A few years ago I fell head over heels in love with a cardigan that literally changed the way I thought about getting dressed. Its bright pops of color felt like the perfect antidote to a greyscale winter wardrobe that made me feel bored and gloomy. It gave Miss Frizzle meets cool art teacher and who can be grumpy in a get up like that? I’ve since worn it to lacrosse games, museums, grocery stores, farmer’s markets, even through Joshua Tree when I came unprepared for snow flurries (I’m still a bit salty about that) and lost track of how many compliments and conversations it has elicited. Color (and colorful clothing) makes people happy, full stop. It’s eye-catching and mood-boosting and honestly so much more fun than the mime-like approach to dressing I formerly subscribed to.
That said, you don’t have to go full clown when adding some color to your closet. In fact, the past year or so colorful sneakers have been popping up left and right. These kicks are the ultimate low-effort, high-impact move. Pair them with your trusted mom uniform of jeans and a T-shirt, and suddenly you’ve got an outfit. Throw them on with a sundress, and you’re ready for anything from playground duty to impromptu coffee dates.
The best part? There’s no need to go full-on ROYGBIV if that’s not your vibe. We’ve rounded up options ranging from subtle pastels to bold brights, so you can find your perfect match. Whether you’re a minimalist looking to dip your toe into the world of color, or a maximalist ready to make heads turn, we’ve got you covered with a spectrum of colorful sneaker picks!
Our favorite colorful sneakers right now
Adidas
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$100
Although they’ve been a legit icon since the early 90s, Adidas Gazelles have had an unmissable resurgence lately. The timeless black and white combo is great, but the regular drops of contrasting brights are even better. Each colorway always seems to sell out so don’t wait if there’s a pair you’re obsessing over. The good news is that they keep releasing new ones!
Adidas
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$120
If you prefer a chunkier sneaker, the Gazelle Bold offers the same classic silhouette with a triple layer sole. I’m personally obsessed with this style and colorway and because I’m still salty that the red and pink version is sold out, I’m taking my own above advice and adding this punchy blue and magenta pair to my cart this very moment.
Seavees
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$130
How cute is the retro-styling of Seevees Acorn Trainer? The suede and nylon sneaker features a wraparound tread and a high-to-low profile that’s supremely comfy and just elevated enough. I’ve been sporting this exact pair since the spring and lost count of how many people have asked where they came from. The grassy green hue is just too cheery to miss!
Kate Spade
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$198
The color-blocked K As In Kate Sneakers from Kate Spade can help ease you out of your comfort zone. The playful pops of cerulean and emerald on an otherwise white sneaker take them from standard to statement but still easy to wear.
Saucony
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$90
I’ve long-held the opinion that Saucony makes some of the most comfortable sneakers on the entire planet. Launched in 1985, the Shadow Original is no exception. Not only do they feel like walking on a cloud, they also hold up incredibly well. Of course they come in a ton of very sensible color options, but they’ve got a handful of more adventurous palettes that play perfectly with jeans and T-shirts or even dresses.
Nike
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$160
A list of colorful sneakers that didn’t include Nike Dunks would be woefully incomplete. And while they’ve seemingly come in every color combo under the sun, that doesn’t mean your dream pair already exists. Luckily, you can design it into existence with their custom-made options. There are literally 19 different decisions to make, from the material and color of the toes to the color of the sole, to create a truly one-of-a-kind pair. Honestly, even if you don’t end up buying them it’s just a fun thing to play around with. You can even get the kids in on the action!
New Balance
Take one of summer’s hottest styles into fall wardrobe territory with the New Balance 327 in a color they call “infield clay”. The go-with-everything style is easy to slip on, comfortable from the first wear and the perfect intersection of performance and style. Cranking your tunes and going for a walk? Perfect. Heading to drinks with the girls? Yes to that, too.
Vans
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$70
Always a classic, we’ve been wearing Vans Old Skool sneakers off and on since middle school, through pregnancies and postpartum and now we buy them for our minis. The style is incredibly versatile and easy to dress up or down. (We even know a couple folks who changed into them at their own wedding.) There’s a rainbow of colors to choose from but we’re currently partial to this gorgeous dusty rose.
Hoff
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$110 $125
I’m low-key obsessed with the always creative styles from Hoff. The Spanish brand excels at color and comfort, creating eye-catching sneakers that are both stylish and functional. Details like contrast stitching and a variety of materials and textures make them even more compliment-worthy!
Greats
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$89.99 $199.99
Come for the color, stay for the leopard accents. This retro runner style from Brooklyn-based Greats feels like wearing marshmallows and looks on point with literally every outfit. And they’re on super sale!
Steve Madden
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$70
This bright pink pair from Steve Madden delights my inner eight year old and honestly, that feels like a perfect reason to buy something.
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