Paris Fashion Week has always been a playground for audacious creativity, and this season, designers took footwear to a whole new level. From political metaphors to imaginative collaborations, these shoes weren't just accessories; they were provocations, conversations, and, let’s be honest, pure art for your feet. Here's a look at the standout designs that left us in awe (and maybe questioning our own shoe choices).
Comme des Garçons’ Upturned Boots
Photo by @cris.fragkou
Rei Kawakubo has never shied away from subversion, and this season, her Comme des Garçons Homme Plus collection delivered a sharp critique of global turmoil through footwear. The army boots with their striking 90-degree upturned toes weren’t just visually jarring—they were metaphorical grenades tossed at societal norms. Paired with oversized military-inspired jackets and shredded kilts, these boots became the exclamation point of a collection that questioned the glorification of war.
Comme des Garçons’ Nike Air Rejuven8
Comme des Garçons is set to revive Nike's 2008 Air Rejuven8, originally designed for athlete recovery during the Beijing Olympics. The upcoming collaboration reimagines the sneaker by replacing the traditional removable mesh bootie with an integrated mesh lining and incorporating Flywire cables for enhanced support. Maintaining the original sole design, the updated upper features a fishnet-style pattern, offering a modern aesthetic. Available in classic black and white colourways, the CDG x Nike Air Rejuven8 is slated for a Holiday 2025 release.
Rick Owens’ Kiss Boots
Rick Owens brought his signature dystopian drama to the runway, but this time with a furry twist. Collaborating with Parisian designer Victor Clavelly, Owens unveiled boots that seemed like wearable sculptures. Crafted from heavyweight Groppone leather, the boots featured intricate laser-cut detailing that resembled oversized feathers or organic armour. Worn with Owens’ draped, monastic silhouettes, the boots became both a statement of rebellion and a testament to craftsmanship. The exaggerated proportions made them look like they belonged in an art gallery, not a closet, but isn’t that the point of Rick Owens?
Kiko Kostadinov’s ASICS Tabi Sneakers
Kiko Kostadinov has built a reputation for merging utilitarianism with high fashion, and his reinterpretation of ASICS’ 1953 Marathon Tabi shoe was no exception. This wasn’t just a sneaker; it was a revival of history, with the split-toe design (made famous by Maison Margiela) nodding to Japanese heritage while the exaggerated soles screamed modern innovation. The boots in the collection took things a step further, featuring reflective materials, functional lacing systems, and an unmistakable industrial edge.
Louis Vuitton’s Yeti Boots
Louis Vuitton’s footwear took a detour from their usual sleek offerings, stepping into cosy, whimsical territory with Yeti-inspired boots. Men's Creative Director, Pharrell Williams reimagined après-ski style with padded, bouclé, and sheepskin-finished boots that looked like winter wrapped itself around your feet. Available in slipper and high-top variations, Pharrell paired the plush designs with Vuitton’s sharply tailored outerwear.
Prada’s Wild West Redux
Leave it to Prada to turn cowboy boots into high-fashion essentials. This season, Miuccia Prada gave the archetypal Western silhouette a dramatic twist. Think neon pink and yellow finishes, exaggerated curves on the toes, and a slightly distressed texture that made them look like they’d been through a desert storm. What stood out most, though, were the Mary Jane-inspired details—adding an unexpected element of femininity to a traditionally rugged style.
Sacai x Ugg: Where Comfort Meets Couture
Chitose Abe’s collaboration with Ugg redefined cosy chic with boots that looked plucked from a dreamy fairytale. Drawing inspiration from Where the Wild Things Are, Sacai’s take on Ugg’s signature silhouettes was bold and unexpected. The knee-high boots featured exposed shearling, belted closures, and platform soles that added height and drama. The playful contradictions in the design—luxurious yet approachable, edgy yet soft—made them a standout on the runway.
Jacquemus x Nike Moon Shoes
Jacquemus’ partnership with Nike was a masterclass in blending nostalgia with contemporary design. Reimagining Nike’s iconic Moon Shoe from 1972, Jacquemus infused his signature minimalism into the retro silhouette. The result? A sleek, monochrome design with subtle yet striking details like premium leather overlays and embossed branding. Paired with Jacquemus’ laid-back, tailored pieces