World · Latin America · 10 hrs ago
Classic Shoes Gain Popularity Among Young People
Classic shoes such as loafers, derbies and oxfords are gaining popularity, including among young people in Brazil and elsewhere.
Loafers have no laces, while derbies and oxfords do; their lacing panels distinguish the two styles.
Global searches for loafers rose 40% in 2026 compared with the average of the previous five years, and derby searches rose 350% against that average.
Retailers say demand for these shoes has grown, giving them more space alongside sneakers.
People aged 18 to 24 lead searches for these styles on Pinterest, and a Brazilian shoe brand's founder says younger customers are helping drive the trend.
Some young shoppers see well-made classic shoes as durable alternatives to fashion that quickly goes out of style, while others wear them to look more professional.
The shift suggests classic footwear is challenging sneakers' informal dominance, but no next step is specified.
Classic shoes such as loafers, derbies and oxfords are gaining popularity among young people.
Global searches for loafers in 2026 were 40% higher than the average for the previous five years, according to Google Trends.
Derby searches rose 10% from 2025 and 350% compared with the average for the previous five years.
Retailers and shoe specialists in Brazil say demand for classic shoes has grown, with younger consumers helping drive the trend.
Pinterest says people aged 18 to 24 lead searches for loafers, derbies and oxfords on its platform.
- Who
- Young people, particularly those aged 18 to 24, are driving interest in classic shoes.
- What
- Loafers, derbies and oxfords are gaining popularity.
- When
- In 2026, searches for loafers and derbies were higher than in previous years.
- Where
- The search figures cited are global; Pinterest data refers to searches on its platform.
- Why
- Louie founder Livia Ribeiro says younger consumers are tired of disposable fashion and seek durable, well-made shoes.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Interest in derby shoes began to rise.
Searches for derby shoes in 2026 were compared with the previous year.
Global searches for loafers were 40% above the average for the previous five years.
- Loafer searches
- 40% above the global average for the previous five years in 2026
- Derby searches
- 10% higher in 2026 than in 2025
- Derby searches
- 350% above the average for the previous five years in 2026
- Pinterest loafer searches
- 48% of searchers were aged 18 to 24
- Fashion retailer
- Renner reported increased demand for classic shoes
What people are saying
Percebemos um crescimento na procura por essa categoria de calçados, que recentemente tem ganhado espaço em comparação ao tênis, por exemplo.
O público mais velho continua nos clássicos, mas a gente tem visto um rejuvenescimento de quem procura por esses modelos
Eu acho que tem um cansaço do descartável. A geração mais nova já vem com essa cultura de gastar menos e gastar melhor
Passa um ar de profissionalismo, principalmente para