Brightly-Colored Sneakers Are the Secret to a Summer Outfit Slay

The change of season always begs the question: What will be my go-to shoe for the next few months? This summer, the choice was obvious. (No, it’s not a ballet flat). I opted for a pair of loud, color-blocked Nike Airmax sneakers, purchased from Depop. Why? Because just like summer, they say, “We are fun and a joy to be around!” The primary color palate is reminiscent of a box of Crayolas, and the idea of wearing levity and playfulness on my feet is one that appeals to me now more than ever.

I’m not alone. From the feet of celebs to my TikTok FYP, colorful sneakers are dominating as the season’s must-have shoe. Ahead, everything you need to know about the trend, plus how to get the look.

The Trend

I’m not the only one looking on the bright side of fashion. This spring, colorful sneakers are popping up faster than tulips. Consider the trend an evolution of the Adidas Samba moment, which took over the feet of It Girls everywhere the summer of 2022. That quickly evolved into the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66, and the brightly-colored shoes became a streetwear staple. Those shoe trends opened the door to the explosion of colorful, retro-inspired sneakers taking over this summer from brands like Adidas, Asics, and more.

There’s also the fact that, generally speaking, a fashion mood shift is underway—one that lends itself toward youth, playfulness, and even absurdity. We’ve see it in the bow trend, the viral “snack” designs from Puppets & Puppets,  and all the other silly little accessories taking over social media. And is it any wonder we’re finding ways to create light-heartedness for ourselves? In a world that can feel harsh and threatening, sometimes how we show up is all we feel we have control over.

Choosing what we wear is an opportunity to play, to take life less seriously, to connect with the eight-year-old inside who also loves hot pink sneakers. Call it regression or call it inner child work, but when the state of existence becomes overwhelming and dark, some of us seek out what’s bright—and right now, what’s bright is our shoes. 

Where You’ve Seen It

The trend is a street-style favorite, and has been spotted on countless celebs while they’re out and about. Emily Ratajkowski, in particular, has been seen strolling NYC in bright green, two-toned Adidas. She’s a huge fan of the trend, and has also been pairing her vintage slip skirts and baggy pants with a pair of sporty red Pumas.

Gigi Hadid has also been feeling the red, and donned a pair of fire engine-red Adidas sneaks while grocery shopping. Rihanna may have just launched a pair of earth-toned creepers with Puma, but she’s been spotted in plenty of the brand’s more colorful styles, including a bright purple pair.

Dua Lipa, a Puma ambassador, has also recently been wearing a red pair of sneakers while promoting her new album. Over on TikTok, the “Kill Bill” yellow Onitsuka Tiger’s are still going strong, as are Adidas Gazelles in baby blue, sporty orange Salomons, and pastel ballerina sneakers.

How to Wear It

It’s hard to get the look wrong when you’re being bold in the name of fun. But if you’re the kind of person who prefers to follow a blueprint, here are some ideas to get started styling the look. 

Bright shoes look great as a contrast to monochrome outfits. In the below example, the orange sneakers radiate against the creamy tones for a colorful twist. Note the tiny citrus-colored details on the top, that compliment the shoes and tie the look together. 

You can also color-block an all-black fit with something like these pink Adidas Sambas. This option makes your feet the pièce de rèsistance; the surprise suggesting elegance with a wink. This works especially well if your personal style lends itself more to the Wednesday Adams side of the spectrum, rather than Barbie.  Try just a hint of color on for size. You can still stay true to your roots while experimenting with a little something more. 

My personal favorite technique mixes utilitarianism and boldness with romanticism. Pair a delicate and feminine piece, like a Cecilie Bahnsen dress, with loud and proud, color-matched Asics if you want a look that emotes “Princess-But-Also-A-Strong-Woman-Of This-World-Who-Has-Groceries-To-Carry-Home.”

Ready to get in on the trend? Shop some of our favorites, below.