Written by Menswear Style in Trends on the 13th January 2016

The New Year is the perfect time to expand your wardrobe with some new and fashionable footwear. 2016 promises to be a stellar year for men’s footwear styles, with some new ranges emerging and also some old favourites returning to the fore. To help you to choose the style that will work best for you, we’ve selected some of the finest footwear trends for 2016.

Leather low-top sneakers 

Leather low-tops offer more protection from the weather than most regular footwear, but they don’t compromise on style. These Converse Jack Purcell Signature Leather shoes will keep your feet drier than canvas or mesh pairs that are more suited for summer, and the soft premium leather won’t need to be broken in. They are available directly from Converse, and will look great with a pair of skinny jeans or tailored chinos.

Hiking boots 

Not usually recognised for being fashionable, the vast majority of hiking boots do not have many style points going for them. But, there are a growing number of fashion brands that are making hiking boots that look good as part of a casual outfit. These Timberland Icon 6-inch boots are a great example, with a classic design that goes well with chunky knits or flannel shirts. Don’t pair your boots with anything other than casualwear, though, as they will look pretty strange worn with something tailored.

Leather brogue boots 

The brogue boot is a classic style that is equally at home in the pub or in the office. Hard wearing and comfortable for those winter walks, but smart enough to be worn with a suit; the versatility of these boots is outstanding. The design we’ve chosen is the Anderson Drum Dye Tan pair from Hudson, which offers a wing-tip brogue design in drum-dyed leather. They have a premium-quality sole that has a nifty rubber grip for those icy surfaces.

Retro style sneakers 

A key trend in the men’s footwear market in recent years has been the retro sneaker, with sports and leisurewear brands regularly looking back into their heritage to update classic designs from the past. Not specifically a winter trend, these retro designs have proven popular all year round, with a huge following of fashion-conscious sneaker-heads eagerly awaiting the latest releases from their favourite brands. These adidas Originals Hamburg sneakers were first introduced way back in 1982 as part of their City series, and the brand have brought them back in a new colour range for the New Year. You won’t be able to get them until January 2016, but you can pre-order them from Northern Threads and they will be delivered as soon as they are in stock.

Monk-strap shoes 

For more formal occasions, or if your office has a smart dress code, there aren’t many classier designs than a pair of monk-strap shoes. These Reiss Paul monk-strap shoes in black are our pick thanks to their Italian craftsmanship and luxury pebbled leather. A more understated look, this pair avoids the often gaudy pointed toe in favour of a rounded design.

We feature Retro Sneakers, Brogue Boots, Monk-Strap Shoes, Hiking Boots and Low-top Sneakers in this guide to 5 Must-Know Footwear Trends for 2016.