In an unexpected fashion twist, Gen Z is now embracing luxury footwear. At first, they championed clunky boots, Crocs, and UGGs. The rise of cozy, comfort-driven fashion came as a surprise. Nonetheless, something deeper is now unfolding. This generation has started buying brogues, and that marks a significant shift.
Traditionally, wing-tipped, leather-heeled Oxfords belonged to finance professionals and British aristocrats. Meanwhile, the same generation that turned pajama pants into streetwear staples is suddenly obsessed with burnished leather and stacked heels. In many ways, it feels like they’ve discovered an exclusive drop, only this time, it’s steeped in heritage and craftsmanship.
So, what exactly is going on? Let’s dive into this suede-smelling rabbit hole.
From Casual Comfort to Luxury Craftsmanship
The sneaker bubble is bursting, and this is happening quickly. Decades of hyped-up drops and resale mania are catching up. Everyone has a Jordan 1 or Yeezy 350. People are searching for new ways to express themselves. The answer lies in luxury footwear. This conservative, underappreciated type of luxury footwear is rather chic. It gives off an I-read-The-Financial-Times vibe. Gen Z is not abandoning comfort; they want something better. They prefer quality over glitz and talent over fame.
They have seen the crazy resale sneaker market. Therefore, they are seeking leather soles and Goodyear welts. They also want hand-stitched tops. These types of luxury footwear appreciate with age. The best part is that they are doing it subtly. This movement is called “quiet luxury.”
The Rise of “Quiet Luxury”
The term “quiet luxury” has become a major aspirational trend. Specifically, it gained momentum after the rise of the show Succession. Now, Gen Z no longer screams their status; instead, they whisper it through vegetable-tanned leather and understated details. In particular, hand-burnished toe caps take center stage. Rather than flashy logos or loud branding, they lean into subtlety. Think The Row, not Off-White. Consider Steve Jobs’s minimalist turtlenecks, clean, deliberate, and timeless.
This kind of luxury footwear embraces restraint. By wearing it, they communicate, “I prefer old-fashioned things.” At the same time, it subtly implies they might own a fountain pen or have a bookshelf curated by intention, not algorithm. Interestingly, most people don’t even recognize what brogues are. As a result, this lack of mainstream awareness creates a form of stylish gatekeeping, one that feels exclusive, clever, and, frankly, a little fun.
The Thrift-Flipping and “Old Money” Obsession
Brogues aren’t just fashion statements; in fact, they represent smart investments. For instance, you can find vintage formal shoes in thrift stores, often from prestigious brands like Church’s, Alden, or Crockett & Jones. Even better, these high-end shoes usually cost only a fraction of their original price. With just a quick polish and a smug Instagram caption, you can instantly upgrade your look. In no time, your $35 find feels like $800 luxury footwear.
At the same time, the “old money” aesthetic continues to gain traction. Granted, Gen Z faces student debt; however, they still make a conscious effort to dress with sophistication. As a result, they channel the image of Hamptons socialites, Negroni in hand, brogues on foot. Clearly, brogues tick every box: they’re old-fashioned, aristocratic, and, perhaps most significantly, strikingly distinctive.
Gender Fluidity and Fashion Freedom
Brogues were once for stiff men in boardrooms. Those days are now gone forever. Gen Z has shattered gendered fashion. They did it with the elegance of a sledgehammer. Brogue enthusiasts cross gender divides. They also style their luxury footwear in new ways. You’ll see brogues with femme-coded outfits. You will also see them with bespoke cargo pants. They are not dressing according to their father’s rules. This trend has not escaped luxury brands. Gucci and Prada are experimenting. They are creating new platforms and silhouettes. They are updating the brogue while keeping its integrity.
The TikTokification of Taste
TikTok is Gen Z’s ultimate personal stylist. Influencers are trading in sneaker hauls. They are creating videos of their vintage shoe collections. These videos get millions of views. Imagine a grad student in Paris. They have scuffed Allen Edmonds and a cappuccino. That’s instant main character energy. Brogues are now an algorithm. They are attaining ironic cool points. You do not need to be a fashion expert. You only need an outfit that says something. It should say, “I wrote a blog about philosophy.” This luxury footwear is becoming a cultural statement.
The Leather Sole Reigns Supreme
In conclusion, Gen Z is fully embracing luxury footwear. More specifically, they are choosing brogues over sneakers. Clearly, dressing up is fashionable again, and at the same time, subtlety is making a comeback. Is this surprising? Absolutely. However, it’s also completely justified.
Gen Z isn’t abandoning style; on the contrary, they are elevating their fashion choices as they move forward in life. And notably, they’re doing it in spit-spot leather. This luxury footwear features stacked heels and sturdy soles; after all, these shoes were built for walking. Beyond functionality, they make a statement of sophisticated taste.
At this point, sneakers have had their moment. Now, it’s time for brogues to take the spotlight. Looking ahead, this trend in luxury footwear is just beginning. Indeed, it reflects a shift in values toward quality, heritage, and timeless design. Ultimately, it marks the beginning of a new era in fashion. Gen Z is leading the charge, a nd in doing so, they’re showing the rest of us the way forward.
