As we get into the swing of summer and with autumn on the horizon, it’s time to get prepared for the months ahead. The transitional period is all about adventure-ready styles, hyper-sporty silhouettes and responsible fabrics. Light hues are having their moment in the sun — with lilac, mint and pink securing their spot as this season’s most-wanted colours — whilst the Nike Dunk and New Balance 550 remain firm fan favourites.
From outdoor-inspired kicks to basketball comebacks, we’ve rounded up the key styles for this season and next. Take a closer look at some of the biggest trends to know about now.
Old-school Basketball
Arguably one of the sneaker world’s most iconic trends, the basketball aesthetic has dominated the scene for decades, seeing a recent peak in 2020. However, with big-name brands like Nike and New Balance continuously reinventing designs and silhouettes, fresh basketball influences are set to reemerge later this year. As the Nike Dunk rides the wave of demand and the Air Jordan 1 reigns supreme, retro basketball shoes are paving the way for a new era of style.
Futuristic Tech
Futuristic kicks are the way forward. Following the success of the Nike Air Max’s visible Air technology, sneaker fans are now seeking out chunkier and more high-tech designs for their collections. Underpinned by the likes of adidas, Nike and Kanye West’s Yeezy, once-maligned shoes, such as the Foam Runner and the adidas adilette, now feature on wish lists around the globe.
Pastel Palette
Summer’s not over yet, so now’s the time to inject a touch of colour to your wardrobe before it’s too late. Unsurprisingly, pastels are the name of the game this season. From Archeo Pink to Harvest Moon and Light Violet, powdered palettes prove that soft colourways are key to making your look feel fresh. Ideal for festivals, BBQs and afternoons in the pub garden, look to the New Balance 550 and Air Force 1 as the perfect pairings.
Sustainable Sneakers
As the world continues to adopt a greener mindset, sustainable shoes are on the rise. Fortunately, some of the industry’s leading brands are steaming ahead to support this change — from Yeezy’s eco-friendly EVA foam to Nike’s ‘Move to Zero’ initiative. Adopting responsible designs and conscious materials, the Yeezy Slide and Ganni x New Balance 2002R Cream are inspirations for brands looking to embrace sustainability.
Go For Gorpcore
A trend that’s in it for the long haul, Gorpcore is showing no signs of slowing down this year. Championing fashion and function, utilitarian and outdoorsy styles inspired by hiking and climbing continue to define the market. Made famous by the streets of London, comfort remains at the forefront of the Gorpcore movement, balanced by durable materials and highly-functional silhouettes. Perfect for embracing the great outdoors this — and every — mid-summer, get ahead of the crowd and add Gore-Tex kicks to your daily rotation.