Spring and summer have a habit of exposing weak footwear. The boots feel too heavy, the trainers too predictable, and suddenly you are stuck rotating the same safe options while everything else in your wardrobe moves on.

For SS26, the shift is clear. Footwear is becoming more directional, with stronger shapes, better materials and a move away from anything too minimal or forgettable. The problem is, not everything coming off the runway translates to real life.

This is where Kleman comes in. Built on workwear foundations, its designs naturally lend themselves to these new directions, offering versions of the season’s key trends that feel considered, wearable and built to last.

These are the key men’s shoe trends for SS26 that actually earn their place in your rotation.

Strappy Sandal

The sandal has quietly grown up. What used to feel like a last-minute holiday fix now sits firmly in the modern wardrobe, and for SS26 it is everywhere. From Prada to Hermès, the strappy sandal has been pushed front and centre on the runway, styled with everything from relaxed tailoring to oversized outerwear.

The difference, as ever, is in the translation. What looks good on a runway does not always hold up in real life. That is where Kleman comes into its own.

The key is build. Thicker straps, proper leather and a solid sole give the sandal weight and intent. That is what keeps it masculine and stops it from drifting into something flimsy or overly styled. You want it to feel like a shoe that happens to be open, not something delicate.

Kleman approaches this with a workwear mindset. The Ballast is the anchor, with wide straps and a sturdy base that feels grounded and practical. In cognac, it leans warm and easy, ideal with ecru trousers or washed denim. The olive version feels slightly more fashion-led without trying too hard, while darker tones keep things sharper for everyday city wear.

Alongside that, styles like the Ilot offer a slightly cleaner take. Still structured, still robust, but pared back enough to sit comfortably with smarter outfits. Lightweight trousers, a loose shirt, even soft tailoring on hotter days.

The key with styling is contrast. Let the sandal relax the look, but keep everything else considered. Tailored shorts, linen trousers, pleated cotton. Pieces with shape and intention.

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Chunky Penny Loafer

The penny loafer has had a reset. Once tied to Ivy League polish and slimmer tailoring, it has been reworked for SS26 into something heavier, more grounded and far easier to wear. You see it across collections from Miu Miu to Bottega Veneta, where chunkier soles and exaggerated proportions give it a completely different attitude.

The shift is subtle but important. It is less about looking sharp, more about feeling substantial. That extra weight underfoot makes the loafer sit better with modern wardrobes, especially as fits get wider and more relaxed.

Kleman’s take leans naturally into this. Rooted in workwear, its loafers already carry more presence than traditional versions, which makes them an easy entry point into the trend. The Cotteur is a standout, particularly in suede. Softer in texture but still built on a solid sole, it feels right for spring and summer without losing that sense of structure. It works just as well with loose tailoring as it does with denim or fatigue-style trousers.

If you want something sharper, leather options bring a bit more polish without tipping into formality. Darker tones feel cleaner and slightly dressier, while lighter shades open things up for warmer weather and more relaxed styling.

The beauty of the chunky loafer is its adaptability. It takes the place of a trainer when you want to elevate a look, but does not demand the same effort as a traditional dress shoe. Worn with shorts, it feels confident rather than try-hard. With trousers, it anchors the outfit and gives it weight.

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Moc Toe Derby

If there is one shoe that defines Kleman, it is this. The moc toe derby sits right at the intersection of workwear and everyday style, and for SS26 it feels more relevant than ever.

You only have to look at the wider shift in menswear to see why. Utility, durability and substance are all back on the agenda, with brands like Auralee and Engineered Garments leaning heavily into workwear references. The moc toe fits neatly into that space, offering something that feels authentic rather than styled.

Kleman’s Major is the benchmark. The defining feature is the moc-toe stitching, which gives it a familiar, almost boot-like character, but cut low and refined enough to wear daily. It has presence without feeling bulky, and the sole adds just enough weight to ground wider trousers and looser silhouettes.

What makes it particularly strong for spring and summer is the range of finishes. Softer leathers and suede options, especially in lighter tones like beige or cognac, take the edge off and make it feel more seasonal. They work well with ecru denim, pleated trousers, or even tailored separates if you want to blur the line between casual and smart.

Darker versions, on the other hand, lean more classic. They hold their own with sharper outfits and offer a dependable option when you want something a bit more structured without going full dress shoe.

It is the kind of pair you end up reaching for without thinking. Comfortable, versatile and just distinctive enough to stand apart from everything else in your rotation.

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The T-Bar

The surprise inclusion this season, but one that makes a lot of sense when you see it in context.

The T-Bar has been quietly gaining traction for SS26, showing up in collections from Maison Margiela to JW Anderson. It sits in that increasingly relevant space between categories, not quite a sandal, not quite a loafer, which is exactly why it works.

At first glance, it feels like a statement. In reality, it is far more wearable than you expect. The open upper brings breathability, while the strap adds just enough detail to give it character without overcomplicating things.

Kleman’s Rade keeps everything grounded. The shape is clean, the build is solid, and the colours stay firmly in wearable territory. Camel and brown feel warm and easy through summer, while khaki offers something slightly different without pushing too far.

What makes it work is how it interacts with the rest of an outfit. It softens heavier pieces and adds interest to simpler ones. Wide trousers, cropped hems and relaxed tailoring all benefit from that bit of openness around the foot. Even a straightforward shirt-and-trousers combination feels more considered.

It is not about making a statement. It is about having something that quietly shifts the feel of what you are wearing.

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A paid partnership with Kleman – words and opinions are Ape’s own.