The 10 Biggest Footwear Moments From Paris Fashion Week SS26

Last week, the Spring/Summer 2026 fashion season took center stage in Paris, with an array of menswear presentations and runway shows taking place. As designers envisioned the future of style, the footwear industry also generated a lot of buzz. Ranging from anticipated collaborations to unexpected unveilings, the week was filled with sneaker previews that left us intrigued. To summarize the highlights, we’ve compiled a list of 10 remarkable sneaker moments that stood out amidst the excitement of Paris Fashion Week.

ACRONYM x ALIVEFORM THE BLADE

Aliveform has cemented its position as a pioneer in 3D-printed shoes. Impressively, the techwear titan Acronym has partnered with Aliveform to create their inaugural collaborative sneaker, named The Blade. This innovative shoe was unveiled at Aliveform’s showroom and seamlessly combines the progressive design aesthetics of both brands. Each colorway offers a contemporary twist, featuring four distinct options. Signature elements include a sleek blade-shaped curve around the toe, breathable ventilation across the upper, and branding on both the medial toe and footbed.

_J.L_A.L_ x PUMA CELL Umbre & CELL Midnight

A notable brand name from last week caught my attention – _J.L_A.L_. Based in the UK, this label not only showcased its loafer design but also unveiled a fresh collaboration with PUMA. The initial products of their partnership were displayed on the runway: the CELL Umbrella and CELL Midnight. These shoes boast leather uppers that undergo a unique two-tone color treatment, either black and brown or black and blue. Over time, they develop a distinctive patina inspired by furniture design. The shoe’s structure is characterized by a sleek upper incorporating the curve of the Formstrip, accentuated by streamlined overlays at the midfoot and heel. Lifting the heel is a sculpted split-sole, providing extra detailing on the midsole.

Willy Chavarria x adidas Megaride AG & Megaride AG XL

Willy Chavarria kicked off his promising 2025 by organizing his inaugural runway show in January. Additionally, he revealed his second joint sneaker project with adidas. Continuing the momentum, they presented their innovative interpretations of the Megaride AG and Megaride AG XL sneakers in Paris. The shift from traditional menswear-inspired shapes to futuristic designs is evident in the new models, where the agile structure has been reinvented with bold linework and monochromatic transformations that span a variety of colors, including vibrant blue, pink, and a sleek all-black.

COMME des GARÇONS Collaborations

Each season, COMME des GARÇONS collaborates with multiple footwear brands, and this time around, four partnerships were continued. The CdGH+ revamped the Nike Air Max Dolce from 2002 with their unique touch. In addition, CdGH and New Balance introduced fresh white and gray versions of the ABZORB 2010 sneaker. Junya Watanabe MAN collaborated once more with the American sportswear brand, resulting in a new design that seemingly combines modern athletic footwear and lifestyle aesthetics. Lastly, CdG Shirt teamed up to develop three two-toned colorways for the latest ASICS GEL-DS LYTE sneakers.

JAH JAH x adidas Megaride S2

One newcomer to Paris Fashion Week this week is the Parisian brand JAH JAH. With roots in Rastafarian and Pan-African culture, their unique style was highlighted in a recent collaboration with adidas. Together, they transformed the Megaride S2 sneaker, featuring a yellow, green, and red gradient across the upper that honors Ethiopian heritage. This distinctive feature is wrapped in a diamond-patterned webbing that stretches across the shoe and helps create the iconic three stripes at the midfoot. Instead of traditional laces, a zipper runs down the tongue. The Megaride cushioning ensures comfort with every step.

Kiko Kostadinov Flip-Flop Sandals

This season, conversation-starters included the trend of flip-flops, from Louis Vuitton to sacai, where the “toes out” style was impossible to ignore. Among the various eye-catching designs, Kiko Kostadinov’s flip-flop sandals stood out as particularly intriguing. These sandals feature a three-layer footbed and a leather T-strap that comfortably supports the foot, further enhanced by a collapsible heel strap for practical adaptability.

Song for the Mute x adidas Tokyo & Samba LX Freizeit

Article Song for the Mute’s adidas Collaborations Gain Attention with Two Unique Sneaker Redesigns

The Song for the Mute (SFTM) collection recently grabbed attention, revealing its collaborative efforts with adidas on two distinctive footwear designs. Dubbed the SFTM-008 and SFTM-009, these creations have reinvented the Tokyo and Samba LX Freizeit sneakers. The SFTM-008 takes us back to the shoes we wore in gym class, using dynamic color blocking along with nylon and mesh upper choices. In contrast, the SFTM-009 transforms the Samba into a more formal sneaker by incorporating a dress shoe-inspired sole, complemented by leather uppers in black and chocolate brown.

POST ARCHIVE FACTION (PAF) x On Cloudboom Next

Last week at Pitti Uomo 108, POST ARCHIVE FACTION (PAF) unveiled their SS26 collection. Yet, they held back a significant unveiling for Paris, joining forces with On in their latest showroom. Following a successful first year as collaborators, PAF and On have crafted a new model called the Cloudboom Next. The upper design retains familiarity while employing a layered approach, featuring asymmetrical curves that stretch from one side of each shoe to the other. The sole unit is tiered, enhancing one’s height, while color options return to classic tones of dark brown and off-white.

AURALEE x New Balance 204L

For the Spring/Summer 2026 collection, Ryota Iwai’s AURALEE seamlessly blends Japanese sophistication with Parisian style. The understated runway presentation concealed a fresh collaboration with New Balance. Following their successful remodeling of the T500 for the Fall/Winter 25 season, they have now tackled one of New Balance’s most eagerly awaited sneakers in recent times: the 204L. This sleek, understated shoe showcases a mix of high-quality materials such as mesh, suede, and leather throughout its construction. Instead of displaying an AURALEE brand logo on the exterior, the brand lets its craftsmanship take center stage, creating color combinations of yellow and taupe, along with dark brown and off-white.

Wales Bonner x adidas

It’s undeniable that adidas truly shone this season, and they’re continuing to captivate us with their latest collections, such as those from Wales Bonner. The Karintha sneaker, previously introduced, is making a comeback, joining other designs like the Gazelle Indoor, Adizero Adios, Country, and F50 cleat. Moreover, there’s a style that was jointly designed with Yohji Yamamoto’s adidas line, Y-3. Each design showcases a blend of Wales Bonner’s stylish aesthetic and the 76-year legacy of adidas’ iconic Three Stripes.

2025-07-02 19:26