UNBOXED: THE BEST PAIRS TO SHOP THIS WEEK
9 September 2026Your weekly roundup of the pairs worth copping this week
Since 2005, we’ve seen the footwear market shift at increasing speed every year. Trends come and go, new brands enter the industry and some even stick around. Over that time, we’ve learned a thing or two about what makes a good pair of shoes—from loafers to trail runners and everything in between. Unboxed is your weekly shopping appointment, removing the noise and laying out the pairs worth your time right now.
This week, there's no mistaking the change in the seasons. While sneakers still feature, the focus lands firmly on the more hard-wearing end of the spectrum. From the everyday applicability of the Clarks Originals Wallabee to heavy-duty options from Diemme or Vagabond, consider this your sign to start thinking about autumn and winter.
Made in the Italian Dolomites, Diemme comes from the right place to be making mountaineering boots. The added value here is that nobody's making hiking boots that look this good. The Cornaro eats bad weather and tough terrain for breakfast and this exclusive colourway is a dream for seasonal styling.
The Air Force 1 might be at its most recognisable in Triple White, but we're yet to see a more autumn-appropriate palette than this. Just the right amount of punch added by a glossy upper, and yet it still feels restrained in its rich Cinnamon hue. Total Orange laces round out the style nicely.
The Clarks Originals Wallabee is about as easy to style as footwear comes. Applicable across all outfits, this Tan version features the signature crepe sole for a neutral finish. Woven suede runs across the top of the shoe, offering a subtle textural twist.
Hailing from Barcelona, ALOHAS should be on your radar in 2026. It's part of a growing contingent of brands recontextualising leather footwear. The Rhiane Pumps embody the approach with a cinched effect around the collar of the shoe which offers a refreshing new angle on the classic silhouette.
The boots question arises basically once a year until you finally commit to a pair. Vagabond is making that as easy as it'll ever be with the Blanca Ankle Boots. Wildly versatile without feeling boring, the design has a dramatic square toe and supple leather build
