Colorate. Indeed, very colourful. Forget the usual white sneakers, impeccable but predictable. In 2026, fashion wants lightness, energy and a touch of chromatic euphoria: and so new models that point to the rainbow arrive on the feet.
They are the shoes capable of transforming even the most basic outfitmaking it immediately fresher, younger, decidedly less obvious. Color-block version, solid pastel or bright colour, even remixes of neutrals for the more minimal ones: because when the look needs a breath of fresh air, it is often enough to start from the bottom.
Colorful sneakers, the happiest trend of 2026
The Spring Summer 2026 fashion shows confirm the trendwhere sneakers were seen like never before, precisely in a bright version. The new one from DSquared2 DC-642 It establishes itself as one of the reference models: slim silhouette, retro spirit and nineties color contrasts. Dries Van Noten’s sneakers are also moving in the wake of the multicolor trend, increasingly desired: elegant but anything but shy, combined with bright palettes, ranging from cerulean to lively red, in balance between refinement and pop.
Balenciaga also relaunches its iconic Runner in a dad key, but with a decisive return to color, while Valentino Garavani signs with the Amphibia one of the most successful interpretations: very Nineties in attitude, hybrid in materials, including rubber, leather and suede. And if luxury dictates the pace, it is the co-labs of the moment that are pushing the chromatic accelerator even further: on the one hand the new Onitsuka Tiger x Versace TAI CHI Sakurawhich blend Japanese precision and Italian glamor in suede, nappa and even metallic versions; on the other the sneakers Cloudnova Moon designed by Zendaya x On, a hybrid between sneaker and ballerina, which brings color into a softer but equally desirable dimension.
“TAI-CHI Sakura” sneakers, Onitsuka Tiger x Versace.
From adidas to Nike, from Salomon to Autry: the rainbow on your feet
The rainbow trend also affects the most accessible models: in the collections of the top players in terms of sneakers, from Nike to adidas, color makes its way naturally. THE’Air Max Moto dusts off the charm of Y2K running and updates it with well-calibrated chromatic touches. Adidas, for its part, finds in Adistar Control 5 one of the most convincing answers of the season: technical silhouette, retro soul and more discreet palettes, for those who want to add just a hint of colour.
Colorful “ProGrid” sneakers, Saucony.
On the sneakers front ugly prettywhich are becoming more and more popular, remain firm XT-6 by Salomon, loved by those who prefer a trekking aesthetic with a vintage flavour, as well as the ProGrid of Saucony, while Autry plays the softer card with the Hyperway in suede, all characterized by an irresistible Eighties touch given precisely by the nuances.
How to match colored sneakers in 2026
A pair of casual and lively shoes has the power to elevate the mood and immediately give rhythm to even the most basic outfit. The good thing is that they work for all ages, as long as you combine them with panache: better to mix them with simple and basic pieces, in discreet shades. A beige trench coat, a white shirt, a neutral blazer, a pair of clean trousers, so that the color remains the protagonist without ever being predominant in the outfit.
Jeans, white shirt, maxi trench coat and colored sneakers: the look to copy this spring. (Getty Images)
Ultimately, the styling secret for wearing them every day is quite simple: they must be the protagonists, capable of shaking up the look.
And if there’s one canvas on which they really stand out, it’s denim: because with jeans, more than any other shoe, colored sneakers always seem in the right place. A smile, then, always helps…