Time to put those heavy winter stompers back in storage. In their place, you’ll need a lighter, fresher rotation of kicks to keep up with all those killer spring fits you’re about to get off. The current landscape of men’s shoes is notably varied, with options ranging from slim leather loafers to classic canvas sneakers—and a wide spectrum of styles, new and old, in between. It’s a lot to take in, and we’re here to help you lock in a fantastic footwear rotation for the months ahead.
To get a clearer read, we asked a handful of menswear pros where things are headed. While certain trends emerged—supple materials, slimmer profiles... and outdoorsy sandals?—their selections reflect a broad range of styles across tastes and budgets. Consider this your insider’s field guide to the footwear that matters most this spring.
1. Supersoft Loafers
“When it comes to leather shoes, it really is all about loafers,” says Sophie Jordan, Mytheresa’s menswear buying director. But the loafers of the moment are softer, slimmer, and more luxurious than the
classic pennies you grew up with. As trouser silhouettes have
relaxed and softened over the years, men’s shoes have grown suppler and easier to better complement ’em. And as far as Jordan is concerned, no soft loafer has been more influential than The Row’s ultra-luxurious version, beloved by
the likes of Harry Styles and Jacob Elordi. (Hot tip:
Banana Republic’s more affordable riff on the style has earned rave reviews from menswear enthusiasts.)
The stylist and designer Jackie McKeown, meanwhile, recommends either
the Milana or the Yutori models from Sena, a buzzy new label that produces all-leather loafers handmade in Italy’s Marche region. The Milana offers a touch more structure, while the Yutori is as pliable as a well-worn glove. Both styles feature deconstructed heels, meaning you can wear them as regular loafers or fold the back down to transform them into sleek slippers. McKeown’s advice? Don’t feel limited to wearing them with trousers. “It’s always nice to have a leather shoe in the mix to dress up a pair of shorts,” she says.
Click here for your full footwear rotation.
