Classic Shoe Styles Stage a Comeback at Atlanta Shoe Market

Retailers and brands embrace heritage looks as demand for loafers, clogs and boots rises after years of sneaker dominance.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 10:39pm

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At the recent Atlanta Shoe Market trade show, footwear brands presented their fall 2026 collections to an enthusiastic crowd of retail buyers. Attendance and exhibitor numbers were up, and classic leather styles like loafers, clogs, ballerina flats and tall boots were gaining ground after years of sneaker popularity. Brands leaned into heritage looks updated with elevated materials and details like studs. While sneakers remained a major component, there was a shift towards a more balanced assortment including dress styles and boots.

Why it matters

The resurgence of classic shoe silhouettes at the Atlanta Shoe Market signals a broader trend shift in the footwear industry, as consumers return to the office and seek out more diverse wardrobes beyond just athleisure and performance sneakers. This presents opportunities for brands to revive heritage styles and cater to evolving consumer preferences.

The details

Across footwear categories, brands showcased classic styles like loafers, clogs, ballerina flats and tall boots, updating them with elevated materials such as soft unlined leathers, suede, patent, ponyhair and embossed snakeskin. Many added rocker-chic details like studs. In the boot category, the focus shifted slightly away from Western styles towards sculpted high-heeled tall boots and more classic options like engineer, harness and Chelsea boots. While sneakers remained a major part of collections, there was a noticeable move towards a more balanced assortment to meet diverse consumer demands.

  • The Atlanta Shoe Market trade show took place in February 2026.
  • The show featured brands' fall 2026 footwear collections.

The players

Atlanta Shoe Market (TASM)

A twice-annual trade show where footwear brands present their latest collections to retail buyers.

Matt Feiner

Chief commercial officer of Ecco, a footwear brand that is embracing its heritage and reviving vintage styles for fall 2026.

Rich Rask

President of Rieker Shoe Corp., a brand that sees strong demand for boots and a balanced assortment of sneakers, casual shoes, dress styles and boots.

Jerry Williamson

Senior vice president of business development for footwear at Aetrex, a brand expanding into "modern casuals" that blend trend-right styling with comfort technology.

Alex Cantu

Commercial manager at SureWerx, a safety footwear specialist that was able to navigate tariff challenges by upgrading styles and maintaining price points.

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What they’re saying

“Dress is coming back. We had a phenomenal boot season last year, and we think we're well-positioned to perform well in that space. Because we have our own leather business, we can offer beautiful, handcrafted, quality leathers—and comfort.”

— Matt Feiner, Chief commercial officer of Ecco

“It's 100 percent driven by the customers returning to the office.”

— Rich Rask, President of Rieker Shoe Corp.

“I wouldn't say any one particular thing is doing better than others right now. It's just a lot more balanced.”

— Jerry Williamson, Senior vice president of business development for footwear at Aetrex

The takeaway

The resurgence of classic shoe styles at the Atlanta Shoe Market reflects a broader industry shift as consumers return to the office and seek more diverse footwear options beyond just athleisure and sneakers. This presents an opportunity for brands to revive heritage looks and cater to evolving consumer preferences, while also maintaining a balanced assortment to meet varied customer demands.