There’s no denying that April is a chaotic month. Spring is upon us, arriving with the feared debate of what to wear to handle a sudden London downpour and a perfect sunny day within the same hour. Navigating the current footwear landscape feels like a sport in itself because the options range from delicate lace to aggressive mountain-ready treads that look like they could scale the Eiger.
Schön! spent the Easter break diving into the latest drops that promote technological innovation alongside a genuine passion for archival references. Expect to see weightless Parisian lace, folklore-inspired trail boots and predatory German suede all vying for space on your shoe rack this season. Everything about the current climate suggests that looking practical and looking eccentric are no longer mutually exclusive goals. Whether you’re dodging puddles in East London or heading to a rooftop in Manhattan, a versatile pair serves as the primary tool for surviving the shifting weather throughout the coming months.
Starting off at Jimmy Choo, the Sunny trainer arrives as a breath of fresh air for anyone tired of the bulky, dad-shoe silhouettes that have dominated the pavement for far too long. Diaphanous lace replaces heavy leather to give the shoe a weightless quality that feels incredibly light underfoot, even during the most frantic day of back-to-back meetings. Its name reflects a focus on joy and positivity, making it a natural choice for those hazy afternoons when heavy boots feel like a chore. Refined textures embellish an athletic shape here, offering a delicate alternative that stays functional enough for a fast-paced day. Lace has always been a cornerstone of the house, appearing on their most legendary red-carpet heels for decades and most recently as a star of their Spring 2026 campaign.
The Sunny trainer is available at Jimmy Choo boutiques and through select wholesale partners worldwide. Find out more here.
Shifting gears into a new era at Balenciaga, the Radar sneaker arrives as a celebration of high-tech awareness and modern agility. Just a few days ago, the Maison launched a high-energy campaign for the new silhouette featuring Katy Perry, Hugo Ekitike and Yao Chen in matching athleisure. The double lacing system threads around the entire upper to create a web-like structure that grips the foot from every angle, offering a fit that feels almost anatomical. Agility is the main focus here, with a streamlined form that feels far more responsive and light than the chunky, oversized silhouettes of previous seasons. Greyscale tones and baby pink accents offer a diverse palette, marking a fresh, sleek direction for the house. Piccioli is famously known for his romantic and voluminous couture, so his first major footwear project for the brand moves toward something surprisingly sleek and technical, upgrading the ‘ugly shoe’ previously introduced by Demna.
The Radar sneaker is available at Balenciaga boutiques and through select wholesale partners worldwide. Find out more here.
Meanwhile, Sandro looks toward the streets of Paris with the Light Wave sneaker to infuse a bit of retro-inspired minimalism into your daily rotation. The unlined construction is a game-changer; it means the foot stays cool and promotes a fluidity of movement that avoids the rigid feel of traditional sneakers. Suede variations in rich chocolate or soft beige provide a warm, tactile texture, while a crinkled silver metallic version caters to those who want a bit of a sheen on their morning commute. The minimalist lines and an extra-flat rubber sole keep the look focused and clean, perfect for that effortless Parisian aesthetic we all try to emulate. Designers at Sandro actually drew inspiration from the 1970s running boom, a period when track shoes first started appearing in non-sporting contexts globally. By using LWG Gold-certified suede, the brand ensures your environmental footprint is just as light as the physical weight of the shoe itself.
The Light Wave sneaker is available at Sandro retail stores and online. Find out more here.
On the other end of the spectrum, AMI Paris introduces the Mirage sneakers to anchor the daily wardrobe with a heavy dose of technical durability. The rubber lugged soles provide a sturdy, industrial base, whether you opt for the bronze green mesh or the monochrome white nappa leather for a cleaner look. Available in textures ranging from taupe beige knit to sleek leather, the shoe carries the signature ‘Ami de Cœur’ heart logo on the tongue as a tribute to Alexandre Mattiussi’s playful and inclusive design language. Craftsmanship from the heart of the sneaker industry ensures these pairs handle the friction of city life without any trouble or wear. Interestingly, early prototypes were spotted during the Autumn/Winter 2025 show, instantly drawing attention to AMI’s evolving footwear narrative.
The Mirage sneaker is available at AMI Paris boutiques and online. Find out more here.
Heading toward the peaks of the Alps, Salomon and Rier launch a collaboration that looks like a love letter to mountain folklore and high-altitude heritage. Optical white dominates the collection, designed specifically to mirror the pristine wool socks worn in traditional celebrations across Austria and South Tyrol. High-top laces and strategic drainage holes make the XA Jungle a practical choice for anyone wandering beyond the paved world, while the 3D Advanced Chassis keeps the foot secure on uneven, muddy ground. Those drainage holes and minimal padding ensure these shoes dry almost instantly, making them a solid companion for an unpredictable April hike where a rain shower is almost a guarantee. Rier’s creative director, Andreas Steiner, has frequently utilised his Tyrolean roots to combine utility and design. This third chapter in their partnership reinforces a shared obsession with mineral architecture and the natural interventions found in Vienna.
This exclusive collaboration is available at Salomon and Rier flagship stores and select retailers. Find out more here.
Finally, reaching deep into the archives, Puma and No/Faith Studios dig into 2005 to bring back the Beisser – a shoe with a literal bite. Aggressive tread patterns shaped like predatory mandibles define the silhouette, giving it a feral, raw character that stands out in the market. Premium brown suede wraps the upper to add a rich, organic feel to the otherwise sculptural and edgy design. The distressed sole units are particularly cool, giving the pair a weathered, hand-finished look from the very first wear. The name itself carries a hidden history; ‘Beisser’ translates from German to mean ‘biter,’ a direct reference to the vicious, toothy aesthetic of the original mid-noughties runner.
The Beisser sneaker is available through Puma and No/Faith Studios online and in select concept stores. Find out more here.
photography. courtesy of Sandro, AMI Paris, Jimmy Choo, Salomon & Rier, Puma & No/Faith Studios, Balenciaga
words. Gennaro Costanzo
