[h=2]They can be colorful, shiny, blinged out and even fuzzy. And they're showing up on men's feet around the world.[/h] Luxury spending is slumping this year, but one area continues to have a strong foothold: shoes. And while designer shoes tend to conjure up images of red-bottomed stilettos and pointy leather heels, much of the current demand is for men's sneakers in flashy styles.
Shoe designer Giuseppe Zanotti, who launched his first sneaker in 2012, said the demand for high-end kicks surprised him.
"When I started designing sneakers, I would have never imagined they would have been such a successful endeavor. I honestly think that nobody expected this boom," he said.
His line includes a high-top sneaker with snake skin print, gold-plated straps and side zippers. Another pair is a silver printed 3D calfskin high-top sneaker with black plates.
Zanotti's sneakers range from $500-$1,500, and he credits Kayne West as the first person to wear one of his styles. "That was proof I was going in the right direction." His men's sneaker sales increased 127% this year compared to last year.
