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Milan Fashion Week has spoken — and men’s footwear is having a moment. The shows confirmed what style insiders already knew: shoes aren’t just finishing touches, they’re foundations. For Fall 2025, four silhouettes dominated runways, street style, and influencer feeds alike: hiking boots, Derbies, loafers, and sneakers.
Hiking Boots: Rugged Goes Runway
From the cobblestones of Milan to the peaks of the Dolomites, hiking boots are everywhere. Designers reimagined them with polished leathers, bold soles, and unexpected trims. Morjas’ full-grain pair blends Swedish minimalism with durability, while Diemme’s Cornaro boot embraces mixed materials. The standout? Our Legacy’s Kevlar-trimmed Quest boot — outdoor DNA elevated for the style set.
Derby Shoes: Tailoring’s New Best Friend
Milan runways proved Derbies are far from boring. Their open lacing gives a modern ease that stylists paired with relaxed suiting and wide-leg trousers. Mr P. kept it understated with the Jacques leather Derby, while Saint Laurent’s patent Army Derby brought an after-dark edge. Church’s, meanwhile, reminded everyone why heritage still matters, offering Derbies built for decades.
Loafers: Quiet Luxury’s Hero Piece
Loafers strutted through Milan as a symbol of understated elegance. They pair effortlessly with heavy fabrics — think corduroy, flannel, or denim — and transition from office to evening with ease. Loro Piana’s Travis penny loafer led the quiet luxury charge, Tod’s Gomma stayed perfectly balanced, and G.H. Bass Weejuns reaffirmed their evergreen cool.
Sneakers: Fashion Meets Function
Even during fashion week, sneakers refused to be sidelined. The focus was on elevated takes that balance comfort and design. Dries Van Noten showcased a suede-leather hybrid with artistic flair, Adidas’ Gazelle Indoor made a retro-chic comeback, and Asics’ Gel Kayano 14 confirmed performance sneakers now belong on front rows as much as on tracks.
The Takeaway
Fall 2025 footwear is about versatility with authority. Milan Fashion Week made clear that boots, Derbies, loafers, and sneakers aren’t passing trends — they’re pillars. Invest well and you’ll own shoes that can carry you from runway inspiration to real-world wear.
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