ShoppingFootwear

Breaking down fall’s 4 biggest sneaker trends

Lifestyle kicks are the fastest growing sneaker segment. To find out which styles are going to be big this season, we spoke with top brands and stylists to get their insider intel. Here's their footwear forecast for fall, plus our picks in each category of kicks.

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Photo: Getty Images/Vovchyn Taras
Published Sep 18, 2018

Written by 

Laura Lajiness

More than a practical piece of footwear, the humble sneaker has far exceeded function these days, crossing over into fashion-forward territory by way of futuristic silhouettes, chunky heritage shapes, and playful designs. The mere fact that luxury fashion houses like Prada, Valentino, and Balenciaga are expanding their sneaker offerings proves just how mainstay the footwear style has become. Lifestyle designs are now the biggest sneaker category in the U.S.

If you’re looking to give your own footwear collection a fall refresh, I assume the latest and greatest are of interest. Whether you consider yourself a bonafide sneakerhead or toe the athleisure line with the classics, ahead, familiarize yourself with what’s in on the sneaker circuit this season. If anything, you’ll need something to pair with your on-trend activewear, no?

Chunky sneakers go from fad to mainstream

If you thought chunky sneakers were a 2017 fad, think again. Not only are they sticking around, but they’re gaining traction as the silhouette for grounding leading fall trends like tailored suits, sportswear, and jeans. “This season is all about the ‘dad sneaker’, says Shopbop’s fashion director, Caroline Maguire. “Wear them with a dress, or your favorite denim—they’re the go-to sneaker this season.”

“The geriatric running sneaker or ‘dad shoe’ pairs great with jeans cropped just above your ankle bone plus a blazer with strong shoulders to balance the volume of the sneaker,” says stylist and brand consultant, Rachael Wang.

For fall, FILA will be introducing a variety of materials and colors that continue to solidify the brand’s iconic Disruptor 2 sneaker as a fashion must-have for youth culture. “The Disruptor 2 has been one of the most popular footwear styles in 2018, both in the US and globally,” says Louis W. Colon III, vice president of heritage and trend at Fila North America. “The footwear was originally launched in 1996 and it never left the market. Given the resurgence of ’90s nostalgia and the advent of the chunky, ugly, overbuilt shoe trend, younger consumers have had an opportunity to discover the Disruptor 2 and the authentic story behind it for the first time.”

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Old-school sneakers mount a major comeback

Nostalgia plays a huge role on the sneaker circuit from Nike’s Air Jordans to Reebok’s Freestyle, and more heritage footwear makers. “The vintage vibe is being made modern with brands like Fila, Puma, and Zespa making classic tennis sneakers feel so new,” says Maguire.

“In 2018, we’ve put the focus on showcasing the breadth of the brand’s rich history in sports and fashion,” says Colon III. “Two key initiatives were the retro running story and the late ’90s overbuilt styles, as evident with the success of the Mindblower, Mindbreaker 2.0, and Disruptor 2 silhouettes”

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High tops get a techie upgrade

Louis Vuitton paved the way for futuristic sneaker styles with the Archlight, and myriad brands—including Chloé, whose new Sonnie High-Top Sneaker made a major mark on the AW18 runway—are following suit with sporty straps, foam technology, and overbuilt soles.

“I would recommend pairing aerodynamic high tops with sporty color blocked skirts, dresses and shorts,” says Wang. “Sometimes high tops can visually cut off the legs at an unflattering point so it’s nice to show extra leg when wearing them.”

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No novelty embellishment is off limits

If chunky and futuristic styles aren’t your bag, playful colors, trims, and prints may be more your speed. “I’m loving the novelty we’re seeing in sneakers,” says Maguire. “From metallic to snakeskin, mixing of textures, and heights, there’s a style that works for any look.”

Platform sneakers fall into this category, too as spotted on the Maison Margiela fall/winter runway, currently sold out everywhere. “I personally think the best way to wear the platform raver sneaker is to lean into the more is more look by pairing with structured metallics like a silver leather skirt or a patent leather boxy jacket,” Wang advises. “These also work well with wider cut trousers in statement colors”

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ShoppingFootwear

The New Hoka Bondi 9 is the Brand’s Most Run-Friendly Version Yet—Here’s Our Honest Review

We tried the Hoka Bondi 9 and can attest: It's a running-ready upgrade to the brand's most cushioned shoe. Read our full review here.

