Boat Shoes, Flip-Flops + Loafers

As the warm weather takes hold, men’s flip-flops continue to make a resurgence, while the “love story” effect is turning up the heat all around boat shoes And vagabond. But what else is resonating with the men’s market? Here, executives from Bergdorf Goodman, MyTheresa, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Mr. Porter, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus talk about what’s hot for men’s shoes this spring and summer.

What styles of men’s shoes are driving sales in your store right now?

Young-Su Kim, senior vice president and general merchandise manager for men and men’s fashion director at Bergdorf Goodman: “Our customers are looking for comfort and convenience, but always in the context of quality and craftsmanship. They are drawn to the Loro Piana Summer Walk as an example of ‘hybrid’ style shoes, while also looking for leather and suede loafers with flexible soles and soft uppers.”

Sophie Jordan, menswear buying director at Mytheresa: “This season, sneakers are driving our footwear business. We’re still seeing strong double-digit growth, but fashion-forward styles are cooling off in this category, and there’s a refocus on timeless, classic styles and colors. Loafers remain our best-selling leather category with strong double-digit growth. While there isn’t a single dominant trend this season, we’re seeing lower profile styles perform with more casual, heavier leather sole styles. Ranging from summer shoes, sandals, and slides. flip flopAll are performing well – the common thing is that they are refined and minimal. Additionally, the classic ‘White Sole’ rubber sole loafer is also a mainstay of our business and is selling very well.

Bruce Pask, associate vice president of the men’s fashion office at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus: “Comfortable shoes, especially those with an ‘easy on, easy off’ style, are a hit with customers. Softly constructed loafers, slip-on sneakers with elastic laces and classic driving shoes are all key models. While sneakers are still a very important category, customers are looking to expand their shoe wardrobes with more occasion-specific footwear options.”

Daniel Todd, Purchasing Director at Mister Porter: “Loafers from brands like Tom Ford and Gucci remain the leading footwear category for men; they’ve always been a men’s clothing staple, but have really gained more popularity in this ‘post sneaker world.’

Gian DeLeon, men’s fashion director at Nordstrom: “Casual sneakers and performance runners that offer more comfort are appealing to customers, but we’re also seeing that dressier styles like derbies and loafers are just as important.”

David Thielebeule, fashion director of Bloomingdale’s: “Soft, deconstructed loafers are performing best – they feel relaxed but still polished. Slim, retro sneakers and elevated leather sandals are also strong, inspired by comfort and versatility. Overall, the shift is towards clean, easy styles that are still considered.”

Are there any unexpected silhouettes or materials that consumers are looking for this season?

Jordan: “Texture and construction are key this season, the eel leather glossy finish on styles from The Row and Saint Laurent are best-sellers; and then the fully woven leather styles from Brunello Cucinelli and Bottega Veneta. I’m also selling color, our baby blue exclusive John Lobb ‘Pace’ loafers are selling very well, and Tom Ford’s green suede driver loafers.”

Delion: “We’ve seen men begin to embrace more casual interpretations of elegant footwear, like minimalist loafers and low-profile boots. Suede is also becoming a great option for those who want a shorter break-in period than leather but something that still performs well on the style front.”

Pask: “Suede, especially when seen in sneaker styles, has been a surprising creation in high demand this spring.”

After last year’s surprising surge, are flip-flops for men expected to become popular again this summer?

Jordan: “I am sure of this strong weather On flip-flops, there were a lot of luxury options this season. And styled in so many diverse ways, from casual day to smart, summer occasion looks, they will become an even more diverse option in a man’s wardrobe, beyond just the beach.

Kim: “Open toe shoes for men always seem to be a debatable topic. I personally believe in this trend, and flip-flops were a big statement on the runways this season. In the sandal category, the fisherman silhouette looks stronger and offers more coverage, making the shoe an easy style for our customers to incorporate into their wardrobes.”

Todd: “I think they had a moment last summer, but this time they’ll really reach more critical mass.”

Pask: “We saw plenty of flip-flops on spring designer runways along with a wide variety of other sandal styles. Crafted from leather, upgraded versions of this favorite summer slip-on looked especially refreshing when worn in a more dressy way with trousers or shorts and a casual sport jacket for warm-weather occasions.”

