Shoe styles are varied: sneakers are made suitable for coordinating with suits thanks to Lyra perforations and thinner soles. Moccasins, lace-ups and loafers display elongated lasts. Monks see a comeback and exude modernity with decorative seams, micro perforations and dégradés. Shining materials look elegant and stylish.
Bionic principles look to examples from nature for technical solutions. The symbiosis of technology and nature gives rise to innovative high-tech materials. Nylon and metallics meet cotton, natural leather, cork and sisal. The colour spectrum includes green tones in all their shades, especially khaki and yellow nuances. Light reflexes arise through metallic effects.
Crossover is the watch word for shoe styles: elegant high-heel wedge sandals are made to look more casual with sisal braiding and flat Roman sandals are refined for city wear with sophisticated leather and metallic findings. Girlish ballerinas are given a sporty touch thanks to vulcanized rubber soles and a matt-shine material mix.
They are often seen as a substitute for sneakers, though these cannot be dismissed from the market altogether either. New here are light, unlined cycling sneakers, i.e. Jil Sander-style lace-ups that combine perfectly with light, summery outfits.
As a lovely summery theme sophisticated thong sandals and Capri-style slip-on sandals – with or without cushioned insoles – will be as prominent on the scene as evening wear ballet shoes with tone-on-tone decorative gems. Alongside this, wooden-soled slip-on sandals are seeing a renaissance. And clogs are also getting good reviews again.
Fabric is also a favourite upper material (also for cost reasons). Plains, stripes or floral prints are celebrating a comeback – from coarse linen and canvas through to satin. Designers also show imaginative flair with lining fabrics featuring all manner of prints and giving shoes a visual uplift.
Nature meets high-tech. The style: relaxed and easy. Sporty elements are re-entering the vocabulary of urban fashion. Technical crossover materials combine modern basics with sports and leisure wear. Technical futuristic flair is also being reflected in men's shoes.
Architectural shapes and a preference for that material mix, e.g. (natural) leather with cotton and high-tech fibres and metallics, provide a new take on camouflage. While fashion is becoming cleaner-cut all round, discreet used and dirty effects are as prevalent for men's shoes as ever.
Yellow through to grey green nuances plus natural tones are the fashion colours here. Uneven shading is hip. The trend towards canvas styles continues; vulcanised Vans looks are likely favourites for the coming summer. Sandals are also permitted on hot days.
Monochrome tones appear as an expansive colour statement. This concentrates clarity of shape and volume. And sends out a signal for modernity in the context of a neutral, calm colour scheme. Designers' favourites for the coming season include sun yellow, fuchsia, Valentino red and acid green.
Intensive ultramarine blue continues its march to victory. The emotional expression of radiant colours is highlighted by clean-cut materials and smooth surfaces, especially thanks to patent leather, high-quality nappas and fabrics (satin). Colour is a theme for all shoe styles: for high heels and sandals as well as for sneakers, ballerinas and moccasins.
Colour comes with power. An adrenalin kick for stressed pen pushers and a fashion statement exuding optimism. The impulses here come from active sports; the colours captivate with their enormous radiance. Apple green, sun yellow, sky blue, orange and bright red create fashion accents and feature as allover or discreet design elements on shoes.
Sneakers are still at the forefront in this theme though expanses of colour are also used with loafers and moccasins. Fine nubuk and technical materials, here nylon and mesh in particular, give colours a special intensity. Fashion pioneers dare to sport patent leather. After all, making a shining entrance is (almost) everything for men's shoes.
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