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Photo: W+G Creative
Published Jan 25, 2025

Written by 

Hannah Singleton

Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission

The Hoka Bondi has always been unapologetically maximalist. It’s big, bold, and has sky-high cushioning that kicked off a revolution in running shoes. But despite its standout comfort used by everyone from nurses to marathoners, past versions felt more like walking shoes than true running shoes because of their bulk. Now—with the release of the redesigned Hoka Bondi 9 ($170)—this shoe is finally living up to its full potential. With softer foam, a more responsive feel, and a stable base, this version is ready to run.

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Hoka Bondi 9 — $170.00

Colors: 6 | Sizes: US 4 – 12 | Weight: 9.3 oz | Heel-to-toe drop: 5 mm

Pros:

  • Cushioned but stable for a variety of paces
  • Upgraded supercritical EVA foam for a softer, more responsive feel
  • Durable for daily training

Cons: 

  • Ankle cuff is relatively stiff
  • Not the fun color selection I’ve come to expect from Hoka
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First impressions of the Hoka Bondi 9

The Bondi 9 stays true to Hoka’s roots, and my first thought when unboxing it was that it hasn’t gotten any sleeker—but it’s still all about the comfort. Right out of the box, the thick cushioning looked as inviting as ever. I pushed my thumb into the foam to assess its softness and rebound and was pleasantly surprised to find it a bit more plush than the Bondi 8.

The aesthetics left me feeling a little underwhelmed though. The pair I tested came in a minty green (Blue Spark/Mint Fluorite) with a contrasting black ankle cuff that felt mismatched. When I checked the other available palettes online, I was disappointed to find that few of them delivered Hoka’s usual vibrant, head-turning colors. Hopefully, more options will roll out in the future.

My review

What I love

Over two weeks, I logged more than 25 miles in the Bondi 9 sneakers, testing them during walking and running workouts, including hours-long incline “hikes” on the treadmill and interval training.

I was most impressed by their performance during brisk walks and when I picked up the pace for running intervals. The cushioning feels slightly firm at slower speeds but has a satisfying bounce when running faster. For full transparency, I’m prone to shin splints, and I felt a bit of shin discomfort during slow jogs, but the pain disappeared when I transitioned to a faster pace.

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Photo: Author

That said, the new supercritical EVA foam is a huge step up from the Bondi 8, which I considered more of a walking shoe than a running shoe due to its firmer, less responsive cushioning. The Bondi 9 offers a softer, springier feel, making it versatile for both activities.

On the treadmill, I noticed the shoe’s exceptional stability. Many max-cushioned shoes can feel wobbly underfoot (especially on the treadmill, where I tend to space out), but the Bondi 9’s wide base and “Active Foot Frame” technology create a secure, supportive ride.

And in my short testing period, this shoe felt super durable. Hoka also incorporated “durabrasion rubber” into the outsole to combat high-wear areas, which should extend the shoe’s longevity. I haven’t tested it long enough to notice any degradation, but knowing the legacy of the Bondi line, I have no doubts it will last for hundreds of miles.

What I don’t love

That said, the Bondi 9 has a few downsides. I found the toe box snug during the first few miles, which required a bit of a break-in period before I felt fully comfortable. If you have wider feet, consider ordering the wide version to avoid this issue. I also think that the padded upper might feel a bit thick in hot weather, as it lacks breathability.

Final thoughts

The Bondi 9 isn’t Hoka’s flashiest or fastest option (My go-to for speed work is the Mach X and I prefer the Clifton 9 for long runs), but it’s a really solid shoe with serious durability that outlasts anything else that the brand offers. Unlike race-day shoes that you need to care for like a baby, this is a pair you can confidently wear for daily training, errands, and long walks without worrying about the cushioning wearing out too quickly.

