re in on this cool secret, having a unique POV that only true style-insiders share.
And the word is out. The Asics Kayano 14 is no longer a stylish secret. A shoe once popular among dads has now rebranded as the latest must-have sneaker for the fashion crowd, following the footsteps of another dad-beloved sneaker brand: New Balance. The Japanese sportswear brand’s successful 2022 collaboration with JJJJound brought this running shoe to the forefront of the style conversation. The chunky silhouette paired with the mesh construction gives this shoe an effortless vibe, especially paired with relaxed tailored pieces or baggy denim. If the JJJJound collab price is a little too steep, we recommend the White Midnight colorway for a trendy look-alike.
Photo: @sallyssneakers
New Balance 1906R
We all love a good Cinderella Story. It’s what makes movies and sports so addicting and emotional. And the New Balance 1906R is the underdog to root for this season, going from a player no one really talked about to an in-demand champion.
While the New Balance 550 and 2002R have already been dominating current culture thanks to Aimé Leon Dore and the Protection Pack releases, this year it’s all about the unexpected 1906R. Originally released in 2009, the 1906R has a cool retro aesthetic, taking cues from the Y2K running shoe models. While we always love a good dad sneaker, the 1906R is like a hybrid between nostalgic normcore and modern cool girl. The slimmer fit and recent Protection Pack treatments give this sneaker a new edge, which has helped the 1906R get its foot in the door in both trendsetters’ wardrobes and sneakerheads’ collections. A colorway to look out for is Sea Salt Marblehead – the perfect neutral for everyday.
Photo: emilisindlev
Salomon XT-6
For the people reading this who find it hard to get rid of anything in your closet, just know we see you, we hear you, we get you. Because the truth is, everything comes back in style at some point or another. So the things you end up donating or selling are bound to become the next big thing in a few years.
The latest sneaker to make sure you hold onto is the hiking shoe. The trending silhouette has led French sportswear brand Salomon to transition from the trails to the streets in a big way. Trusted tastemakers including Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, and Kylie Jenner have all been seen wearing the Salomon XT-6. So trust us when we say it’s time to add one of the functional, aesthetically bold sneakers to your rotation. What’s great about the XT-6 is that it’s just as comfortable as it is stylish. The XT-6 has a fitted silhouette and is held together with a corded lacing system called “Quicklace”, which means that if you’re in a hurry, they’re easy to just slip on and go. Pair these technical sneakers with cargo pants or a denim maxi skirt and you’ll be creating your own type of trailblazing.
Photo: @haileybfits
Nike Air Max 95
Although Air Max day has already come and gone, we’ve still got love on the brain for the iconic Nike shoe. We’ve noticed lately, through social media and the runways, that trendsetters and labels have been looking back on simpler times when it comes to style. Logomania and viral out-of-this-world designs are being slow-faded as the classics are taking center stage once again. And there’s nothing more classic than the Nike Air Max 95.
The sneaker was originally released in 1995 and made groundbreaking advances in running technology as it was the first Air Max to display visible air pockets in the design. The chunkier silhouette of the Air Max 95 fits in with the trending normcore running shoes seen all over the streets lately. Fashionistas like Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid are bringing this classic back into the spotlight, pairing the Air Max with a mix of hi-lo staples. A current favorite is the Toggle Metallic Silver Alabaster. Metallics are the trending It shade right now and this reflective style will heat up all your hot-girl walks this summer. Hailey Bieber also proves this colorway can easily be taken from day to night.
