With the rise in experimental fashion, men’s footwear is stepping into a space where boundaries blur with design meeting formal style with a mix of heritage, innovation and all-day comfort. The new age shoe trends indicate a strong obsession for hybrid designs, which effortlessly transition from boardroom polish to weekend ease.
This season, men’s footwear is embracing hybrid styles that blur the line between formal and casual. From asymmetric designs to haute colours like pink, neon greens, and glossy yellows, there’s a new demand for elevated loafers with sneaker soles and moccasins with exaggerated outsoles. Among fashion lovers, there’s a growing shift toward refined individuality, where men are seeking shoes that feel unique yet timeless.
Bespoke designs:
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In a modern man’s wardrobe, shoes are both style statements and lifestyle enablers. Speaking about the latest trends in designs and material, shoe designer Jeetinder Sandhu, Founder of the fashion label Jeetinder Sandhu, mentions, “Handmade, one-of-a-kind designs with sculpted silhouettes and subtle asymmetry in classic forms like loafers and lace-ups are a very much in demand. The top material choices this season are buttery leathers, tumbled finishes, and intricate artisanal detailing. For shoes with performance-inspired designs, one can opt for neoprene, breathable mesh, and recycled synthetics that also push the sustainability factor.”
Comfort first:
Comfort is no longer a secondary feature. It's part of the design narrative. Brands are rethinking the inner architecture of shoes, incorporating memory foam footbeds and lightweight EVA soles to support all-day wear. Colour is another area where subtlety meets surprise. Says Sandhu, “In terms of colour palette, neutrals like sand and stone are dominant, but they’re being paired with unexpected pops like cobalt blue, burnt orange, and olive green. Tonal dressing is also extending to footwear, with shoes designed to match or complement head-to-toe colour stories.”
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Old world charm:
While innovation drives the conversation, nostalgia still has a strong voice. Today’s buyer wants something that feels familiar yet has character. Today’s consumer is seeking familiarity, but with character. Heritage silhouettes are being lovingly revived and reimagined. You can explore vintage silhouettes like the classic penny loafer, tabi shoes, or even Indian styles such as the jutti and chappals and rework them with unconventional cuts, hand-finishing techniques for a classic finish.
Retro runners from the ‘70s and ‘80s are also enjoying resurgence, offering a nostalgic yet forward-looking appeal. While investing in a designer pair, don’t forget to focus on details like arch support, soft leather linings, and ergonomic fits, all while maintaining a clean, design-forward aesthetic.
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