Like a broken Last Christmas record, it is frequently mentioned that uncomfortable designer shoes are the purview of the women’s department. On the other hand, the era of uncomfortable men’s shoes ended over a century ago—and luckily, there are no smoke signals that sole discomfort will ever loom again. Sure, a new leather shoe can sometimes slice the skin, and you really do need to break into some new kicks, but with the pandemic, as well as American cinema, music, and celebrity influence, we have seen sneakers permeate office culture. European brands have succumbed to the plush pleasures of relaxed footwear, albeit in dapper tones and silhouette. Soft leather, a curved anklet (the smoother back end of the shoe), style-revolutionising slip-ons, no laces, and more have made “anything goes” the mantra of the season. There might be cobblers of yore rolling in their graves, but we’re stepping into the new year in comfort and style with these picks.
Prada
Gents, black leather shoes need not bite; this comfortable, classic, tapered loafer design with a distinctive finish of brushed leather (an oft-used material in Prada’s accessories collection) is an easy and elegant slip-on. The iconic enamelled metal triangle logo, which you’ll also find reproduced on the hot-stamped heel, is hard to miss. With a leather sole and rubber half-sole for grip, Prada is, as usual, a step ahead.
Ralph Lauren
We were in two minds about this shoe from Americana fashion’s greatest export, Ralph Lauren—until we slipped them on. The Alonzo slippers from Ralph Lauren Purple Label’s winter collection give joy to the feet; it’s like walking on a satin carpet at all hours. The pair features bullion embroidery with an Art Deco–inspired “RL” monogram. The satin-lined velvet version is ultra-luxe; look for the details in the viscose lining, the grosgrain piping along the top edge, and the rounded toe to ease into the slip-on style. It is a shoe to wear at an exclusive, private, Persian-rug-carpeted club, while sipping on a whisky.
Hermès
Because we like to be contrarian, we have eschewed the vast volume of leather shoes from the house of Hermès, and picked colourful sneakers instead. There is an extensive online menu, featuring richly coloured sneakers of the finest material—a touchstone for the brand—but we opted for this little number in graphic mesh and suede goatskin with a light sole and contrasting design, an unmissable “H,” and a wraparound black ribbon. The shoe comes with set instructions regarding maintenance; at these prices, attention needs to be paid.
Giuseppe Zanotti
With a reputation built on the glitz and glamour he has provided to women’s shoes since the mid-1990s, Giuseppe Zanotti’s foray into men’s shoes hasn’t strayed far from the signature formula: quality, modern design, and, always, a streak of glamour. Even the sneakers have a hint of gold, like these ones, crafted from white leather. The signature white-lacquered metal hardware and side zippers may be form over function, but the baroque Italian style is all aesthetics and finesse. The golden synthetic fabric with mirror effect dazzles with every step. With cotton laces, white rubber soles, and golden treads, this shoe is for the inner gilded rapper in you.
Valentino
If you are dreaming of a white Christmas, might as well do it in this all-white Valentino pair studded with gold embellishments. Low-top lace-ups made of leather, the Valentino Rockstud is a levelled-up version of the everyday white sneaker. Available at Lane Crawford in Hong Kong, the pristine shoe with its leather upper and its stud-shaped rubber sole will put a spring in your step during this cool winter.
Emporio Armani
Feeling nostalgic, we must confess that we love this shoe as it somehow reminds us of the ones worn by Neo in The Matrix in that spine-breaking slow-motion bullet scene. Now, these shoes from Emporio Armani are as sleek as can be, and this calf-leather number with a rubber sole, slim laces, and a perceptible shine are—as often with most things Armani—a timeless classic.
Dunhill
Embodying the best of British imperial elegance, the Kensington Chelsea boot was introduced in the winter of 2020 (which seems an era ago now, as the pandemic has muddled the time and space continuum). Dunhill has released a new tan-brown colour scheme (in water-repellent British suede) and this model, always made using “traditional British Goodyear-welted construction,” speaks to us in volumes. With a soft, breathable calfskin lining and embossed long-tail branding on the sole, these boots were made for walkin’!
