The sun is finally shining, festival season is back, and the skies have opened to endless jet-setting possibilities (if you can avoid cancellation, that is). All this means it's time to get those dancing shoes back on - but which ones?
While we've had our feet tucked in the shoe equivalent of a duvet working from home, footwear designers have been busy thinking up the next big sneaker trends - namely futuristic aesthetics, vibrant colourways and environment-friendly footwear using bioform and water-based glue.
So what are the must-have styles? We asked New Balance Senior Footwear Designer Charlotte Lee to give us a lowdown: “As we move towards the summer months, we see the annual shift to lighter and brighter colours. These lighter tones are paired with open meshes and/or natural textiles offering breathable spring/summer footwear options. The use of more optimistic colours like cobalt blue and vintage green are a direct inspiration from the 70s and early 2000s nostalgia.
“During the pandemic there was a return to retro sneakers from these eras and those easy to style models are now a staple within wardrobes. This trend continues to evolve with 70s running silhouettes, retro basketball, 2000s tech runners to 90s chunky sneakers. This wave of classics is not defined by category or era, but the recent trying times has led us towards multiple forms of familiarity and nostalgia.”
Yes, the humble footwear doesn't get its fair share of attention on the runway but make no mistake, they still play heavily in the rotation of the street style set to achieve the all-style-no-effort look - and so can you.
Whether it's pastels, classic style kicks or retro dad sneakers, here are some colourful picks to help you make a statement. Pair them with the season's best floral dress, add a pop of drama under those jeans or make a bold style statement when worn with a suit.
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New Balance XC72
Design conscious and colour crazy? Look no further than the New Balance XC72 range of fashion-forward sneakers that have a hint of old-school charm. The top is a mix of suede and nylon brought to life by the iconic logo made from recycled materials. The outsole is the real star with a futuristic herringbone design split into two halves: one with a gripper and the other with studs.
Those looking for a more conventional silhouette can try the 57/40, an upgraded version of the iconic 574s, which come in an array of fabulous summer-friendly shades, easily paired with trousers, skirts or shorts.
Buy now £110.00, New Balance
Adidas Gazelle
A favourite of Harry Styles throughout his seemingly unending tour, the Adidas Gazelles are a tried and true classic. Incredibly comfortable, airy and light with a sole that isn’t too thick - these trainers are otherwise known as ‘satellite stompers’ thanks to the UK-born star, and are sure to get you through a summer of dancing and grooving.
Buy now £80.00, Adidas
Reebok Club C Revenge Vintage Shoes
These retro-inspired unisex tennis trainers from Reebok are the ultimate summer companion. They’re the type of trainer that look just as good when totally scuffed up as they do straight out of the box. You can even add name or number to personalise your shoes. Glasto on the left foot, 2023 on the right foot perhaps?
Buy now £75.00, Reebok
Vegan Basket Lux Low Trainers by Superdry
The Vegan Basket Lux Low Trainers by Superdry are the perfect easing-in shoes for colour-sceptics. They come in several vibrant shades with white or black as the dominant base colour and contrasting trims. The lightly padded heel provides extra comfort, while the ventilated toe cap makes it breathale to wear during summer.
As a person with wider toes, I thought the shoe was comfortable - not just for a few hours but even for an entire day that involved walking. As the name suggests, the shoes are vegan, free from animal products, including the glue, which is water-based.
Buy now £45.49, Superdry
Hoff Tribe Trainers
Travel the world without setting foot on a plane with Hoff's places-inspired trainers. When it comes to unique colour combinations that pop, Hoff is up there with the best. The Spanish label has mastered the art of quality, beautiful-looking shoes at a fair price.
We tested the Sonora trainers inspired by the Arizona Sonoran Desert. They were hands down the most comfortable pair of footwear I've tried. Every aspect of the shoe provides a cushion, almost like hugging your foot. The attention to detail on the shoes is remarkable: the textures created from the leather suede, the contrast stitches and the dual coloured laces. You cannot wash these shoes, so perhaps not the ones to wear to Glasto.
Buy now £94.50, The Sports Edit
New Balance 550
The New Balance 550 has become one of the most coveted shoes of the season. The fashion shoe takes inspiration from an archive basketball style from the label that was first launched in 1989.
Buy now £130.00, New Balance
Axel Arigato Marathon Runner
Although Axel Arigato’s Marathon Runners are inspired by a 90’s running shoe silhouette, they’re intended for anything but playing sport. The exaggerated sole and mesh lining makes them perfect for a stylish sporty look.
Buy now £270.00, Axel Arigato
Veja V-10 B-MESH WHITE NATURAL MARSALA
As the front-runner in the ethical sneaker market, Veja create its trainers using recycled and ethical fabrics without chemicals or pollution, and the V-10s are no exception. V cool.
Buy now £110.00, Stuarts
Superga Flatforms
With the wedge bubble sole, Superga’s flatforms add that little bit extra height. The label’s iconic shoes are fun and feminine, while the vegan leather upper is easy to wipe clean. They’re currently on sale at 50 per cent off, so grab them while they’re gone.
Buy now £42.50, Superga
Verdict
Picking a pair of shoes is based on your personal style, but if you’re looking for something fashionable and practical then New Balance is the one . You can wear these with practically any outfit, run in them, walk in them and dance in them all day long.
