Walking, running, lying around: SS24 Mens’ footwear trends address every need

Footwear trends for the men’s SS24 season hopped between the practical
and impractical, as shoes took on the form of futuristic designs or offered
up an elevation of the classics. FashionUnited has highlighted six of the
most prominent footwear trends for this season that take men from the rodeo
ring all the way to the rocky mountains.

Take a rain check

Designers favouring the Wellington boot as their footwear of choice is
hopefully not foretelling what weather is to come for next summer. However,
what can be appreciated is their fresh take on the rainy day shoe. Brands
like Rains provided a modernist alternative on the boot in the form of an
over-the-knee silhouette complete with features that would ensure the
wearer stayed dry. Meanwhile, Pharrell’s Louis Vuitton iteration updated
the classic shape through the use of a graphic print that closely resembled
Minecraft blocks.

Back to the future

Marty McFly would have had a field day with the selection of sneakers
that were donned on the SS24 runways. From futuristic fastenings to
cutting-edge materials, the staple sports shoe was injected with
avant-garde touches at every turn. Designers that did dare to explore the
boundaries of such footwear often used the form of the shoe as a starting
point, pushing the limits of the standard silhouette to create fascinating
shapes that gave a glimpse into the future. Songzio, for example, exhibited
its latest collaboration with Reebok on the runway, which saw the use of
heavily sculptured looks and voluminous leather define the collection.
Reebok also partnered with Botter on the brand’s own conceptual footwear,
marking the return of the 3D-printed Murex sneaker.

‘Loud luxury’ loafers

In a stark contrast to the ‘quiet luxury’ trend that has dictated
women’s fashion for the past few seasons, men’s footwear appeared to be
more boisterous. Even traditional shoe styles like the loafer got an
upgrade, contributing to what can only be described as ‘loud luxury’.
Whether it be bold choices of colour or a distinct material, there was
certainly no shortage of fascinating slip ons. Charles Loverboy Jeffery’s
loafers mirrored that of a snappy reptile, complete with metallic teeth
sticking out the the toes of the shoe. Dior, on the other hand, exhibited
shoes Robert Cavalli would be proud of. The leopard print material
encapsulated the classic shoe, tying it together with an eye-catching logo
design.

Yee-haw

Cowboys do seem to be a distinct trend that we can likely expect to see
in the SS24. In both swimwear (see Miami Swim Week) and on the streets (see
attendees of Pitti Uomo and fashion weeks), the rodeo look had already been
leading the way through stereotypical accessories, such as hats and belt
buckles. However, this fascination for the Wild West also extended into the
footwear for the coming season, instead apparent in looks that offered a
fine-tuned take on the style. The embroidery that is typically imperative
to the traditional cowboy boot appeared more minimal and modernised, subtly
decorating sleek ankle boots, many with a slight heel.

Let’s take this outside

If you are one of many who have always dreamed of pyjamas being accepted
as daily wardrobe pieces, then this next trend is for you. The
casualisation of fashion was taken to the next level by many designers who
looked to the slipper as a base for their footwear lines. Grandad-esque
shapes were particularly popular, but were elevated from the care home
aesthetic through the use of lavish materials, like fur and velvet.

These boots are not made for walking

Walking boots were another footwear staple that were taken to new
heights among SS24 collections. Many brands strayed from the style’s
practicality in favour of more fashion-forward elements, while others opted
to combine the look with details that are commonly linked to sneakers. One
element that did remain fairly consistent, however, was the use of hook and
loop fasteners, sometimes the only thing that kept the shoes remotely
linked to their source material.