0
If there’s one thing that never stays still in teen fashion, it’s sneakers. From hallway flexes to weekend hangs, the right pair of kicks says a lot. And in 2024, teens are mixing old-school classics with bold new favorites, all while making comfort, culture, and clout equally important.
So what’s hot in the sneaker world among Gen Z right now? Let’s dive into the brands that are dominating teenage sneaker rotations this year.
Nike: The Undisputed Champion
No surprise here—Nike still reigns supreme. With iconic silhouettes like the Air Force 1, Dunks, and Air Jordans, Nike has managed to stay timeless and trend-forward.
Why teens love it:
- Fresh drops and limited editions keep the hype alive
- Artist collabs and TikTok buzz fuel its street cred
- The shoes work for school, sport, and selfies
Nike doesn’t just follow trends—it makes them. Whether you’re into basketball, skate-inspired looks, or lifestyle fashion, there’s a Swoosh sneaker for every vibe.
Adidas: Sleek, Sporty, and Still Cool
Adidas continues to be a solid go-to for teens who love minimalist style with an athletic edge. Classics like the Superstar and Stan Smith are wardrobe staples, while performance sneakers like the Ultraboost add comfort and flair.
What’s working in 2024:
- Clean silhouettes that go with everything
- Big-name collabs with music and fashion icons
- A reputation for balancing performance and everyday style
Adidas isn’t loud—it’s confident. And that quiet cool still resonates with teens who want style with subtle flex.
Hoka: The Chunky Comfort King
Once the sneaker of choice for marathoners and dads, Hoka is having a major Gen Z moment. With thick, oversized soles and wild colorways, these shoes check both the comfort and statement style boxes.
Why teens are into it:
- All-day wearability (because no one wants sore feet)
- Chunky designs that pop in streetwear fits
- A “weird-is-cool” energy that sets them apart
Hoka proves that performance shoes can be fashion-forward—and teenagers are all about that unexpected edge.
New Balance: Vintage Vibes, Modern Appeal
The once “dad shoe” brand is now a teen favorite. New Balance has gone from practical to prized, with models like the 550, 574, and 990 showing up everywhere—from fashion TikTok to sneaker forums.
Why it works:
- Retro styling that taps into Y2K and 90s nostalgia
- Comfort that doesn’t compromise on looks
- A cool-but-not-trying-too-hard image
New Balance gives off that curated, I-know-what-I’m-doing energy—and that’s exactly what teens are channeling.
Lakai: For the Skaters and the Skater-Inspired
Lakai is a cult favorite among skaters and style-savvy teens who lean into alternative looks. Born from skateboarding culture, Lakai shoes combine performance-level durability with an effortlessly underground aesthetic. You can click here to check out their latest skate shoes.
What makes Lakai stand out:
- Authenticity—it’s a brand that doesn’t follow the crowd
- Under-the-radar cool for teens who don’t want mainstream
- Aesthetic that pairs perfectly with oversized hoodies and cargo pants
For teens who live at the skatepark or just love the vibe, Lakai delivers that real-deal, rebel energy.
Frye: Boots Are In—Again
Not a sneaker brand per se, but Frye is sneaking into teen fashion—thanks to the thrift and vintage craze. Styles like the Campus and Harness boots are popping up in edgy outfits, giving major throwback appeal.
Why teens are vibing with Frye:
- Rugged, timeless designs that feel different
- A perfect pairing with layered, vintage-heavy fits
- That sense of wearing something with history
Gen Z is all about mixing genres, and Frye boots are getting paired with modern streetwear in unexpectedly cool ways.
Identity Worn on Your Feet
Teenagers use sneakers to tell the world who they are—or who they want to be. Whether it’s the hype of Nike, the quiet confidence of New Balance, or the unexpected flair of Hoka and Frye, today’s most popular brands reflect a generation that values comfort, individuality, and culture.
The sneaker scene is no longer just about performance or trends—it’s about personal expression. And in 2024, teens are walking that talk in style.