Style

The Spring 2021 Sneaker Guide

woman in neutral outfit with sneakers

Photo courtesy of Anouk Yve Bos

Some lace them up for weekly grocery runs; others, for actual running. And while we can’t imagine a better pairing for floaty culottes and midi skirts, you might prefer them as the finishing touch to all things structured denim. Whatever your approach, this year’s crop of newcomers—which range from techy to trend-forward—sets you up nicely for the year ahead. (Remember, 2021 is a marathon, not a sprint.)

THE
TRIED-AND-TRUE CREW

California-cool. Eco-conscious—made with responsibly sourced rubber from the Amazon. Covertly branded. Needless to say, these six pairs are cult favorites for a reason.

woman in converse
  1. Common Projects sneakers
    Common Projects sneakers goop, $416
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  2. Veja Sneakers
    Veja Sneakers goop, $109
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  3. Veja Sneakers
    Veja Sneakers goop, $109
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  4. Vans Sneakers
    Vans Sneakers goop, $65
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  5. Kenneth Cole Sneakers
    Kenneth Cole Sneakers goop, $125
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  6. Veja Sneakers
    Veja Sneakers goop, $109
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THE TRAILBLAZERS

Hiking through dappled forests, hopping between hoodoos, summiting Half Dome—these supportive, terrain-friendly shoes are designed to keep up with you.

hoka shoes
  1. Hoka One One hiking shoes
    Hoka One One hiking shoes goop, $220
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  2. On Running shoes
    On Running shoes On, $170
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  3. Salomon Hiking shoes
    Salomon Hiking shoes Salomon, $150
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  4. Adidas Hiking shoes
    Adidas Hiking shoes Adidas, $200
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woman in Adidas by Stella McCartney

THE TRAINERS

Fantastic for everything from sumo squats to streaming #TA in your living room turned studio.

  1. On Sneakers
    On Sneakers goop, $130
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  2. Reebok sneakers
    Reebok sneakers goop, $130
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  3. Adidas by Stella McCartney Sneakers
    Adidas by Stella McCartney Sneakers goop, $220
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  4. Adidas by Stella McCartney Sneakers
    Adidas by Stella McCartney Sneakers goop, $230
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THE RETRO REDUX

The ’70s called; they want their sneakers back. These streamlined silhouettes—stitched in soft, neutral suedes—are especially charming peeking out from under cuffed pants.

woman in nike sneakers
  1. Loewe Runners
    Loewe Runners Loewe, $590
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  2. Brunello Cucinelli Sneakers
    Brunello Cucinelli Sneakers Net-a-Porter, $1,295
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  3. Toteme Sneakers
    Toteme Sneakers Toteme, $570
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  4. Khaite x Adidas Sneakers
    Khaite x Adidas Sneakers Khaite, $230
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woman in fashion sneakers

THE FASHION SNEAKERS

Chunky? Yes. Adventurous? Sure. So cool they garner compliments from strangers? You bet. One-step-ahead-ers, these are for you.

  1. Ganni Sneakers
    Ganni Sneakers goop, $345
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  2. Gucci Trainers
    Gucci Trainers Matchesfashion, $830
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  3. Isabel Marant Trainers
    Isabel Marant Trainers Isabel Marant, $270
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  4. Isabel Marant Trainers
    Isabel Marant Trainers Matchesfashion, $670
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THE RUNNING MATES

Whether you’re in a committed relationship with your health tracker (“Gotta get my steps in!”) or training for a 5K, you’re going to want these bad boys laced around your feet.

model in runnning shoes
  1. Hoka One One product
    Hoka One One running shoes goop, $125
    SHOP NOW
  2. Nike Runnng shoes
    Nike Runnng shoes Nike, $100
    SHOP NOW
  3. Adidas Originals Sneakers
    Adidas Originals Sneakers Net-a-Porter, $180
    SHOP NOW
  4. On Sneakers
    On Sneakers goop, $130
    SHOP NOW

We hope you enjoy the products recommended here. Our goal is to suggest only things we love and think you might, as well. We also like transparency, so, full disclosure: We may collect a share of sales or other compensation if you purchase through the external links on this page.