Casual Footwear Trends to Watch
Published 19 June 2024
The global footwear market is projected to reach a record high of $472.59bn by 2028 (Statista, 2023), and popular styles lean more casual than ever. But in such a crowded, varied and quickly shifting market, what are consumers actually looking for? From an emphasis on comfort and nostalgia to evolving post-sneakerhead opportunities, we highlight the key trends driving footwear, with relevance for all age demographics.
Comfort-Led Priorities
Post-Sneakerhead Opportunities
The Novelty Factor
Dress codes everywhere – from corporate offices to formal events – have continued to get more casual since the pandemic lockdowns, meaning consumers are increasingly seeking comfort-focused footwear that merges form and function. The result is a renewed interest in classic, practical silhouettes and heritage brands, but it’s given sartorial intrigue via luxe collaborations.
Dress codes everywhere – from corporate offices to formal events – have continued to get more casual since the pandemic lockdowns, meaning consumers are increasingly seeking comfort-focused footwear that merges form and function. The result is a renewed interest in classic, practical silhouettes and heritage brands, but it’s given sartorial intrigue via luxe collaborations.
While the sneaker market is no longer the hype-driven Goliath it used to be, sports aesthetics are more popular and wide-ranging than ever. So what are the fresh updates? A mashed-up sensibility and focus on feminine flourishes are some of the exciting commercial evolutions. Elsewhere, stripped-back, gorpcore-esque pragmatism infiltrates the everyday.
Comfort is king in casual footwear, but it doesn’t have to come at the cost of novelty and creativity. Brands and consumers alike continue to favour “ugly” footwear – often by way of kitschy cross-industry collaborations or a celebration of old-fashioned aesthetics – while also dabbling in nostalgia and customisation.
Casual Footwear Trends to Watch
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