Y2K running sneakers -
the trend for 2024

In the world of fashion, there are always trends that have already existed at some point. There is even a rule for this, as it has been discovered that fashion trends repeat themselves approximately every 20 years. Some of them only have a short second life and with some, you wish they wouldn't come back. Even in the age of social media, where fashion trends spread across the globe at lightning speed and are sometimes only popular for a short time, we find the 20-year cycle again. For our Y2K sneaker editorial, the circle has come full once again. The trend started back in 2023, when sneaker silhouettes from the early 2000s were increasingly reissued as retro versions. Our focus is therefore less on the clothing from this period than on the sneakers, and there are plenty of them.

YOU CAN FIND ALL Y2K RUNNING SNEAKERS HERE AT A GLANCE.

While the general Y2K shoe trend includes different silhouettes such as the adidas Campus 00s, we want to focus on the running sneakers of the 2000s. Of course, the big brands lead here, but we'd also like to recommend a few exotics. Y2K sneakers have replaced the dad sneaker trend. The chunky sneaker models are now light-chunky and have become much more commercial and successful. 


ASICS Y2K SNEAKER
Let's start with Asics. The Japanese sports shoe brand stands for running sneakers like no other. With the cushioning GEL technology, Asics sneakers are also very comfortable. Asics has also managed to go from being an insider tip to a trendsetter with its products. While other brands sometimes design new sneakers that do justice to the retro trend, Asics has an almost endless archive of Y2K sneaker models. 

The Asics GEL-1130 was first launched in 2008 and is now one of the bestsellers. It joins the models in the GEL-1000 series, including the Asics GEL-1090. The timeless design of this Asics sneaker is easy to combine. The design of the upper shoe is not quite as technical as other Asics models. The breathable coarse mesh is combined with material overlays made of synthetic leather. The Asics Tiger Stripes are the perfect brand logo, which can also be stretched over the mesh. The material overlays provide sufficient stability and the GEL cushioning in the sole ensures comfort. 

The Asics GEL-1090 made its market debut in 2003 and is another sneaker in the popular retro design. The material overlays on the model were inspired by the lines of a motorcycle, which is intended to express speed and power. Another highlight is the scratch marks of a tiger, which can be found on the toe cap and heel cap. There is also GEL technology in the sole, which increases comfort. The Asics GEL-1090V2 is a revised version of the classic with the same features. 

Other Y2K sneaker models from the Japanese brand include the Asics GEL-Quantum Kinetic, Asics GEL-Kayano 14, Asics GT-2160, and the Asics GEL-Nimbus 9. Many versions are now also available with a higher-quality upper material. The original shape is retained, but the Asics sneakers are upgraded with genuine leather and suede and appear in a different context than the Y2K aesthetic.

NEW BALANCE Y2K SNEAKER
Here are the Y2K sneakers from New Balance. The traditional US brand has a decades-long history and therefore also has various sneaker classics in its range. It was also New Balance to whom we owe the dad sneaker trend. New Balance also has the right sneaker models for the slimmed-down light chunky version. 

When the New Balance 530 was first released in 1992, it was way ahead of its time. By the standards of the time, the NB 530 runner, conceived as a performance sneaker, had a future-oriented design. The upper of this model is also made from a combination of mesh and synthetic leather overlays. With its built-in features and silver highlights, the model exudes timeless elegance. As the model was designed as a running shoe, the retro version also comes with the Encap midsole and Abzorb long-distance cushioning. This ensures comfort even when worn for long periods, another feature of the New Balance 530.

With the model 1906, New Balance offers an extreme representative of the Y2K design language. The entire upper shoe is made from coarse mesh fabric. The material overlays made of synthetic leather are very thin, but their placement ensures perfect support. The highlight of the New Balance 1906, however, is its plastic heel stabilizer, which provides additional support. The NB 1906 and its sister model, the New Balance 2002, are also available with a high-quality upper material. Known as the Protection Pack, the upper material with its unstructured look also features smooth leather, mesh, hairy suede, and reflective 3M material. In general, the New Balance 2002 is something special. In contrast to the other models, the NB 2002 relies more on suede, smooth leather, mesh, and nylon as upper materials. Both the NB 1906 and the NB 2002 share a comfortable sole unit, which provides optimum cushioning.

