3 Leading Menswear Designers Reveal Fall Footwear Favorites

Ahead of New York Men's Day, exhibiting designers share their insights on the season.

This week, New York Fashion Week descends on the Big Apple, and on Thursday February 6, prolific menswear designers will show their collections at New York Men’s Day. We pinned down three of said visionaries to ask their go-to footwear pairings, style predictions for FW25/26, and if they think the gender-bending movement in men’s fashion (and footwear) of past seasons will continue.

HOLD NYC Designer Holden Akerley

Unlaced: What’s you’r go-to footwear pairing?

HA: Year round, I always pair my Nike SFW JUNGLE Boot 6″ in Coyote with everything — cropped cords, denim shorts, biker pants… They’re perfect for everything, and mine are definitely showing their age, but they don’t make the 6″ anymore, unfortunately. I also love a New Balance 1906 when I’m just wearing jeans.

Unlaced: What shoes are you loving for FW25?

HA: Still really enjoying a more elegant look to footwear right now, and I’m loving a polished tassel loafer. When they’re made a bit more sporty with a thicker lug sole or a cool hardware detail, that’s even better.

Unlaced: Do you think the gender-bending movement of past seasons will continue?

HA: I don’t think this is going away at all. I think men love beautiful and pretty things as much as women do, and that’s extended to clothing and now shoes. I mean I’m still looking for the perfect chunky 3″ bootie I can wear to stomp around clubs without them breaking every three months!

APOTTS Designer Aaron Potts

Unlaced: What’s you’r go-to footwear pairing?

AP: My personal go-to footwear pairing is usually a pair of over-inflated, comfy sneakers that feel like you are walking on pillows or hiking sandals with socks. For the collection, my go-to is usually something traditional like brogues, utilitarian like combat boots, or sleek and sexy boots.

Unlaced: What shoes are you loving for FW25?

AP: For AW25, we are loving footwear that blends seamlessly into the outfit….like the shoes are an extension of the outfit and not a separate accessory. We looked at the sleek, timeless styling of early Donna Karan (one of my fashion heroes) for inspiration. We went with an amazing black knit boot from Andre Assous and black leather chukkas and Chelsea boots from Florsheim — all worn with opaque black tights from Commando for that streamlined, super-sleek effect.

Unlaced: Do you think the gender-bending movement of past seasons will continue?

Gender is a man-made construct. So the idea of ‘bending’ gender doesn’t exist for me. I believe people should be able to explore and feel comfortable in their authenticity. Dresses, makeup, pink, and wigs were all embraced by men historically and as cultures shifted and the times changed, the way we express shifted too…but the shifts are not scientific laws, they are cultural, oftentimes marketing. But we make culture, so we can do what we want to do! Many strict beliefs about gender-conformity are fueled by misogyny and homophobia and A.Potts is about love, expression, and acceptance as you are. I hope this continues so that people have aesthetic options that work for their lives. We won’t regress. Onwards and upwards!

Peak Lapel Designer Jack Milkes

Peak Lapel designers Ben Stedman (left) and Jack Milkes (right)

Unlaced: What’s you’r go-to footwear pairing?

JM: My go-to footwear pairing is black leather Chelsea boots and a straight-leg denim. Classic and can get paired with anything.

Unlaced: What shoes are you loving for FW25?

JM: I’m loving skinnier, rounded boots and loafers for FW25/26, and I also think that shoes like duck boots and more practical leather footwear will become very popular as sneakers continue to sit behind more classic footwear. I am so excited to have Sperry as a footwear sponsor for this season, and to showcase their perfected silhouettes such as these.

Unlaced: Do you think the gender-bending movement of past seasons will continue?

JM: I absolutely expect gender-bending fashion to continue. I think as more young designers get onto the scene, it will be less about men’s and women’s clothing and design will dictate the gender of the clothing for each specific person/customer. I do think that this applies to footwear as men have been seen wearing square toed boots/loafers, slippers and skinnier models overall.

These and other menswear designers will be exhibiting at New York Men’s Day February 6 at Location05 in New York City. Sperry returns as footwear sponsor and will feature a new collection of waterproof and weather boots alongside the Authentic Original boat shoe. 

The February 2025 Issue

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