A man can never have too many shoes. At least that’s what I’ve been telling myself for the past 20 years or so. But even if there was a limit, or your closet is at capacity, you simply have to make room for a pair from Koio.
Sustainable, stylish, and all-round awesome, the brand’s luxury footwear is some of the best in the business. Free from unnecessary details and masterfully handcrafted, every pair is passed through the skilled hands of 42 craftspeople before it’s deemed ready for you to wear. And that’s the kind of perfection anyone can get behind.
Join me as I take you through our favorites from the latest line-up and discover why every guy needs to know about Koio (if you don’t already).
Key Takeaways
From sleek sneakers to loafers and boots, Koio’s designs are timeless, versatile, and seriously comfortable. Made in Italy using premium materials, they’re the sort of shoes that’ll look just as good with tailoring as they do with some jeans and a crew neck sweater.
From the Capri to the Arezzo, I’m going to highlight our go-to styles that’ll take you from days in the office to vacations by the sea. I’ll also be sharing why I think they’re so impressive and answer some commonly asked questions.
Every sneaker collection needs a pair in white, and they don’t come much better than this. Versatile enough to wear with just about anything, the Capri has been made in Italy from smooth full-grain leather with natural rubber bottoms and squishy insoles that soften every step.
Not just for the summer, they’ve been tightly stitched to stop your feet getting wet during rainy seasons, ensuring they can look just as good with a raincoat and jeans as they do with shorts and a camp collar shirt.
In a world where everyone seems to be in a rush, laces can be just another inconvenience that delays us getting out of the door. And although I’m of the belief we should all try and slow down a little, I’m definitely guilty as charged.
Slip-on sneakers don’t just save you time, they’re a seriously cool option that are easy to wear and style. The Garda is Koio’s version that has been sustainably made from Gold-certified leather (meaning it’s responsibly tanned) and recycled rubber. You can wear them with everything from sweatpants and oversized tees to tailored pants and smart shirts.
Black and white loafers are big news right now and I absolutely love this version—boasting chunky soles that give them a touch of rock ‘n’ roll.
They’re handmade from Italian leather and feature the iconic penny slot at the front. When you’re not wearing them with jeans and an Oxford shirt, I think they work perfectly with black tailoring.
Rugged, handsome, and seriously comfortable, you’d definitely swipe right for these boots. They manage to hit the sweet spot between casual and classy, while the just-above-ankle height pleases me more than I thought it would.
They’ve been made using the Blake construction method (great for flexibility) and come with a lug sole that’ll help keep your feet on the ground. The perfect addition to your cold-weather rotation, they can be styled with jeans and flannel shirts as well as cargo pants and chunky knitwear.
Pale Blue Dot is Koio’s footwear for the future. Using plant-based materials, from apple-based leather to recycled rubber, designs like this one are a must-have for anyone serious about saving the planet. And just like a quality meat alternative, you really can’t tell the difference.
I’ll be wearing mine with dad jeans and a Henley T-shirt, but they’ll look equally as great with a wide range of wardrobe staples, from casual pants and polos to cargo shorts and printed shirts.
Three Reasons We Love Koio
The proof is very much in the pudding, but let me give you a few reasons why I think Koio are really great:
Sustainable
Koio are big on looking after the planet. So much so, they want to become the world’s first regenerative luxury footwear brand. In other words, they don’t want to simply sustain what’s happening to the earth, they want to help restore it.
By sourcing leathers from regeneratively managed farms and minimizing their contribution to landfills, they plan to make a difference and want to ensure a brighter, healthier future for the world we live in.
Comfortable
Nothing kills your vibe more than sore heels and painful arches. Koio’s shoes aren’t just nice to look at, they’re genuinely nice to wear. The label knows the importance of keeping your feet happy, which is why they use soft leathers and even softer insoles.
Timeless
Fashions fade but timeless footwear will never fall out of favor. Koio doesn’t just use sustainable materials and practices, they create shoes and sneakers that you’ll turn to season after season. From white sneakers to leather loafers, the brand’s designs are built to last and transcend trends.
Final Verdict
Whether you’re looking for an everyday sneaker or loafers for work, Koio shoes are a great place to start. Not only versatile, they’re stylish, sustainable, and skilfully made—not to mention seriously comfortable.
FAQ
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Yes, Koio sneakers are made from locally sourced (Italian) leather, as well as suede and other recycled materials. They also offer a collection of vegan-friendly styles.
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Koio shoes are handcrafted in Italy. The brand prides itself on the traditional craftsmanship and artisanal techniques employed by skilled artisans in Italy to create its luxury footwear.
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