Shoe Of The Year : 2026

Written by John Chen

Our Top 10 Shoes from 2026

 
 
 
 
 
 





As another year in footwear comes to a close, it's time to look back at the shoes that stood out. From new silhouettes and technical developments to unexpected collaborations and independent projects, 2026 offered plenty to get excited about. We've put together our Top 10 Shoes of the Year, considering the designs, ideas and innovations that made the biggest impression on us.

 
 

10





Soulgoods X Nike Homescape Woven

RELEASE DATE:
11 JULY 2026

Credits:
Wu Yue

The SOULGOODS x Nike Homescape Woven reworks the Footscape’s asymmetrical lacing and woven upper into a new hybrid silhouette. Combining layered leather, shaggy suede and a rugged outdoor-inspired outsole, the design features a collapsible heel that allows it to transition from sneaker to mule.



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

9





Kiko Kostadinov x Crocs VAALS 

RELEASE DATE:
20 OCTOBER 2026

Credits:
Kiko Kostadinov
Aitor Martinez
Derek Huenecke
Jae Jung
Ryan Forsyth
Kaila Elwell
Jeanette Kulbe
Matt Thomas

The Kiko Kostadinov x Crocs VAALS reworks Crocs’ design language through a hybrid silhouette combining a moc-toe construction with tumbled leather, breathable mesh and a custom TPU side band inspired by the archival Genna. Toggle bungee lacing and a LiteRide footbed bring technical detailing to the design.



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

8





Balenciaga Pace Trainer 

RELEASE DATE:
14 October 2026

Credits:
Beini Quan
Alexander Oscar Kelvy

The Balenciaga Pace Sneaker combines a low-profile, moccasin-inspired silhouette with suede calfskin and off-centre lacing. A collapsible heel allows it to be worn as either a sneaker or mule, while hiking-inspired laces add an outdoor reference.



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

7





Martin Sallières Bumper

RELEASE DATE:
27 August 2026

Credits:
Martin Sallières

The Martin Sallières Bumper blends a moc-toe dress shoe with a chunky, technical sole. An injected EVA midsole, natural rubber outsole and glossy TPU heel spoiler contrast with the more traditional upper, while drawcord lacing adds a functional detail.



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

6





Arte Antwerp x adidas F50 Motion

RELEASE DATE:
4 August 2026

Credits:
Neale Barnes
Lulu CHEN
Niko Bass
Bertony da silva
Silvain Chaltin
Stefan Diels

The Arte Antwerp x adidas F50 Motion reworks the performance football boot into a lifestyle silhouette. Crinkle nylon uppers, football-inspired detailing and a street-ready sole unit retain the F50’s sporting references, while Arte’s understated branding brings a more considered finish.



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

5





The Broken Arm x Salomon SAVÁT

RELEASE DATE:
16 July 2026

Credits:
Axelle Portailler
Lucas Sanhueza

The Broken Arm x Salomon SAVÁT introduces an original silhouette inspired by traditional peasant footwear. A pared-back suede upper features a tongue-free construction, exposed stitching and artisanal embroidery, set against a rugged outsole derived from the S/LAB Cross 2 trail shoe.



 
 
 
 
 
 

4





LOEWE Type Fussbett Sandal

RELEASE DATE:
25 August 2026

Credits:
Emmanuel Ryngaert
Zia Lee

The LOEWE Type Fussbett Sandal reinterprets the traditional multi-strap sandal through the brand’s approach to leatherwork and oversized hardware. Its defining feature is a series of metal letters integrated into the straps, turning the LOEWE wordmark into a structural element of the upper.



 
 
 
 

3





POST ARCHIVE FACTION Petal Trainers

RELEASE DATE:
9 September 2026

Credits:
Dongjoon Kim
Yoosung Kim
Taeyoung Lim

The PAF Petal Trainers feature an Italian leather upper with laser-cut openings inspired by flower petals, which also function as adjustable lacing points. A Vibram MC2 Road Running sole completes the design, pairing experimental upper construction with a performance-derived platform.



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2





Houdini x Demon Silvestre

RELEASE DATE:
12 March 2026

Credits:
Alberto Deon
Jesper Danielsson
Jesper Speekenbrink

The Houdini x Demon Silvestre combines hiking, climbing and mountaineering footwear references. A protective rubber rand and integrated microfibre gaiter provide coverage against rough terrain and trail debris, while the streamlined silhouette reflects its technical purpose.



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1





SHOE OF THE YEAR

Salomon X MM6 CROSSDERBY

RELEASE DATE:
22 October 2026

Credits:
Axelle Portailler
Lucas Sanhueza

Our Shoe of the Year, the Salomon x MM6 Crossderby brings a polished leather Derby upper to Salomon's Speedcross platform. Developed around the challenge of balancing classic dress footwear with Salomon's athletic design language, the shoe uses carefully considered stitching, a glossy box leather finish and a reworked eyestay to bridge the two references. Throughout development, taped samples and in-house mock-ups helped refine the proportions and placement of each detail, with every millimetre contributing to the balance between formal construction and trail-running heritage. The result is a considered hybrid that brings two distinct footwear categories into a single silhouette.

VIEW BELOW DEVELOPMENT IMAGERY SENT BY THE TEAM



 
 
 
 
 
John Chen
Next

Introducing Terracotta