As a style editor, I spend more time than most thinking about shoes; it’s a blessing and a curse. When new men’s sneaker trends pop up, I get to see them early—and then spend untold hours obsessing over them until I finally buy in. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
With a new season unfolding ahead of us—and, therefore, a steady stream of autumn sneaker trends hitting our collective feeds—I figured it’s high time for some group shopping therapy. Below, take a peek into my lineup for fall 2024, which features popular Adidas, buzzy Hokas, and celeb-approved Salomons. (Maybe these trendy pairs are all that’s standing between you and virality on the menswear side of TikTok.) Now let’s shop, shall we?
Our men’s sneaker trends wish list
1. Three stripes
Adidas Sambas have been the sneaker of the moment for well over a year at this point, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. I’ve noticed stylish guys wearing every possible iteration of the silhouette—the classics, the colorful reissues, the highly sought-after Wales Bonner collaborations—to great effect this fall. (I own a pair of Wales Bonner Sambas and they’re my absolute favorite sneakers of the moment.) It’s no surprise, given they pair well with everything; style your pick with straight-leg jeans, a crewneck sweater, and a Mac coat for an all-occasion outfit that’ll net you a constant stream of compliments.
2. Sporty suede
Sure, suede experiences a resurgence every fall—but in 2024, the energy is different. The soft leather is popping up everywhere, especially in menswear, offering an easy elegance to everything it touches. Nearly every pair of retro-sporty sneakers of the moment features suede elements, combining the trendy material with the ongoing preppy revival that’s defined the year. Wear these with your usual work ’fits—say, a sweater polo and tailored trousers—to keep them cool and comfortable.
3. Off-whites
There will always be a place in our capsule wardrobes for true white sneakers. But these days, I’ve noticed a decided shift among tastemakers away from stark, icy whites and toward ivory, beige, and ecru—shades that are a little more lived-in. You can style these pairs (from staples like Reebok and exciting newcomers like Axel Arigato, which is a go-to for Tom Holland) exactly how you’d wear their brighter counterparts, just with less fear of scuffs or stains. Easy.
4. Mesh runners
All the coolest athletic shoes of the moment, whether they’re at the gym or in the office, are decked out with in-your-face mesh. “Sure, I spend lots of my free time at the gym,” the hyper-athletic material says, “but at least I have a sense of humor about it.” New Balance’s 1906s, a popular update to Y2K-era running shoes, are a great bet right now, while On and Hoka have their own takes on the look if you’re brand loyal. Resist the urge to wear these kicks exclusively with your Lululemon ABCs; trousers and chinos are also fair game here.
5. Gorpcore kicks
It’s never been cooler to be a hiker. Just ask the legions of guys (outdoorsy and not) who have adopted trail-ready kicks as their daily uniform this fall. Salomon, Keen, and Merrell have been having particularly big years as the go-to footwear for weekend warriors who also need something cool to wear to the office, while On is also getting in on the trend with its cushy trail shoes. Make like a GQ editor and wear yours with black trousers, faded denim, or techy pants—you’ll instantly feel cooler.
