Over the past few weeks, we have seen fashion labels present collections in Paris and Milan that will dictate what style will look like throughout 2023. While we’re all fans of the narratives weaved into runway presentations or innovative silhouettes by cutting edge designers, we’re also constantly paying attention to the freshest footwear styles to hit the runway. And trust that during these Fall 2023 shows for Paris and Milan’s men's fashion weeks this month, the sneakers that appeared were worth noting.
Sacai put its spin on the OG Nike Air Footscape from the ‘90s. Junya Watanabe put out his own Oakley Flesh alongside a laundry list of other collaborations. Botter produced 3D-printed shoes with Reebok that resembled the shells of sea snails. And NIGO recently unveiled one of the first sneakers he’s ever designed for Kenzo.
Here are our favorite sneakers from Paris and Milan’s Fall 2023 menswear shows.
Sacai x Nike Air Footscape
Junya Watanabe x Oakley Flesh
Comme Des Garçons Homme Plus x New Balance
Zellerfeld x Rains Puffer Boot
Botter, the Parisian-based fashion label founded by Rushemy Botter and Lisi Herrebrugh, has picked up some of fashion’s biggest awards for what the founders dub “Caribbean couture.” But Botter’s garments aren’t just inspired by the rich culture of the Caribbean islands. They also reference our fragile ocean ecosystems currently threatened by climate change. This Botter x Reebok sneaker was inspired by the Venus comb murex, a predatory sea snail that is native to Indo-Pacific waters. The sneakers were worn by every model during their Fall/Winter 2023 presentation and appeared in a range of tropical colorways. Like Botter’s kelp-based textiles, the sneakers were also made with sustainably-minded innovation: 3-D printing provided by HP Inc.. While there’s no official release date as of yet, Botter’s Reeboks are certainly going to be remembered for their unusual yet stylish look. —Lei Takanashi
Martine Rose x Nike Shox MR4 Mules
Kenzo Running Sneakers
New Balance has cultivated an impressive roster of collaborators that range from streetwear heavyweights like Joe Freshgoods to iconic luxury brands like Miu Miu. Japan’s Auralee is another notable name on the list that has provided noteworthy takes on the 550 and 2002R over the past few years. During its Fall/Winter 2023 presentation, Ryota Iwai’s technical brand debuted its latest work, two pairs of the 1906. Each features a tonal execution mixing mesh and suede across the upper with cream midsoles. So many sneakers on the runway, some of which you will see on this list, totally reinvent the traditional look of sneakers to favor artistry in favor of wearability. For these blue and grey New Balances from Auralee, it’s the opposite. The beauty is in their simplicity.—Mike DeStefano
Prada Moc-Toe Sneaker
Wales Bonner x Adidas Pro Model 2G
Louis Vuitton Discovery Sneakers
Amiri MA-1 High Top
If you don’t own a pair yourself, you’ve likely seen Maison Mihara Yasuhiro’s sneakers on your social media feed before. You know, the Converse-looking sneakers with the warped midsoles? The melted bottoms are a signature offering from the Japanese designer that have been trending on the marketplace in recent years. For the brand’s Fall/Winter 2023 presentation, Maison Mihara Yasuhiro debuted an updated take on the Peterson aptly dubbed the Peterson 23. The new silhouette features a deformed sole that is double the thickness of the original. Grey, red, blue, and black colorways all made their way down the runway.
