Retailers Predict Loafers and Outdoor Gear Will Define Men's Footwear in 2026 and 2027

Key points

• Executives from Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, and Mr Porter confirm growth across multiple men's shoe categories, contradicting reports of declining sneaker sales.
• Low-profile sneakers and soft-construction loafers are current top sellers, with specific styles from John Lobb, Adidas, and Maison Margiela performing well.
• Fall 2026 trends focus on hiking boots, chukka boots, and outdoor brands like Salomon and Merrell, driven by the blurring of sport and lifestyle categories.
• Spring 2027 forecasts include a rise in vibrant colors, opera pumps, and 'ballerino' styles, alongside continued demand for minimalist, comfortable footwear.
• Retailers note a shift toward versatile dress shoes with rounder toes and slimmer outsoles, moving away from previous almond-shaped designs.

Background

This report follows earlier coverage of the loafer trend, specifically the popularity of Khaite's Colt loafers in Fall 2026, which highlighted the broader market shift toward hybrid and comfortable formal footwear. The current data expands this trend to include men's categories, indicating that the demand for versatile, low-profile styles is not limited to women's fashion.

Why it matters

The data indicates a structural shift in men's fashion consumption, where comfort and versatility are prioritizing over traditional formal or high-performance athletic distinctions. This convergence suggests that retailers must stock a wider range of hybrid styles to meet consumer demand for shoes that transition between casual and formal settings.

What to watch

Retailers will likely monitor the performance of vibrant color palettes and performance-fusion silhouettes in the spring 2027 season. Success of these trends will determine whether the 'outdoor-lifestyle' aesthetic continues to dominate or if traditional dress shoes regain market share.