ADIDAS Y2K SNEAKER
We continue with the Y2K running sneakers from adidas. Of course, the traditional brand from Herzogenaurach can serve the Y2K sneaker trend. The adidas archive offers a variety of performance sneakers from the Millennium. These are just waiting to be salvaged and reborn as retro lifestyle sneakers. Around the year 2000, adidas had an output of performance sneakers that was unparalleled. All the better that some of these legendary models are now available again. The Y2K sneakers from adidas also use the perfect mixture of design and material to achieve the perfect look. 

For example, the adidas Response CL, also known as the adidas Response Classic. The upper part of the model also has the coarse mesh, which is combined with material overlays made of synthetic leather. The arrangement of the individual elements, as well as reflective details made of 3M, give the adidas sneaker a modern look. Perforation holes and the curved overlays with printed design elements reinforce the impression of a real tech sneaker. However, the model is also available with attached suede elements, which gives it a more premium look. Compared to the other Y2K sneakers presented here, the adidas Response Classic is slightly chunkier than the others. This is also due to the thick outsole, which is equipped with all kinds of cushioning properties and guarantees comfort. 

Another Y2K sneaker from adidas is the Adistar Cushion. This model takes a slightly different approach to the upper material used. The adidas Adistar Cushion has a fine mesh fabric that is combined with various material overlays. The entire upper is also covered with a synthetic mesh, which gives the foot the necessary stability. Reflective and 3D elements are also used to give the model a technical and futuristic look. The outsole has the necessary cushioning elements to guarantee comfort. 
Last but not least, let's take a look at the adidas Orketro. This model is a new development from adidas, which was inspired by the brand's Y2K sneakers. The model comes with fine mesh fabric, which is combined with playful material overlays. The obligatory three stripes are attached to the forefoot and, together with the cushioning outsole, the adidas Orketro has a modern design that perfectly captures the spirit of the times.

NIKE Y2K SNEAKER
The big player still has some catching up to do, but there are also sneakers from Nike that follow the Y2K trend. The best example is the Nike P-6000, which was launched as a retro sneaker in 2019 and combines modern technology with retro aesthetics. The look of the Nike P-6000 uses the same design elements as the majority of Y2K running sneakers. The breathable mesh upper is covered with synthetic leather and rubber elements. Silver details, which give the shoe a futuristic look, are very popular. The outsole completes the look of a Y2K sneaker perfectly and offers comfort.

With the Nike Zoom Vomero 5, there is another model in the Y2K style. Here, however, the focus is increasingly on premium materials that visually enhance the model. With its future-oriented design, the Nike Zoom Vomero 5 can be called a Y2K running sneaker with a clear conscience.

MIZUNO & SAUCONY Y2K SNEAKER
We promised you a few exotics and you get them. The Mizuno Wave Rider 10 is the perfect blueprint for the Y2K sneaker trend. The model has an upper material mix of coarse mesh in different colors. The whole thing is combined with the usual material overlays made of synthetic leather. The Mizuno Wave Rider is available in a futuristic version with silver highlights, technical materials, and the obligatory Mizuno Runningbird brand logo on the side. The premium version, on the other hand, impresses with genuine leather and suede. A comfortable sole is also used here, perfectly rounding off the look of the Y2K sneaker.

Saucony also has two perfect Y2K sneakers in the form of the Ride Millenium and the Saucony Progrid Omni 9. The Saucony Ride Millenium offers a perfect alternative to the big brands with its upper material mix of mesh and synthetic leather overlays. The futuristic design, often with silver as a highlight, is combined with a comfortable outsole that ensures comfort. The Saucony Progrid Omni 9 model takes the tech-runner style one step further and looks like something from the future, especially with its eye-catching colors. The Saucony Ride Millenium and the Saucony Progrid Omni 9 are also available in a premium version. Genuine leather and suede alternate and enhance the look of the runner.