Although it took Toronto some time to get the memo, the weather around the city is slowly starting to shift toward our regularly scheduled breeze. If you’re sitting on your couch thinking about ways to optimize your wardrobe this fall then look no further than the industry’s most popular shoes.
We’ve surveyed an ensemble of local designers, stylists and archivists about what shoes they think will reign supreme on the streets of Toronto this fall, giving you a style upgrade just in time.
Athletic sneakers are here to stay
Throughout the summer, an athletic or running sneaker paired with white tube socks and your choice of biker shorts or sweat shorts could have been our city’s uniform.
This cozy, yet put-together look began with the popularity of athletic-engineered running shoes like the Hoka One One or the Nike Air Max. but since then, Salomon is continuing its reign with the XT-4 and XT-6. Both gorpcore sneakers are tailored to mountain hiking and feature a strong mix of cool-toned colourways to fit into your monochromatic wardrobe. Plus, it’s really easy to find pairs covered in Gore-tex to ensure your feet stay dry.
New Balance and Nike have dominated the athletic sneaker game for a while, and the Air Max 95 or New Balance 2002R are their golden children come fall. Both silhouettes are chunky enough to fit seamlessly under a pair of wide cargo pants or vintage jeans, making them ideal for this season.
Heensie Low is a size-inclusive personal stylist from Toronto who has seen an influx of Asics on her client’s mood boards for shoes this fall.
“I’ve seen a big uptick in interest for Asics, specifically the GEL-1130 as well as the GT-2160,” said Low. “Most are seeking silver, which doesn’t surprise me as it’s clearly such a big trend this season. I think thematically Y2K in general does a great job of marrying nostalgia and something more futuristic, and the Asics Gel series captures this perfectly.”
Trends will be trends
The Adidas Samba evolved from its Blokecore era of summer 2022 into an easygoing silhouette that somehow suited everyone’s aesthetic. This season, expect it to be paired under wide pants, topped off by a zip-up track jacket or oversized hoodie — or with a maxi skirt for the ultimate mixed aesthetic look.
The Birkenstock Boston, on the other hand, was a pandemic clog that gave people the chance to stay cozy while looking fly. It has now become a staple for Toronto influencers, who tend to pair the shoe with comfortable denim bottoms or a pair of work pants.
This fall, both silhouettes remain prevalent, much to the joy of some and the annoyance of others. Drakes, a local designer, told Streets of Toronto those “wack ass Sambas” would still be around this season.
Wear the shoes at your leisure, but be wary that you may look like everyone else.
Pack your bags, we’re going to Europe
Over the summer, traveling Torontonians took home more than just a tan from their European vacation. Expect white leather sneakers to be snatched off the shelves of Italy and taken to the 6ix, along with moto boots and chunky-soled loafers.
The latter is a weatherized version of its summer sibling, trading slippery smooth soles for larger rubber ones with divots for traction. Vintage content creators have been eating them up in the days leading into the fall, and I expect Toronto locals to do the same.
Archival clothing specialist Alex Maxamenko believes wholeheartedly that moto and combat boots will be another staple for locals.
“I think a lot of people have stepped away from more hype sneakers and are moving toward a wardrobe staple. I think combat and moto style leather boots will be coming into heavy play,” said Maxamenko.
He also mentioned that white leather sneakers will replace hyped shoes like the Nike Dunk, especially with the advent of the Adidas Gat and the resurgence of Maison Margiela.
The winner
If we had to crown one shoe the winner in terms of general popularity, unfortunately for Drakes, we’d have to give it to the Samba. Enduring in popularity for over a year now with no signs of slowing down, this versatile sneaker can pretty much do it all — and in a bunch of cool colourways, no one would blame you if you snag a pair for the fall.