THE MOST FASHIONABLE SHOE MODELS
FOR THE SPRING/SUMMER SEASON
The discussion about shoes in fashion gained momentum a few seasons ago, when Balenciaga first introduced the 'Triple S' model,
thus bringing high fashion to a wider audience and turning everyday sneakers into a true object of desire, not only
among professional athletes. There is no doubt that shoes have the power to transform any outfit. Recently, perceptions of
dress codes and the rules on how to style specific models have also changed—comfortable sneakers worn with formal, office
looks no longer surprise anyone, while the American college-inspired future-prep trend has shown that a hoodie can even be paired
with loafers. What shoes will we be wearing this spring/summer season? Stay one step ahead of the crowd and discover the most stylish
options.
SOLUTION: NO BOND
After many seasons dominated by sneakers, comfort and convenience are reaching an entirely new level. On the runways, more and more shoe designs have emerged that you can simply slide onto your feet and... head out the door! This trend has been popularized primarily by TikTok users, as well as by the effortlessly casual—even homey—looks of celebrities, who show that outside of their polished outfits for evening events, they, too, like to slip out to the store around the corner or take the dog for a walk just like anyone else... in Crocs!
Spring/Summer 2023 collections were dominated by 'mule' style shoes.
Seemingly unassuming slip-ons delighted with their unpredictable forms, and designers competed to see whose model would become the holiday fashion hit among the world’s most dedicated style enthusiasts. At Balenciaga’s show, the men’s looks featured clogs with a glam twist—lacquered and glossy, and even... ballerina flats! The brand Birkenstock, which has focused on foot health and orthopedic solutions since its inception, is engaging in increasingly fascinating collaborations with luxury fashion houses.
BACK TO THE FUTURE
The future is closer than it may seem—virtually within arm's or even... leg’s reach! Rapidly advancing technology is causing the virtual world to blend with the real world more eagerly than ever, resulting in footwear styles inspired by the concept of tomorrow. This season, silver is in the spotlight. Futuristic, already iconic shapes with distinctive soles can be found among the designs from Balmain, and Givenchy has recently unveiled its own take on this trend. Brands that once focused primarily on overcoming technical challenges to help athletes achieve ever better results now also need to compete—or even collaborate (!)—with big names in the fashion world, as comfortable and practical sneakers have become the everyday choice for trendsetters as well. 3D printing is becoming an increasingly popular solution in the industry.
It's worth noting the rising popularity of RBRSL shoes, which employs a special technology during sole production: a transparent liquid is poured into a patented mold and then catalyzed at a high temperature. Their innovative soles stand out for their light weight and flexibility, and the brand’s motto states, “every step that allows a person to cross a boundary is a step into the future.”
NEW FORMS OF ELEGANCE
Fashion thrives on unconventional solutions. The post-pandemic return of social events has resulted in attempts to reinterpret what elegance truly means. Comfort is once again becoming a priority. The increasingly discussed topic of hybrid work has inspired designers to seek similar compromises in fashion—blending what is formal with what is casual and comfortable. Shoes now need to suit various circumstances, from morning till evening, for business meetings as well as lunch with friends. In the spring/summer collections, we saw classic shoes such as 'derby' or 'loafers' in non-traditional colors and surprising prints, like those from Versace. Leather slides or sandals from brands such as Saint Laurent have taken on a more sophisticated, formal character.
Pay attention to footwear from Maison Margiela—a fashion house known for its unconventional solutions—with its iconic 'Tabi' toe cut-out. In line with the principle that rules are made to be broken, dare to elevate your formal look with an original pair of shoes.
Rediscover elegance and opt for unconventional solutions
READY FOR ANYTHING
In an era of microtrends, the techwear-inspired gorpcore style stands out as one of the most prominent and enduring. This trend owes its success primarily to its functionality and practicality. The influence of outdoor fashion is everywhere—online, on the runways, and most notably, on the streets. Technology-packed footwear is gaining increasingly urban designs and captivating trendsetters around the globe. After a fruitful collaboration with Vibram, Spanish footwear brand Veja created its own model of trekking shoes, the ‘Fritz Roy’. Salomon, an icon among mountain hiking enthusiasts, is entering into more frequent partnerships with the high fashion industry, while the much-anticipated releases of their latest models in striking colorways are generating considerable excitement.
Moncler—the undisputed pioneers of winter technology and specialists in challenging conditions—have been organizing increasingly high-profile collaborations with renowned fashion figures, such as JW Anderson, for several seasons within their dedicated ‘Genius’ line. In an uncertain world, survival-inspired style offers a sense of security, and this reliable aesthetic continues to inspire top designers as well.
Discover shoes ready for anything—straight from the mountain peaks
AIM HIGHER
This season, we're aiming higher! Add a touch of style—and a few extra centimeters. Platforms are reigning supreme in the spring-summer collections of global designers, elevating not only your look but also your height. Slides and sporty sneakers are also rising to the occasion. Versace has made the platform soles of its latest sneaker models a true asset, featuring its unmistakable ‘house codes’—globally recognized patterns strongly associated with the brand. The now-iconic ‘Larry’ model by Alexander McQueen delights with its multitude of versions, while Dsquared2 is making its mark with the new ‘Berlin’ model, inspired by one of Europe’s trendiest capitals. On the Dries Van Noten runway, high cowboy boots took center stage—in an unexpected pairing with sporty shorts.
Fashion is increasingly blurring the lines between what has traditionally been considered distinctly feminine or masculine, so it was no surprise that alongside skirts, crop tops, and lace, heeled shoes also appeared in the men's collections of leading international designers.