Change is afoot in the fast-paced, competitive world of fashion sneakers. It’s not just the aesthetics that seduce a true sneakerhead any longer; these days, great kicks are about more than their own footprint. Vegan designs pioneered by the likes of Veja – the French label beloved by Meghan Markle, Emma Watson and virtually every fashion influencer on your Instagram feed – are still dominating the conversation right now. Boasting similarly impeccable eco credentials are Golden Goose and Gucci – the latter’s tennis sneaker is as clean in craftsmanship as it is in design, made using low-impact leathers and using a production model that reduces waste. This is footwear that’s truly one step ahead.

The ultimate sneaker trends guide

The look: low-key luxe