We’re firm believers that shoes can make or break an outfit. You can throw on the simplest white tee and jeans, but add the right pair of shoes and suddenly, it’s a look. Lately, there’s a lot happening below the ankles. Tabi shoes aren’t going anywhere just yet, loafers are getting chunkier, ballet-inspired details remain in rotation, and statement sneakers are only getting bolder. Even running shoes are becoming objects of desire beyond race day.

So whether you’re looking for your next everyday pair, something to wear to your next event, or running shoes that might help you chase that new PR, these are some of the shoes worth having on your radar this season.

Mave the Label

Why settle for choosing a pair when you can practically design one yourself? Local footwear brand Mave the Label keeps its silhouettes relatively simple, but gives you plenty of ways to make them your own. Start by choosing among shades like Espresso, Ballet Pink, Red Wine, Noir Black, and Buttercream. Then pick your heel: flat, wedge, block heel, or kitten heel.

The fun really starts with the charms. You can dress up your pair with everything from dainty butterflies and classic ribbons to statement orchids and dahlias. Since they’re removable, you can switch them around depending on your outfit or mood. Customized pairs start at P3,150, while charms start at P200.

Converse Run Star Crush

If you believe that chunkier is better when it comes to sneakers, the Converse Run Star Crush deserves a look. The silhouette takes the familiar Chuck and gives it a much bolder profile with an exaggerated platform sole and sculptural proportions. It’s still unmistakably Converse, just with enough attitude to become the focal point of an otherwise simple outfit. The shoe also arrives amid a new era for the brand, with aespa’s Karina joining Converse as an ambassador and debuting in the Chuck 70 X and Run Star Crush.

Converse is available at Power Plant Mall, Gateway Mall, select Ayala Malls and SM Malls, and Robinsons Department Stores.

PUMA Suede Bloom

The classic PUMA Suede got a little prettier! The silhouette has been around since 1968, but the Suede Bloom gives the streetwear staple a more delicate update with bead-accented laces and feminine detailing. It’s the kind of sneaker that works especially well when you want sneaker comfort without making an outfit feel overly sporty. Pair it with jeans for an easy everyday look, or lean into the contrast and wear it with a skirt or dress.

Apara Double Strap Sandals in Red

Sometimes, all an outfit needs is a really good red shoe. Apara’s Double Strap Sandals make a strong case for adding one to your rotation. The local brand’s take features two slim straps and a sculpted kitten heel, all rendered in supple kid leather. The silhouette curves gently from heel to toe, giving an otherwise minimalist sandal a more interesting shape. The red pair is an instant statement, but there’s also a black version if you’re after something easier to wear with practically everything.

The Double Strap Sandals are available online and at Apara’s flagship store along Chino Roces in Makati.

Melissa Royal Plus

Loafers aren’t leaving our wardrobes anytime soon, and Melissa is giving the preppy staple some extra height. The Melissa Royal Plus (PHP 6,495) combines the classic loafer silhouette with a chunky platform and injected EVA sole, so you get the height without making your feet do all the work. Fringe detailing on the upper adds a playful touch, making the pair feel less corporate and better suited to everyday styling.

Wear them with socks and a mini skirt, trousers for work, or jeans when you want your usual outfit to feel a little more polished.

Nike Alphafly 4

Your pair of the season doesn’t necessarily have to be for fashion alone. If you’ve signed up for a year-end race—or you’re already thinking about your next personal best—the Nike Alphafly 4 might be the splurge pair on your radar. Priced at P15,495, Nike touts it as its lightest and most responsive Alphafly yet, built for marathoners and runners chasing faster times.

The latest version packs plenty of running tech into one shoe, including a new Atomknit upper, ZoomX LT foam, updated Air Zoom units, a carbon-fiber Flyplate, and Fast Shot outsole. The Nike Alphafly 4 drops on the Nike app on October 29.

Alberto Tabi Shoes

If you’ve been waiting for tabi shoes to disappear, you might have to wait a little longer. The split-toe silhouette is still very much around, and you don’t necessarily have to spend designer prices to try the trend. Alberto offers several versions starting at P1,499, making the look much easier to try.

For more casual days, there’s the Fran Tabi Shoes and Even Tabi Mules at P1,499 each. If you want something dressier, the Addie Tabi Slingback, Araminta Tabi Slip-On Shoes, Arianne Tabi Split-Toe Shoes, and Aviana Tabi Split-Toe Shoes are priced at P1,699 each. Consider this your relatively low-commitment way of finding out whether you’re finally ready to join Team Tabi.

PUMA x Rose Speedcat

Just when you thought you’d seen every possible version of the Speedcat, ROSÉ gives the sneaker another update. PUMA and the BLACKPINK member have introduced two new editions of the popular silhouette in earthy brown and deep burgundy. Instead of the Speedcat’s usual motorsport-forward look, these versions come in nappy nubuck leather and deeper, nature-inspired hues that make them particularly easy to style. The P7,900 shoes retain the sleek Speedcat profile while adding wrapped laces and custom ROSÉ branding on the tongue.

The PUMA x ROSÉ Speedcat is available through PUMA’s website, flagship stores, and select stockists nationwide.

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