Some people are all about practicality when it comes to the sneakers they buy – and that's okay. But sometimes it's more fun to be a little delusional. Sometimes we want to wear a sneaker that not only fulfils our practical needs, but that also fulfils our aesthetic and sartorial desires.
And we aren't the only ones loving designer sneakers – they're hot property in the fashion industry these days, and we've seen brands left and right lining up to release their limited-edition collaborative sneakers this last year. Whether it was the sell-out Salomon x Sandy Liang capsule, or the ongoing collaboration between Grace Wales Bonner and adidas, the market is saturated with specialty designer trainers to elevate your street style.
Below, we've rounded up some of our favourite designer sneakers currently available to purchase in 2024.
1. WALES BONNER X ADIDAS Samba
There aren't many young designers shaking up the world of sportswear quite like British designer Grace Wales Bonner, who has been collaborating with sneaker juggernauts adidas since 2020. Her elevated take on some of the adidas classics – like the ubiquitous Samba shoe – have caught the eye of fashion influencers and critics everywhere, and have cemented her presence as one to watch in this space.
Price: $585 at FarFetch
2. ALOHAS Tb.490
If you're looking for something cute and colourful that isn't going to completely break the bank – we love these Alohas Tb.490s, which come in 17 colourways (yes, 17!). This khaki green hue is a perfect neutral to add to your wardrobe for autumn, designed in a low-top silhouette with a rubber sole and suede and brown leather details.
Price: $204 at Alohas
3. NEW BALANCE x GANNI 1906R
There aren't many brands hotter right now than Copenhagen-based GANNI, who have proved they have plenty more than frills up their designer sleeves. Their collaboration with dad sneaker brand (I say this lovingly and as an owner of two pairs) New Balance resulted in the creation of several 1906R sneakers – one in a blazing yellow colourway, and the other in this neon-marked white.
Price: $575 at FarFetch
4. ADIDAS BY STELLA MCCARTNEY Sportswear 2000
Stella McCartney's Sportswear 2000 sneakers for adidas are our dream chunky sneaker, made from a breathable mesh and trimmed with reinforced rubber. McCartney's sustainable side shines through with a recycled EVA midsole, and honestly, we'd by the whole matching tracksuit top and pants while we're at it for the full Y2K effect.
Price: $299 at Net-A-Porter
5. COPERNI X PUMA 90SQR
Part of the Coperni x Puma collaboration, the Yellow Puma Edition 90SQR Sneakers are a bold sneaker choice for those looking to inject some serious colour into their wardrobes this year. Think of this as the designer cousin of the super popular neon yellow Onitsuka Tigers.
Price: $715 at SSENSE
6. OFF-WHITE 3.0 Off Court Sneakers
For the coquette girlies trying to find a designer sneaker that speaks to their cottage-core values, this Off-White sneaker with blue checked laces is the solution. Made in Italy from grained calfskin and canvas, it's got that effortlessly vintage feel to it.
Price: $1,215 at SSENSE
7. CHRISTIAN DIOR C'est Dior
Dior's khaki suede calfskin and mesh C'est Dior sneaker is the perfect elevated sneaker for the everyday. It's ultra-lightweight and designed to combine the comfort of sportswear with the aesthetics of the House.
Price: $1,650 at Dior
8. LOUIS VUITTON Run 55
This fun and summery version of the Run 55 sneaker marries the House's monogram denim with lycra, calf leather and metallic lambskin. The chunky silhouette is distinguished by its lifted rubber outsole, and embellished by a row of Monogram Flowers on the silver-tone spoiler at the back.
Price: $2,090 at Louis Vuitton
9. CHANEL Tweed Trainers
CHANEL's tweed calfskin trainers from their Spring Summer 24 collection are an accessory for those looking to brighten up their footwear options. This one is a little playful, without being too hard to pair with an outfit.
Price: $2,270 at CHANEL
