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Why is everyone suddenly wearing tiny shorts? When did ankle socks become a criminal offence? The world of menswear can be a scary place. That’s why here, at GQ Fit Check, we decipher the trends for you. Read every instalment, and you’ll become the best-dressed guy in the room. We promise.
It’s been a minute since men’s footwear options were simply limited to sneakers, loafers and boots. From the rise of styles like the Birkenstock Boston to the Merrell Hydromoc, men’s footwear has truly toed the line, challenging the long-standing barriers that once defined the category. If anything, it’s less about staying in your lane and more about exploring your true style identity.
Once strictly reserved for women’s fashion, traditionally feminine silhouettes like Mary Janes, jelly sandals, fisherman sandals and ballet flats have been infiltrating the world of menswear, proving their status in the unisex footwear category. No one will blame you if you didn’t have Mary Janes for men on your 2024 footwear bingo card—although Justin Bieber might—but considering how hard balletcore has rocked women’s footwear, it’s not unrealistic to see how the influence may have spilled over.
Justin Bieber rocking a pair of Mary Janes. Image credit: Getty Images
Plus, with endless styling inspo at our fingertips and instant access to fashion trends round the clock, we’re experiencing an era where anyone can wear anything. Fashion’s upper echelon including Bottega Veneta, Lemaire and Bode have been confidently traversing this territory, delivering these slightly more dainty, below-the-ankle pairs in their mainline men’s ranges. With a fresh season approaching, it’s an apt time to put your best foot forward and consider shaking up your shoe game for real.
Tyler, the Creator spruiking Mary Janes for men. Image credit: Getty Images
Buckle up with the Mary Jane
The Mary Jane continues to lead footwear conversations in 2024. There’s been palpable buzz around the silhouette for a good while now—attributed to next level women’s sneaker moments including Cecilie Bahnsen’s Mary Jane Asics GT-2160 and Simone Rocha’s ballet-esque sneaker hybrids—how could there not? Plus who could forget the rise of the Maison Margiela Tabi Mary Jane? And menswear wants in too.
Artists like Tyler, the Creator and Harry Styles have long been fans of the MJ and even more recently Justin Bieber proved that when styled to a tee, there’s nothing overly feminine about the Mary Jane at all. Offering exceptional versatility and ease-of-wear and available at brands like Kleman France and Bode, you won’t be asking if those Mary Janes come in your size. Just: “Where have you been all of my life?”
Dr. Martens Adrian T-Bar Carrara
Kleman Rade EC
Timothée Chalamet wears his fisherman sandals with socks. Image credit: Getty Images
Fisherman sandals are the reel catch
Casting your eyes overseas is always a sure fire way to know what’s coming in hot for the next season. And if you’re looking to make a splash with your rotation for the warmer months, look no further than the fisherman sandal. The go-to summer footwear option to wear—with a side of inseam discourse—the style combines practicality with a laid-back, rugged vibe that’s perfect for summer. Originally designed with functionality at its core, nowadays it is not uncommon to find the fisherman sandal afoot at your local wine bar or anywhere in close proximity to a beach—just take it from this GQ editor.
The latest iterations have been redesigned with a modern twist, seeing smooth leather finishes, slick straps, and contemporary detailing all aboard. If you’re feeling slightly out of your depth and need to ease in, just add socks. Brands like Bottega Veneta and Vinny’s have you covered.
Cos leather fisherman sandals
Bottega Veneta Alfie sandal
The Row’s infamous jellies. Image credit: courtesy of The Row
Get ready for this jelly
Most consider the jelly sandal nothing short of a nostalgic nod to childhood summers spent at the playground. But in recent months the jelly sandal re-entered the chat, becoming a regular in fashion circles and an if you know you know fit check accessory around the globe. Most often considered a womenswear silhouette, the design has quietly—but definitely—made its entrée into the world of men’s footwear. It’ll only take a quick scroll through men’s FashionTok (or Throwing Fits) to notice the PVC sandal on the feet of today’s most omnipresent influencers.
Important note: men’s jelly sandals are available in neutral colours like black, not just translucent glitter like the ones your little sister had. Synonymous with sunny days and going with the flow, it’s no wonder the jelly sandal has always been a summer winner. Take it from Moschino.
Moschino black jelly lettering logo sandals
Bode takes on the ballet flat. Image credit: courtesy of Bode
Get flat out
While the quintessential bow-adorned ballet flat has become a symbol of girlhood, we shouldn’t reduce its qualities in the larger scheme of things. Embodying elegance and poise, the ballet flat has the ability to refine any fit, potentially posing an avant-garde, feminine men’s fashion threat to the dress shoe heavyweight: the loafer. The flat’s low profile will help you to execute top tier sophistication. Just look at Bode, Jil Sander and Dries Van Noten’s spring shows.
Worn with a tailored pant or a slightly more relaxed ensemble, they’ll elevate your garb while keeping your feet firmly on the ground each and every time. Get your pair from Hereu or Lemaire now.
Camper black leather ballerina for men
Lemaire square-toe leather loafers
Article originally posted on: https://www.gq.com.au/style/trends/unisex-shoe-trend/image-gallery/4dcdb0cd06bf8c5001f5e3ca64ed317c
