3 EMERGING SHOE BRANDS EVERY FASHION FORWARD MEN SHOULD KNOW
In the constantly evolving landscape of men’s footwear, a handful of young labels are re‑shaping what we expect from shoes. These three emerging labels embody a new wave of creativity.
Martin Sallières: A quietly experimental footwear atelier
French designer Martin Sallières spent nearly a decade consulting for luxury labels before launching his own namesake brand in order to explore his personal approach to footwear, allowing him to be free to try ideas that don’t make sense for anyone else. His signature shoe, the Bumper sneaker melds vintage inspirations with forward‑thinking form and features exaggerated toe and heel bumpers, lifted toe boxes and a low profile, echoing the 70s runner aesthetic.
What to Watch
Bumper Sneaker: A low‑profile running‑inspired model with prominent “bumpers” on the toe and heel; expect limited runs and unique colourways.
Marcos Hjorn: Barcelona‑Based Slow Craft
Marcos Hjorn is the brainchild of shoemakers Marcos and Aina. They explore traditional craftsmanship while preserving the savoir‑faire of shoemaking. Rather than chasing trends, the duo re‑interpret classic designs, adding layers of meaning to everyday objects. As a brand rooted in slow craft, Marcos Hjorn revisits classic silhouettes through meticulous, made‑to‑order production at Casa Bruta, their studio in Barcelona. Their dedication to quality over quantity ensures each pair feels special, whether it’s the understated Crossed Ballerina or the dressier Staple Oxford.
What to Watch
The Wrinkled Slip on: A loafer with smocking‑stitch detailing across the vamp
Crossed Ballerina: A unisex whole‑cut leather slip‑on with cross‑over vamp and hidden McKay construction.
Puraai: Vegan heritage with 70s flair
Italian brand Puraai was born in 2018 during and brings eco‑friendly thinking to classic sneaker silhouettes. Inspired to create products using recycled and sustainable materials, they named the brand by combining the Japanese words pura (“plastic”) and ai (“love”). Their design language takes cues from 1970s runners, with clean lines and retro proportions. For men seeking an affordable flat‑soled sneaker, Puraai’s Lion model merits special attention. Ultimately, Puraai proves that vegan materials and vintage aesthetics can coexist, delivering planet‑friendly sneakers without sacrificing style.
What to Watch
The Lion Sneaker: A low-profile design available in multiple colourways and priced at 169€. Its vegan leather upper, recycled rubber sole and 1970s‑inspired lines make it a compelling and wallet‑friendly alternative to the flat‑soled sneakers offered by luxury houses such as Prada, Dries Van Noten and Maison Margiela.