These Colorful Sneakers Are the Perfect Way to Brighten Up Your Wardrobe
Take a pop of color to the streets.
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From one-of-a-kind thrifted finds and vintage sellers to archival moments on the red carpet, it’s safe to say that we’re in an era of celebrating rarity and uniqueness, and nothing gets more personal than a colorful sneaker. While a classic white trainer builds an outfit like a supplementary basic, colorful sneakers are the bold statements most often remembered. I’m not even that much of a sneakerhead, but I can recall each of my friends’ colorful kicks and why they love them far more easily than I can with their simple, everyday walking shoes. Vibrant trainers have a way of to everyone individually for different reasons—just because a pair may be your favorite color doesn’t mean they’re the ones for you. It’s important we take a moment to consider the right shoes that speak to our own styles and comfortability. Personally, I prioritize all-day comfort, a fair amount of color (especially in the summer), and sleeker silhouettes.
From slim, streamlined styles and chunky platforms to fabrics including canvas, suede, and mesh, I’ve gathered a diverse range of colorful sneakers to guide you through the madness. Read on to see my top picks for colorful kicks this year, featuring styles from On, Adidas, Loewe, and more.
Pros
- Trendy, low-top design
- Several bold, colorful versions
Cons
- Suede fabric may not be ideal for wet surfaces
Whenever I’m thirsty for a punch of color, I find myself reaching for this Puma classic. With an array of striking colorways and a retro-inspired campaign starring Dua Lipa, the Palermo is making strides to become the fan favorite of the year.
Sizes: 6-15.5
Colors: 8 options
Material: 99.36% leather upper, suede base and insole
Adidas x Wales Bonner SL76 Leather-Trimmed Sneakers
Pros
- Brand new season and limited-edition style
- Posh alternative to Adidas Samba or Gazelle
Cons
- Runs small for wider feet
Call it love at first stride; these Adidas x Wales Bonner sneakers became an instant favorite when I laid eyes on them. With just enough of a colorful flair to draw you in, this pair is simply cool while never being gaudy. Check out this refreshing take on the Adidas style if you’re feeling the Samba/Gazelle fatigue.
Sizes: 4.5-13
Colors: Blue, Yellow
Material: Knit mesh, leather, brushed suede
Stella McCartney Green S-Wave Sport Mesh Paneled Sneakers
Pros
- Low-top, vintage silhouette
- Removable insoles for individual comfort and custom orthopedics
- Made from cruelty-free, non-animal, and recycled materials
Cons
- Limited colorful colorways
- Mesh fabric may be not ideal for wet surfaces
Get physical with these vintage-inspired sneakers from Stella McCartney. Made of recycled mesh fabric, this breathable pair adds an irresistible pop of color (see colorways, Fern Green and Lipstick Red) for all-day wear.
Sizes: 5-13
Colors: Fern Green, Lipstick Red, Pecan Brown, Pure White, Midnight Black
Material: 90% Polyamide. 4% polyester upper; recycled mesh panelling
Loewe Flow Retro Runner Sneakers
Pros
- Retro runner’s silhouette
Cons
- Limited arch and toe support, according to some
Where island aesthetics meet the streets, these Loewe trainers are pure eye candy. For fans of a mid-top silhouette, this limited-edition pair from the brand’s Paula’s Ibiza collection is hungry for some mileage.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: Pink, Light Powder
Material: Nylon/suede upper
Pros
- Eco-conscious canvas
Cons
- Limited styles in solid, bold colors
For a sustainable take on a classic, colorful canvas shoe, let me introduce you to Cariuma. Customers consistently raved about its high quality, so it might be time to put this bold pair in your sneaker rotation.
Sizes: 5-13
Colors: 23 options
Material: Organic cotton canvas
Pros
- Dreamy bi-color design
Cons
- Fits large, so recommended to size down
- Not the most colorful
If a colorful shoe is usually not your fancy, let these Gucci sneakers change your mind. With a delicate pastel palette, they offer just the right amount of color without going overboard. For all the white shoe lovers out there, don’t jump ship before checking these out.
Sizes: 4-12
Colors: White/Blue/Lilac, Brown/Blue, Beige/Pink/Ebony
Material: 100% calf leather
Pros
- Suitable for long distances
Cons
- May run small for wide feet according to some
The futuristic Kawana 2 sneaker is not only the real deal for runners but also a great, eye-catching, everyday option for anyone in need of a comfortable trainer. Supported by thousands of favorable reviews, these sneakers might make you actually want to go out and run those errands.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: Ether/Mirage, White/Nimbus Cloud, Vanilla/Sandstone, Black/Black, Black/White
Material: Single-layer mesh
Pros
- Timeless style
- True to size according to some
Cons
- May be hard to break in
I’d like to say that this low-top staple from Vans is making a comeback, but they really never left. A classic canvas shoe will always be there for you, so maybe now is the time to return the favor.
Sizes: 5-14.5
Colors: 9 options
Material: Canvas upper
Pros
- Slip-on design
- Reflective detailing
Cons
- Limited colorful styles
If colorful sneakers are your kryptonite, don’t worry. These new On Cloudaway trainers offer the subtlest hint of saturation for the color-adverse.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: Glacier/Seedling, Asphalt/Ivory, Ice/Glacier, All Black
Material: Mesh, faux suede, and textile upper
Dolce & Gabbana Daymaster Leather-Trimmed Sneakers
Pros
- Platform style may provide additional support
Cons
- Runs small according to some
These Dolce & Gabbana platform trainers might be the bold, electric shoes you’ve been dreaming of, or at least they fit the bill. With a bounce of height on the side, this lemony, lightning-yellow colorway is a standout for sure, whether you wear them on an Italian getaway or on the go downtown.
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: Yellow/White
Material: Fabric upper; 84% Viscose, 10% Calfskin, 6% Polyamide
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