At last week’s FFANY and FSNYE market, the mood at the Park Lane Hotel and in showrooms around NYC was unanimously upbeat. “We are receiving a positive upswing from new brands as well as returning brands post pandemic,” confirms Phyllis Rein, president of Footwear Show New York Expo (FSNYE). “Manufacturers are taking it back to the floor, and it seems that they are making a comeback.”
Indeed, the shoes-on-a-bed landscape felt like the good ol’ days, and brands repeatedly reported a good response from buyers — not necessarily above and beyond, but strong. “The landscape has evolved! It’s no longer just about buyers–it’s about everyone involved in the footwear industry ecosystem coming together to ensure our industry stays on solid ground,” Rein adds.
Similarly, the fashion felt uplifting, with plenty of newness to spark excitement — albeit without an obvious new “it” style or over-the-top fashion statement. These were our top takeaways:
The Boat Shoe Comeback is Near
Throughout the show, hints about the return of the boat shoe kept popping up (moving beyond the conspiracy theory we reported earlier this year). Indeed, Minnetonka said its suede penny loafer (pictured) was the most “picked up shoe,” available in an array of colors with a boat bottom.
Natural is Getting a Glow-Up
Natural materials like jute and raffia remained strong, but with a more elevated, resort-like feel. Think woven fabric over beachy espadrilles. These summer-ready takes often saw metallic treatments or black-and-white contrast.
Sustainable is Chic
Sustainable brands were so in-demand that FSNYE’s Rein added a “vegan and sustainable” designation to this year’s directory. Ilse Jacobsen debuted a new-to-the-U.S. brand along with its SS25 collection — the eco-friendly Scandanavian sneaker brand Woden. Turkish men’s brand Panorma debuted a new eco-friendly box that included its own handle, so there’s no need for a bag.
Creamsicle Colors Are Hot
Across styles, price points, genders and aesthetics, two colors were on repeat: ice blue and peachy coral. Neutrals (beige, not gray) and black and white contrast made up the other big color stories.
Comfort is King
You would have been hard-pressed to find a sky-high stiletto or pointed pump throughout the building. The return of the wedge and visible footbed, instead, were the bigger stories. Italian Shoemakers reported adding visible comfort to its styles so that consumers could see the padding in their heels.
The Ballet Flat is Evolving
Flats and Mary Janes have been trending for a few seasons now, and they are definitely continuing for SS25. In addition, the dress version of the fisherman offers a new take on the silhouette.
