Padded Perfection
Following the SS23 footwear season, there is no doubt that long-lasting durable and natural materials will remain essential as sustainability drives leather material choices for footwear designs.
The chunky shoe movement has been around for the last few years, but has since changed from chunky soles to puffy sandals, which appear much more minimalistic and putting comfort first. Consumers are looking to support brands who not only understand the importance of the environment and sustainable practices, but also create footwear that is mood-boosting, comfortable and minimalist.
With the changing aesthetics and trends, the quality and styles of footwear have considerably changed and evolved to provide comfort to consumers. We have seen a rise in footwear designers creating flats and heels with cosy padded construction, which offers a visual sense of comfort, and incites a feeling of trust in the brand due to the muted tones and materials used that support the eco-conscious consumer. The padded or puffy shoe is characterised by puffy straps and a padded comfortable footbed, and to implement this trend, the design itself should evoke feelings of wellness and wholeness in the consumer.
@Sinobi, the Ukrainian footwear brand has mastered the art of comfort and simplicity of padded construction, with the use of geometric block soles and responsibly sourced leather, they have created a range of platform flip flops and sandals in a range of fun summer colours that suit loungewear to the summer dress. SINOBI have designed a recycled EVA insole in collaboration with the Arvitum Orthopedic Centre, in order to provide their customers wellness while wearing their footwear.
The padded puffy sandal are designed for everyday use, and are easy to combine with any outfit. Some favourites include summer dresses, wide leg jeans, elegant linen sets and even loungewear, but the list is endless.
The question is, will this trend survive into 2024?
The short answer, absolutely. The thong sandal is a huge trend going into 2024, and we are bound to see variations of this, including the padded and puffer sandal. Padded and puffer footwear are geometric and graphic, and designers are adding their own take to their designs, creating futuristic and ultra modern footwear collections. It is thought that padded footwear and fashion accessories give the feeling of being on a cloud or pillowed, something consumers will value going into 2024 with inflation on the rise and climate crisis concerns.