A total of 150 brands exhibited at the second edition of the Just Around the Corner (JATC) trade fair in Manchester, which took place on August 2-3. Exhibitors were housed in zones dedicated to their respective industries, including a large area dedicated to shoes and accessories.
The footwear and accessories section, which occupied much of the first floor at the entrance to the show, featured both independent brands and global brands, some looking to enter the UK market for the first time. For the upcoming Spring/Summer 2023, FashionUnited has summarized some of the standout footwear trends spotted at JATC Manchester below.
Color block sneakers
Colorful shoes featured prominently on many exhibitor stands, exceeding the natural and white hues in most cases. This was especially true for sneakers and casual shoes, where many brands opted for bold color-block tones, taking inspiration from retro designs. While most models came in slim, elegant silhouettes, some brands went for more distinctive shapes and platform soles – a trend aimed at the younger target group who are particularly interested in oversize shoes.
Striking sandals
This tendency to stick to chunky silhouettes also applied to the S/S23 sandal models. Many women’s sandals have been fitted with dramatic platform soles made from various materials such as wood, cork or rubber. While some focused on the bottom of the shoe, others also enlarged the top, adding oversized buckles and wide straps. This trend was primarily picked up by exhibitors, who concentrated their range on women’s shoes and placed the look between similarly chunky ankle boots and sneakers.
loafers
Loafers played a big part in both women’s and men’s footwear this season, and while some stuck to more traditional designs, others opted for modern twists on the classic silhouette. A number of brands adapted the look by using raised soles, giving the design a modern twist. Still others opted for eye-catching embellishments such as an oversized chain or cut-out eyelets. In other variants, the loafer has remained true to its origins, using leather-look buckles and tassels as a link to old shoe models.
Patterned sandals
Patterned sandals offered a colorful take on the summer shoe and featured in everything from flip flops to strappy to mules. This style was particularly popular with the sustainable brands at the show, all of whom had been exploring new ways to create attractive yet ethically made sandals. A notable addition was a collection of mules from the Freedom Moses brand, represented by Self Service. The label’s vegan shoes featured bold colors and prints and were made with the intention of using fewer materials. A special feature was that they had the light scent of milk and honey.
Printed sneakers
In line with the trend towards colorful footwear, another bold Spring ’23 trend was the trend towards printed and patterned sneakers. Most models came in simple silhouettes, often with white soles and toe caps and white laces. For men, these models were kept in subtle colors such as forest green or dark blue and provided with prints such as camouflage. For women, on the other hand, patterns revolved around floral and geometric prints and varied more drastically in color choices.
Read in the first part of this report the trends for HAKA and DOB.
This article was previously published on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Barbara Russ