Delion: “I would say they’re perennial summer foods, and with the long winters we’ve had, I can imagine a lot of people would want to embrace the warm-weather style honestly.”

Thielebeule: Flip-flops are definitely back, but they’ve been refined—think leather, clean lines, and a more intentional feel rather than beach basics. Designers have pushed them onto the runways, and they have entered men’s everyday wardrobe, making them suitable for real hot weather.

how about boat shoes — Are they still in trend for men this season?

Jordan: “I’m currently up 60 percent boat shoes this season Compared to last year, so this is definitely a trend that is still selling and lasting a long time. Best-selling brands this season include The Row, Saman Amel and Miu Miu.

Pask: “The preppy revival continues with new takes on the classic seafaring boat shoe style from Dior, Tom Ford and Gucci. They’re a great versatile, comfortable shoe option for sunny spring weekends that pair well with almost everything.”

Kim: “Boat shoes are a great alternative to the loafer, and we saw this silhouette play an important role in the summer collections of Bottega Veneta, Loewe and Celine.”

Delion: “Boat shoes and moccasins are very relevant for warm weather dressing. As the ivy style trend continues to be a big influence in men’s clothing, these types of shoes are an important part of the look.”

Thielebeule: “They’re not as effective as loafers or sandals, but they’ve gained popularity as a casual option — and given the ‘Love Story’ effect, it’ll be hard to give them up this summer. Nothing says Hyannis quite like a boat shoe.”

What are your thoughts on the ballet slipper trend for men?

Kim: “In men’s terms, the ballet silhouette feels like a natural, but definitely fashion-forward extension of the overall trend in men’s shoes. This trend favors the loafer shape as well as less detail and volume. Last season, Tom Ford had a great version of that style that our customers really celebrated.”

Jordan: “The ballet pump trend While fun to watch, it’s niche from a merchandising standpoint, but seeing the variety of brands embracing this shape, from Simone Rocha to Tom Ford, I also wanted to include in my shopping for the guy who isn’t afraid to take risks.

Delion: “These silhouettes are on the more directional side of the trend spectrum, but I can see the lower profile and minimalist shape influencing men to adopt some version of the low shoe.”

Thielebeule: “Only for the brave at this point. They’re elite, but we’ll keep watching.”

What’s buzzing in the designer sneaker market?

Pask: “We continue to look low-profile sneaker Growing the designer athletic footwear market. These smooth, streamlined styles in both colorful nylon and more neutral-toned leather and suede versions look great with wide-leg trousers as well as skinny jeans and every width in between. Vintage inspired details, particularly the classic T-toe, have also been prominent.

Kim: “The brands continue to showcase slim, martial arts-style silhouettes in contrast to the oversized and bulky styles we’ve seen on the runways over the past few seasons.”

Delion: “There’s an interesting intersection of outdoor culture and skate style that has resulted in sneakers that walk the line between both worlds, like the Prada Speedrock or the new brand Village PM.”

Jordan: “There’s been less of a focus on sneakers this season – there’s been less evolution and innovation from a fashion perspective. What’s driving my business are classic, timeless sneakers and within this segment I’ve seen more of a hybrid effect coming through with smart, runner style sneakers with nubuck and leather uppers.”

Thielebeule: “There’s a mix of nostalgia and experimentation – retro runners, subtle colors, and hybrid styles are all gaining traction. Designers are moving away from overt logos and bulk, instead leaning toward slimmer, low-profile silhouettes with elevated materials like suede, satin, and washed textures that are considered more than technical.”

What’s the next “it” shoe for men?

Jordan: “The ‘slipper loafer’ will be a shape we see more of; a simple but sleek shoe in supple leather that takes inspiration from the Charvet slipper and the soft loafer trend. For summer sandals, I think next year we’ll see a big return to the Fugue sole, focusing on comfort but with a more innovative use of fabrication and detailing.”

Delion: “I’ve noticed that a lot of men gravitate towards wearing the loafer and slipper very lightly, a shoe that travels well but can be worn with a light suit or pair of jeans.”

Todd: “Canvas shoes are definitely on the rise again and they’re a great way to work in color so I expect they’ll be a major style of summer.”

Pask: “We are also seeing a growing presence of the slip-on deck sneaker style, taking inspiration from the coastal lifestyle alongside classic skater sneakers.”