If you’re a beginner runner curious about max cushioning, the Bondi 9 is a fantastic place to start. It’s cushy, versatile, and plush without feeling unstable—a rare combo for a max-cushioning shoe.

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How Often Should You Replace Your Running Shoes? A Podiatrist Weighs In

Wondering "how often should I change my running shoes?" We chatted with a podiatrist to find out everything you need to know.

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Photo: Stocksy/Bonninstudio
Updated Jan 23, 2025

Written by 

Amber Sayer

Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission

After investing in a great new pair of running shoes, you want to get the most out of them. But before you know it, you’ve racked up 300 to 500 miles—the point when most sneaker manufacturers tell runners and walkers to replace their shoes.

Experts in This Article

Bruce Pinker

board-certified podiatrist at Progressive Foot Care

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Browse through message boards, and you’ll find plenty of people claiming those parameters are simply marketing meant to encourage you to buy more shoes. Is the 300 to 500 mile rule founded on research? Do you really need to replace your shoes that often?

Yes, says podiatrist Bruce Pinker, DPM, who works with walkers and runners at Progressive Foot Care in New York. “The midsole, found between the insole and the outsole, breaks down and wears out in this range,” he explains.

He says that the midsole of sneakers is usually composed of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyethylene-vinyl acetate (PEVA), and the material serves as a shock absorber. However, the rebound effectiveness decreases over time.

“Running or walking without this shock-absorbing material fully intact could possibly lead to injuries,” cautions Dr. Pinker. That could mean stress fractures, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, or runner’s knee.

Additionally, there is some evidence to suggest1 that running in old shoes can cause you to subconsciously alter your biomechanics and gait, which can further increase your risk of injuries.

How can you tell it’s time to replace your shoes?

One telltale sign you need new sneakers is when the outer sole shows that the treads have disappeared, says Dr. Pinker. However, he cautions against using this as the only sign—or first sign—that your shoes are on their way out.

“The outsole may wear out much later than the midsole does,” Dr. Pinker says. This means you might lose the support and the stability of the shoe before those treads show wear and tear. That’s why it’s best to replace shoes based on your mileage, he says. Certain apps that track your walks and runs, like Garmin Connect, let you log the shoes you’re wearing on each outing so it’s easy to know once you’ve hit 300 miles.

Other factors to consider

Keep in mind that not everyone wears down their shoes at the same rate. For instance, if you have flat feet, tend to overpronate, or weigh more, you may be better off replacing your shoes more often (closer to 300 or 400 miles). But if you weigh less or have a more neutral stride, you can probably get away with a longer lifespan of the shoe (400 to 500 miles or more).

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Another thing to remember is that it’s not just about mileage when classifying a running shoe as “old.” The actual age of the shoe, in terms of time, also matters. Construction materials, particularly the EVA foam cushioning and certain gels, break down over time. So you should really replace your shoes after six months, even if you haven’t hit 300 miles in them—especially if you need extra support and cushioning.

Dr. Pinker also adds that you basically get what you pay for when it comes to the durability and longevity. “Higher-quality shoes, such as those from New Balance, Saucony, Brooks, and Asics, often last longer due to preferred materials and construction,” he notes. “Stay with well-known brands.”

Can you make your shoes last longer?

Dr. Pinker says there’s not much you can do to increase your sneakers’ longevity; the materials simply have a lifespan. However, caring for your shoes by cleaning them and keeping them dry can help, along with rotating your shoes (alternating pairs every other day or so) to allow the materials ample time to fully rebound between uses.

“Running on tracks, especially rubberized tracks, can improve the longevity of running shoes, as opposed to running on trails and on dirt,” adds Dr. Pinker.

Although sneakers can be expensive to replace frequently, remember that having quality footwear that isn’t completely worn out will help you feel your best. And what better way to celebrate all those miles you’ve racked up than by treating yourself to a great new pair of kicks?

  1. Kong PW, Candelaria NG, Smith DR. Running in new and worn shoes: a comparison of three types of cushioning footwear. Br J Sports Med. 2009 Oct;43(10):745-9. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2008.047761. Epub 2008 Sep 18. PMID: 18801775.

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