you are reading strangely dressedIn Who What Wear UK’s latest monthly column, Deputy Editor Rebecca Rhys-Evans shines a spotlight on the fantastical world of shoes. From split toes to soleless styles (yes, really), she covers the most “cult” and controversial pairs money can buy. think PVC jelly shoesfurry exterior, thick wood geta Other weird and wonderful things that spark heated debate online. They may be a bit stupid, and they may hate men (if not, what’s the point?), but that’s fashion, darling!
This month, Rebecca obscure shoe trends Announced at the 2027 Spring/Summer Men’s Paris Fashion Week. From Saint Laurent’s much talked about clear pointy plastic dress shoes to Nike’s new hybrid sneakers, there’s a lot to unpack. So let’s get down to business…
(Image credit: Launchmetrics: Setchu, SaintLaurent)
Paris Men’s Fashion Week has just ended, but the biggest takeaway, and the topic everyone is paying attention to, are the shoes that have been released. From Saint Laurent’s clear dress shoes to Sechu’s high-heeled clogs to Jaden Smith’s sophomore collection at Christian Louboutin, menswear is finally paying attention to the fact that quirky footwear is on the fashion agenda. I, for one, love watching it.
Let’s start with the most major Anthony Vaccarello Saint Laurent show. Here are four words I never thought I’d write together. A pointed transparent polyurethane brogue. They came in several shades, from deep glossy burgundy to olive green to smoky black, some with snakeskin detailing, and all featured the same super pointy elongated toes we’ve seen before. The women’s collection, presented over several seasons, has been likened by many critics and commentators to the medieval Poulaine style worn in the 14th and 15th centuries. Not only lace up, slightly It’s a more traditional iteration of the Chelsea boot format (no surprise, since Vaccarello likes to cater to everyone!). The most subversive detail of this shoe collection wasn’t so much the shoe’s features as the feet of each model, all laid bare beneath a PVC upper. And without socks! Just five free-range piglets were squished inside each shoe in over 35 degree heat.
The collection’s debut comes just over a month after Chanel’s viral launch of soleless sandals, which introduced naked shoes as basically the new naked dress. Could this be Saint Laurent’s more wearable answer to this trend? Is this men’s clothing? Finally Are you holding on? Either way, the dog is barking and so am I.
Shockingly quirky and wonderfully weird, the shoes weren’t just Saint Laurent’s transparent lace-ups. Christian Louboutin, designed by Jaden Smith, unveiled a red “shoe” (if you can call it that) that was more reminiscent of a monster’s foot than a traditional sneaker, boot, or slip-on. Smith also took dress shoes to new heights, or length, with the introduction of the Oxford lace-up, which had a longer front, coarse square toe and toe-like molding at the top.
Nike also announced some new models for the upcoming spring season, incorporating more hybrids that make “sneakers” and “snoofers” look like relatively old hats. The Air Force 1 received a makeover with a square toe, plaid print, and a tan suede version with turquoise embellishments that might convince John Wayne to hang up his cowboy boots.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that Yukinaka dressed a male model in traditional Japanese geta, but instead of the usual high but flat sole, they had a “high heel” shape. Men in heels — yes, please!
shop the trends
YSL
Brigitte pumps TPU & patent leather
YSL
Brigitte pumps TPU & patent leather
YSL
Jeanne slingback pumps in smooth leather
herbert levin
Herbert Levine Square Toe Loafers | 37
loewe
Emily Aqua PVC Ankle Boots
MM6 Maison Margiela
Logo-print leather-trimmed mesh ballet flats
adidas originals
Adidas Originals Taekwondo May Crochet Ballet Flats (Off-White)
miu miu
plume satin sneakers
nike
Air Force 1 ’07 Low Top Leather Trainer – Euro 36/3 UK Women’s
prada
Collapse Stretch sneakers in nylon and suede
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