Steve Madden
Photo By Courtesy Photo
J Shoes
Photo By Courtesy Photo
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When Footwear News asked men’s designers and key brands to reveal their best bets for fall, boots stole the show — from vintage-inspired work styles to high-top sneakers with hardware touches.
Steve Madden
“We’ll continue to focus on young men’s looks for a jeans-based wardrobe, providing alternatives to athletic shoes. Denim-driven dress shoes and boots will utilize more basic, classic patterns that incorporate material interest for added excitement. From lug-sole engineer boots to harness boots and industrial looks, [styles will come in] materials that appear worn and used, such as oiled, burnished and distressed leathers. They’re a reflection of the times, with many consumers shying away from the appearance of prosperity. [Overall], big growth will come from rugged boots and shoes, with short boots becoming year-round items.”
— Andrew Shames, president, Madden men’s
J Shoes
“A key trend is the continued development of the boot story, with an overall ‘luxification’ of work and utility items. There’s a military-inspired boot in a hand-finished leather designed with a high-leg option, so it can be worn partially laced. This also transcends into an outdoor, workwear look that’s crafted on a real crepe outsole. Done in oiled and textured leathers, this direction is quite raw in its treatment, but at the same time, retains a simple luxurious feel.”
— Nick Drury, lead designer
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