We all have a favorite pair of shoes, whether we’re talking about sneakers or boots. But the best shoes for 2022 are not always the same as the best shoes for 2021. In fact, a lot can change in one year, even in the footwear world.
Last year, many people were excited about their new sneakers and boots and they couldn’t wait until they wore them out in public. This year, everyone is already looking ahead to what comes next. If you want to know what the best shoes for 2022 will be, then you need to know what’s happening right now with footwear trends.
No matter what type of shoe you prefer or what your budget is like, there are options out there for everyone! As long as you know what you want and where to look, it shouldn’t be too hard to find it!
Best Shoes For 2022
The day I started wearing sneakers with dresses is the day my life changed forever. The first pair to win over my heart and soles were the massive, dad-inspired Triple S runners by Balenciaga (I’m cringing, I know). Though that particular shoe no longer fits my style, I still reach for a pair of sneakers as my go-to shoe choice with almost every outfit. Shoe trends change faster than I can run a mile (which is at a nice medium pace) so part of my fitness goal is to stay ahead of the biggest 2022 sneaker trends of the moment. With the standout styles I’ve rounded up, you’ll have no problem keeping pace.
If you aren’t sure where to start on your shopping journey, bring it back to basics. The classic white sneaker will never go out of style, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add a little color. Adding a paneled accent color to a white shoe is the best way to make a subtle statement in 2022.
On the other hand, if subtle is the last kind of statement you want to make, don’t stop at just an accent color! Rather than go full-on saturated, turn to silhouettes to get creative instead. Between velcro straps, old-school shapes and treaded platforms, there are plenty of options to help you hit the ground running.
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Courtesy of Reebok.
Cross Trainers
Cross trainers are the unofficial (but very official) off-duty model shoe. The thing about these is that they can be worn with dresses, leggings, baggy pants, whatever you want. They’re good to keep on during your fav workout class but have just enough style to them
so that they won’t stick out when you throw them on for the office.
It seems that this fall, no sneakers brand is having as big of a resurgence as Reebok
. Known for its cool, retro styles, the brand has so many fashionable and functional options. These Nano X2s
caught our eyes in the all-black colorway. The dark hue has broodiness to it that screams high-fashion.
Reebok Women’s Nano X2 Cross Trainer From $100
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Courtesy of Fitflop.
Knit Kicks
Knitwear provides classy year-round comfort and now you’ll truly be able to wear the style from head-to-toe. Knit sneakers are the ultimate sporty-chic pick for when you’re on the go. This pair of white knit sneakers from Fitflop are super lightweight and built with extra cushioning so you’ll feel comfortable and look cool all day long.
Vitamin-FF Knit Sports Sneakers $140
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Courtesy of Nike.
Old School
Trends are cyclical, so it should come as no surprise that what’s old is new again. Retro-inspired styles that once felt cheesy are now chic—and no brand has reaped the benefit of this comeback more than Nike. Classics like the Nike Blazer Mid ’77 Vintage are back in both traditional and more fashion-forward colorways, so you can take your pick.
Nike Blazer Mid ’77 Vintage $100
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Courtesy of Veja.
Accent Piece
Full-on brights are cool, but everyone knows white sneakers reign supreme! That said, our beloved plain white kicks are getting a little update with just a hint of colorful accents. Pro Tip: Choosing one color instead of multiple helps the look feel minimal and fresh. I love the look of these Veja sneakers. Veja nails the accent color every time buy switching out the color of the signature “V” logo.
Veja Sneaker $125
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Courtesy of adidas Originals.
Velcro
I never thought I’d see the day, but velcro sneakers are in. Say goodbye to too-long laces once and for all! That said, these don’t exactly look like the light-up kicks you wore back in grade school—the new versions are just as cool and functional as any other sneakers. My go-tos this season will be the Adidas Forum Low Sneaker by Adidas, which incorporate a large velcro strap and some classic lace-up action. Talk about the best of both worlds!
Adidas Forum Low Sneaker $89.95
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Courtesy of New Balance.
Bright and Bold
Spring is all about rediscovering the beauty and color of the world (at least that’s how I feel after being stuck inside all winter). If a white sneaker feels to plain, play up your look with bright and bold colors. This pair of New Balance sneakers are fun and colorful but still have versatility in matching lots of different outfit combinations.
New Balance Classics WL515V3 $74.99
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Courtesy of Cariuma.
Eco-Friendly
The future is all about green sneakers. And no, I’m not talking about the color! Eco-friendly footwear will win out over trendier pieces in 2022 as our sartorial decisions continue to reflect a more sustainable mindset. CARIUMA makes some of my favorite options, whether you’re seeking high-tops, low-tops or slip-on styles. And speaking of color—the new Pantone Off-White/Very Peri Canvas kicks are a must for rocking the year’s most popular shade.
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Courtesy of Asics.
Track Star
She’s a runner, she’s a track star—and she dresses like one, too. Classic athletic sneakers are back, so opt for silhouettes that feel less lifestyle, more just-came-from-cross-country-practice. Asics is a sold brand for exactly this niche aesthetic, and these Asics running sneakers certainly fit the bill.
