There’s no denying it, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the way we live our lives in every way, all the way down to men’s footwear trends. While it might sound surprising, The MBS Group reported that sales of slippers in the UK jumped by 46% within 12 weeks, while Paper Magazine found that Crocs made $117.2m in retail sales in 2020. So what’s next in fashionable footwear? Payflex takes a closer look at emerging men’s footwear trends to help you put your best foot forward in 2021.
Homebound Hibernation
Whether we like it or not, we’re spending a lot more time indoors and at home. For some of us, the new normal also constitutes working full or part-time from home. While this definitely can bring petrol costs down, it also means navigating meetings in between over-excited kids and hungry pets. Comfort is key if you want to keep your cool, plus nobody is going to see what you’re wearing on your feet during that Zoom call. Men’s footwear trends for the home mean “Professional on the top, party on the bottom”. Win!
Slippers
Slippers are comfort made visible. No matter your reason for being at home, there’s no feeling quite like the cushy comfort of plush slippers.
UGG Mens Scuff Slipper Espresso – R1799.00
Crocs
Crocs are the footwear everyone loves to hate. Questionable in style, undeniable in comfort. Those who wear them swear by them, those who don’t…haven’t worn them yet.
Flip flops
A summer staple, flip flops are the ultimate go-to for casual footwear if you’re looking for a step up from other slip-on shoes.
Office Ready
If you’ve managed to return to a (somewhat) normal work routine, then you’re likely heading into an office on a daily basis. Depending on your industry, you might need to suit up, and that means trading in the slippers and drawing inspiration from more dapper men’s footwear trends. Freshen up your look with a pair of smart, sophisticated shoes, and go rock that presentation!
Dress shoes
No matter the occasion (work, a wedding, a last-minute dinner) dress shoes can instantly take your look to the next level.
Tom Voyager High-Cut Vellies – R895.00
Boots
Boots are a must-have for winter, luckily there are more than a handful of different styles to suit everyone’s taste.
Men’s Bronx, A-Town, Tan Casual Boot – R899.00
Loafers
Take your “classy gentleman” look from 0 to 100 with a classic yet understated pair of Loafers.
Aliverti Slip-Ons – Black – R2748.00
Hit the streets
We may still be masking up when going out, but it doesn’t mean we can’t do it in style! We’re all finding our feet again (pun intended) in terms of going out after spending most of last year indoors. Make sure you look good while doing it by taking cues from men’s footwear trends that will make every street venture a stylish one.
Sneakers
Everyone should invest in a quality pair of sneakers. A step-up, style-wise, from more practical tekkies, sneakers are casual enough to wear around the house but also definitive enough to pair with a blazer and smart trousers.
Moccasins
Moccasins are the more dressed-up cousin of Loafers, for the more adventurous of us. Be bold, we dare you!
Get outdoors
In between lockdowns, it’s still important to make time to enjoy some fresh air and the great outdoors. Whether it’s dusting off your running gear and getting back to your favourite trails or lacing up your hiking boots for a trek, make sure you’re not stuck in the mud with the wrong shoes! Get set for adventure with the ultimate outdoor men’s footwear trends.
Tekkies
There’s a reason why every person owns a pair of tekkies: they’re comfort and reliability combined!
Adidas Solar Drive 19 Blue Men – R1599.00
Hiking boots
Get set to conquer some mountains with a high-quality pair of hiking boots. Your Instagram account and your feet will thank you.
