Written by Orla Lavery in Essentials on the 11th April 2017

As summer is just around the corner we’ve decided to turn our focus to what men should be wearing on their feet this season. From plimsolls to platforms and brogues to boots, here’s a list of the footwear trends that were the heart and sole of this season’s runway shows.

1. The Revamped Sandal 

The simple sandal in all its regenerated variations dominated the SS17 menswear shows. From cross thong thick-soled sandals at Hilfiger (quite the mouthful, and quite the statement) to the simpler double-banded sandals at Hermes. We were big fans of the leather woven variations at Missoni, which are are an easy complement to classic summer menswear style. Pair with light coloured cotton or linen to give your look a relaxed holiday vibe. If you’re looking to make more of a statement with your sandals then balance your look with some colour in a blazer or trousers so that the shoes don’t do all the talking.

2. The Posh Plimsoll 

The posh plimsoll may have you hankering for schooldays gone by but this style exudes a sporty vibe that can be perfectly accented with a flash of colour in the laces (see Lanvin SS17). The off-white simple formulations shown at Issey Miyake are easy to emulate and work particularly well with knee-grazing shorts or trousers rolled up twice to make a little cuff that reveals a touch of ankle (British weather dependent).

3. The Sneaker Brogue 

More training shoe than brogue, this sneaker hybrid makes for a fantastic transitional wardrobe piece to complete a dapper-meets-sporty look. The styles sported at Givenchy and Rick Owens (although barely visible under the traipsing bottoms) made high-fashion footwear look comfortable and stylish, hurrah! The sneaker brogue is the ideal accomplice for summer days wandering round the city and looks great with jeans or simple shorts.

4. The Platform Sole 

The extra thick variation of the commando trainer sole was everywhere this season. From Versace to Armani to Dries Van Noten, the thick geometric wedges of sole were seen on sneakers, heavy-duty boots, brogues and Oxfords. Be warned this shoe trend airs on the side of high-maintenance as summer looks go but the shoes look great when worn with a classic tailored blazer and ankle grazing bottoms.

5. The Heavy Duty Boot 

Heavy-duty footwear trickled its way into this summer’s collections and despite its unseasonal appearance, it worked. At Acne, what can only be described as a Chelsea boot-wellington crossbreed in bright shades of brown and mustard was paired with pale stone and turquoise looks. While at Dries Van Noten (DVN) black patent leather boots adorned with excessive buckles and studs strode down the runway. For a high fashion look follow DVN and pair with printed knee-length shorts. Alternatively, go for a subtler look and tuck casual loose fitting jeans in a light summery wash into the boots.

We feature Sandal, Plimsoll, High-Top Brogue, Platform Sole and the Heavy Duty Boot in this guide to 5 Must-Know SS17 Footwear Trends.