Sneaker trends 2027: what's growing and what's fading

The sneaker trends to expect in 2027 are slim, low-profile shapes, more suede, warm earthy colours (brown, cognac, olive, clay and cream), retro runners in muted tones, and cleaner designs with fewer logos. Very chunky soles and loud, many-coloured designs are fading as the default, though they won't disappear.

None of this arrives overnight. Each of these trends grew through 2025 and 2026, and the published forecasts for the 2027 seasons point the same way. This guide sets out each trend, the evidence behind it, how to wear it in Ghana, and which ones are worth your money.

Where do these trends come from?

Sneaker trends follow clothing. When trouser shapes change, shoe shapes change to match, so the most useful forecasts are the menswear ones.

For spring/summer 2027, trend forecaster Edwin van den Hoek, writing in FashionUnited's SS27 menswear forecast, points to revived pleated trousers cut with a slight fullness, and calls cognac and chestnut browns essential across product groups. For autumn/winter 2027, the FashionUnited FW27/28 forecast describes a base of greys and warm neutrals (sand, beige, brown and cognac), deeper reds and greens as accents, and a single bold contrast colour against the calm base.

On colour, WGSN and Coloro named Luminous Blue as their Colour of the Year 2027, with Energy Orange, Pop Pink, Meadowland Green and Clay as the other key colours for spring/summer 2027.

Forecasts are opinions from people who study the market, not guarantees. They disagree on details (some see fuller silhouettes, others slimmer ones), so we only call a trend "growing" when several signals agree and it has already been building for a year or more.

Why are slim sneakers growing?

Because trousers got wider. After a decade of skinny jeans, straight, relaxed and pleated trousers are now the norm, and a slim, flat sneaker balances a fuller leg without looking heavy. Through 2026, fashion editors widely reported the move away from chunky soles; Marie Claire ran it as slim sneakers are here to stay.

The look borrows from old indoor football, training and running shoes: narrow toe, thin gum or white sole, suede or leather upper, often a single stripe or panel in a contrast colour.

How to wear slim sneakers

• With pleated or wide trousers that just touch the shoe. See pleated trousers.
• With cropped chinos and no visible socks in the heat.
• With a relaxed linen suit at a casual event. See how to wear a suit with sneakers.

Who should skip it?

If your wardrobe is mostly skinny jeans, a slim trainer can look flat. Start with a classic white low-top instead.

Is suede a good idea in Ghana?

Yes, in the right months. Suede looks rich and matches the earthy colour trend, and it handles dry dust better than you'd expect if you brush it often. Accra's 1991 to 2020 climate averages show the driest months are December to February, with under 30mm of rain each, while May and June bring about 151mm and 190mm. Wear suede freely in the dry season and keep a leather pair for the rains.

How to keep suede looking good

1. Spray with a suede protector before the first wear, and again every few weeks.
2. Brush after each wear with a suede brush, in one direction.
3. Let wet suede dry naturally, away from direct sun, then brush.
4. Use a suede eraser on marks.

See how to clean suede sneakers and suede vs leather sneakers.

Which colours are trending for 2027?

Warm, earthy colours lead: chocolate and chestnut brown, cognac, tan, clay, olive, cream and off-white. They're usually set on a gum or cream sole. Alongside them, forecasters expect one bright contrast colour per outfit, such as blue, orange or green, used as a small accent rather than a whole shoe.

These colours suit dark skin especially well. See best sneaker colours for 2027 and men's colour trends 2027.

Are retro runners still in?

Yes. Running-style sneakers with layered mesh and suede panels and cushioned soles have been strong for several years and stay steady in 2027. They're the most comfortable trend sneaker, which is why they last. The update for 2027 is colour: muted greys, creams and navy with one accent look newer than bright, many-coloured pairs. See retro runners.

What's happening to clean leather sneakers?

Nothing, which is the point. Plain white or black leather low-tops have been in style for decades, and the move towards quality and fewer logos helps them. Forecaster Julian Daynov told FashionUnited he expects a return to quality and longevity after years of oversupply. A clean leather pair is the most "2027" thing you can buy precisely because it won't date. See best white sneakers for 2027.

Are chunky sneakers going out?

Not out, but no longer the default. Very thick, layered soles were the main sneaker shape of the late 2010s and early 2020s. They still look right with wide trousers, joggers and cargos, and some forecasts for autumn/winter 2027 even describe shoes that look voluminous but stay light.

Our advice: if you own chunky sneakers, keep wearing them. If you're buying one pair this year, a slimmer shape works with more outfits. See how to style chunky sneakers.

What about high-tops?

Steady. High-tops suit straight and wide trousers and give a little more cover in the rains. They're a good fourth or fifth pair, not a first one. See low-top vs high-top sneakers.

Which trends suit Accra best?

How do I follow sneaker trends without wasting money?

1. Start with a classic. A white or black leather low-top before any trend pair.
2. Add one trend at a time. A slim trainer in a neutral colour is the lowest-risk trend buy.
3. Check it works with three outfits you already own. If it doesn't, skip it.
4. Choose colour in small doses. A coloured stripe dates slower than a coloured shoe.
5. Look after the pairs you have. Rotation and cleaning matter more than new pairs. See how to make your sneakers last longer.

For the full list of styles to own, see best sneakers for men in 2027. For clothing, read men's style trends to watch in 2027.

How are these trends reaching Ghana?

Through the same places as everything else: social media, music videos, football, and what friends wear at Detty December events. Trends often show up in Accra at the same time as in London or New York, because people follow the same accounts. The difference is the climate: in Ghana, the trends that stick are the ones that work in heat, dust and rain, which is why leather and breathable runners tend to outlast suede-only and heavy styles here.

Questions

Will white sneakers still be in style in 2027?

Yes. Clean white leather low-tops have stayed in style for decades and fit the 2027 move towards quality.

Are retro runners still in?

Yes, especially in muted colours.

Is suede okay in the rainy season?

With a protector spray and a backup leather pair, yes. Avoid wearing suede on days of heavy rain.

What colour sneaker is most on trend for 2027?

Brown in suede, followed by cream with a gum sole. White and black stay timeless.

Are chunky sneakers dead?

No. They're sharing space with slimmer shapes rather than leading.

Do you stock the trending styles?

Our shop carries high-quality replicas of popular designs: The sneakers are high-quality replicas of popular designs. They are not made, sold or endorsed by Nike, adidas, New Balance or the other brands whose designs they follow. Stock changes often, so check the shop or ask on WhatsApp.