Even if we didn’t like 2021 as much as we had hoped at the end 2020, we still can say that 2021 was a wild year for sneakers. We don’t want to name all the good releases at this time, because it would be impossible to do so. Instead, we will focus on the future. We are certain that 2022 will be a better year
Fashion Weeks have already started in Paris, Milan and Copenhagen. It’s time to take a peek into the future (and sneaker) of the fashion industry. In this blog, we’re looking at what sneaker trends are going to look like in 2022. We also examine which silhouettes will be hard to avoid this year.
In 2022, retro basketball will be a part of our lives. And the top outdoor sneakers are technical. Slides are the footwear of choice for summer, but the Air Max 1 is also a popular choice. Sustainability will be a major theme this year. Daily drivers from the “late millenials” running era are also the most popular choice for everyday wear.
We believe that all sneakers can be worn by both men and women. This includes every colorway and model. We don’t want a list that is divided into sneaker trends by gender.
Millenial Runners are the absolute favorites of this post. Even though they were popular in the past, they will still be in fashion in 2022. The runner’s look from the early 2000s is as inspiring as the technology on the outside. “Show what your got” is their motto. This year, we’ll be enjoying the New Balance 2002R in addition to models like the ASICS GEL-1130 or the New Balance M530, as well as the adidas Response CL. The New Balance Protection Pack may win the title of “best general release” in 2021. This year, you can expect a lot more variants. The Higher Learning Pack will be the first of many!
Technical sneakers and rugged outdoor silhouettes are also “coming” in the near future. Mountain Fly GTX by Nike ACG, adidas Terrex Free hiker or Reebok Zig Zag – all of these are made for adventure and will fit into your outfit this year in the urban wilderness. Salomon XT-6 comes in a variety of new colorways, and Hoka offers comfortable, robust, and at the same, everyday outdoor kicks, such as the Kaha GTX and the Clifton. Both are often derived from trekking or trail running. This is definitely thinking outside of the box. By the way, 2022’s first hype was already here. Salomon ACS Pro Advanced (originally released in the early 2000s), was recently brought back with a new colorway, and sold out within seconds. Materials, performance and quality just convince!
This segment should include Gore-Tex or other waterproof materials, whether you’re going to the mountains. Nobody likes a pair of wet shoes.
The king has died, long live the King! It may have seemed a bit quieter around the classic Jordan 1 in recent months, but it has quickly found worthy successors. Retro basketball will never go out of style, even in 2022. Here, you will see a lot of white, smooth leather and brightly colored contrasts. The Nike Dunk, whether Dunk Low or Dunk High, was probably the most popular silhouette in 2021. It was difficult to find a pair in the store.
The adidas Forum 84 is a major step forward for retro running. Even “the G.O.A.T.” wore this classic. Michael Jordan played basketball in college. The classic 80s colorways feature a white leather base with monochrome details, mainly on the stripes, heel, and tongue. Collaborations with Dead Bunny, BSTN and others have allowed the Forum 84 to find a permanent home on the streets. Let’s wait and see what 2022 brings!
The success of the New Balance 550 is perhaps even more surprising: in the 1980s the US-American brand appeared in high-class sports, but in the 1990s it disappeared into obscurity. Teddy Santis, Aime Leon Dore, while rummaging in the (digital?) Only Teddy Santis (Aime Leon Dore), while rummaging through the (digital?) It sounds good, and it does: the 550 is one of the most sought-after New Balance models and a serious contender for the top dogs in the retro basketball market.
We’ll see who wins the pole position this year. Retro basketball sneakers will still be popular in 2022.
Sustainability is a trend that (thankfully) does not stop with the sneaker industry or sneaker scene. We all know that having a large collection in your closet is not sustainable, but it is the small changes that can make a difference. Sustainable brands such as veja have become more popular than ever. The French brand has, for example developed and tested a number of new materials (mostly vegan, and as Co2-neutral and possible as possible) over the last few years. Even performance running sneakers are now being produced at market prices, and are becoming more popular in the sneaker community. Even the biggest players in the sneaker industry are thinking more sustainably. Vegan leather is now a common feature in many adidas shoes such as the Stan Smith normality. Herzogenaurach and Parley for Oceans have been partners for many years. Together, plastic waste from the oceans is recovered, recycled, and used to produce sneakers and textiles. Millions of tons have already been removed from the oceans.
Nike has also taken its first steps towards sustainability. Next Nature is a series in which the uppers and/or soles are made from recycled materials. The “colorful” sole is usually a way to identify the models.
This year, vegan and sustainable sneakers continue to gain ground. They are so well-made that you can’t tell the difference between them and the classic models.
What about slides as a sneaker fashion? Yes, that’s right. Even at home, the past 24 months have shown that it’s important to start with relaxed footwear. After all, we spend a lot of our time in our four walls. It should have been obvious that this trend is also a popular outdoor trend. Sweatpants are also now 100% accepted as fashion. But slides are much more than flip flops and loafers. The adidas Adilette, released by Raffles, is available in dozens or color and material variations. Kanye followed up with a real buzz item with the Yeezy Slide. Nike has also followed with the Offline and Offline 2.0. They’re not letting down their guard in the slide game, either: with interchangeable inserts, they make sure the Swoosh is comfortable.
We’re certain: 2022 will mark the year that the sneaker community (and beyond!) will be constantly talking about slides, and – more importantly – wearing these!
The mid and high versions are in style, even if they’re not for everyone (especially basketball icons). Even classics such as the Air Force 1 show a renewed interest in higher cut variations. The Air Force 1 Mid, as well as the Sculpt version, have both arrived in stores. They bring classic bboy vibes right to the beginning! Nike’s Air Trainer is also worth a look.
New Balance has also released a high-top B650 version of the 550, which is sure to be a hit in 2022.
Nike Air Max 1 has never really gone out of style and is also always “in fashion”. This year, the iconic shoe with the visible Air Window in the midsole celebrates 35 years. In 1987, this shoe was introduced to the world as an all-rounder and (not just) the crisp colors immediately made it recognizable on the street and track. The “One” is one of the most popular sneaker silhouettes in the world and is still a very influential sneaker.
Air Max 1 will be a major player this spring and summer after Nike’s Air Max 1 was a huge hit last year, especially with the 4 Patta collaboration releases. The shoe reignited “fire” in the sneaker community. Air Max Day is March 26!