Footwear Collabs That Stole the Show at Fashion Week SS26
info@hypebae.com (Hypebae) Thu, 02 Oct 2025 Hypebae
The fashion week footwear game is always strong, but it's typically the clothing that dominates the runway conversation. However, this Spring/Summer 2026 season, the kicks were hard to miss. Footwear was no longer a supporting cast member and instead, firmly cemented its main character status. Through collaborations from the likes of Simone Rocha and Crocs and KNWLS and Nike, this season's shoes stole the show.
One major theme was designers linking up with streetwear heavyweights. Nike, PUMA and adidas were all in the mix, signaling loud and clear that comfort isn't going out of style anytime soon. These unexpected pairings didn't just blur the line between luxury and street; they also made high fashion feel more accessible.
Whether it's fluffy Mary Janes, corset-laced kicks or pointed Chucks, this season's standout shoes weren't just made for walking; they were made to be seen. Here are the collaborations that defined the SS26 runways.
KNWLS x Nike
KNWLS was set on making a statement this season, and that they did. Leaving London to debut in Milan, the brand also unveiled its first collaboration with Nike. Titled "Synergy," the collection was all about combining the brand's signature sensual and fierce codes with Nike's sportswear technicalities. Introducing the Air Max Muse ballet flat featuring corset-style lace-up detailing and a pointed toe. This is KNWLS like you've never seen it before.
Susan Fang x Nike, Rockfish Weatherwear & Melissa
Susan Fang blessed us with not one, not two, but three footwear collaborations for the SS26 show in London. Nike made another appearance with the chunky Dunk and V2K styles in soft baby-blue hues adorned with pearl-beaded Swoosh and pearl floral appliqués alongside organza lace detailing. Rockfish Weatherwear added a dose of whimsy with fuzzy boots and furry Mary Janes embellished with gemstones and bows, and finally, Melissa delivered the season's must-have jelly shoes, carved with cherry blossoms and coming together in a futuristic sporty ballerina.
Versace x Onitsuka Tiger
Versace unveiled a collaboration with Onitsuka Tiger at its SS26 show in Milan, which was also Dario Vitale's debut as Creative Director. The collab featured the sneaker brand's TAI-CHI silhouette, with double stitching on the logo stripes and Versace's Medusa symbol in studded embellishment on the tongue. The show also revealed a loafer-style silhouette, fusing the Italian and Japanese craftsmanship of the brands.
Talia Byre x UGGS
Talia Byre's collection saw her first shoe collaboration manifest in a series of UGGs that were chopped and changed with the shearling spilling out of chunky sneaker and trucker silhouettes. These fluffy boots paired with apron dresses screamed cool-girl and were a sincere reminder that the 2010s are definitely back.
Ahluwalia x PUMA
Ahluwalia's eclectic SS26 show was inspired by Bollywood films, Shakespearean tales and Motown music, and finished off with a PUMA collaboration. Reworking the brand's Suede silhouette in a new black and silver colorway, the shoe is crafted with mesh uppers and a gradient-effect midsole that results in something elegant and poetic.
Sinead Gorey x Converse
Sinead Gorey brought hot-mess sensibilities to her SS26 presentation in London, which was one big dance party in a festival-themed set. Inspired by Kate Moss at Glastonbury, ravers and the chaos of a night out in London, it was party-dressing meets expensive finesse. For the ultimate dance shoe, the designer partnered with Converse to give the classic Chuck Taylor a dirt-caked treatment and add tassels to the XX-Hi silhouette. Marking her third runway collab with the footwear brand, we're seeing the Chucks in a whole new party-girl light.
Monse x Sperry
New York-based label Monse stepped into the footwear category with lifestyle brand Sperry. Together, they developed a limited-edition capsule reimagining Sperry's classic boat shoe through a deconstructed lens. The designs feature grommet detailing, graffiti-inspired prints and platform silhouettes, each created to be both functional and playful.
Jawara Alleyne x Converse
For SS26, Jawara Alleyne built on his partnership with Converse after first collaborating for Notting Hill Carnival earlier this year with the Chuck Taylor 70s silhouette. For the designer's runway show, the two brands introduced more collaborative footwear alongside the Chuck 70 Pointed, which brought a chic yet playful touch to the otherwise minimalist shoe.
In other fashion week news, check out the biggest trends from SS26 so far.