Aetrex’s target consumers are seeking footwear that feels effortless to wear but intentional in design—so says Amy Egelja, vice president of Footwear Design for the Teaneck, NJ–based company. And that’s exactly what is being delivered in its Fall/Winter ’26 collection.
“She values comfort as a non-negotiable, but she also wants product that feels modern, polished, and relevant to her lifestyle,” Egelja says. “She leads a busy, active life, so versatility is key—shoes that can move seamlessly from day to night, casual to refined.”
For many women, this busy lifestyle includes being back in the office, which Egelja says the design team took into consideration. “We’re very focused on how women are living now—hybrid schedules, varied environments, and more fluid dress codes,” she says. “For Fall/Winter ’26, that translates into refined versatility. We take familiar silhouettes—sneakers, boots, classic flats—and elevate them through premium materials, cleaner proportions, and subtle details like studs, hardware, and metallic accents.”
Examples include the Sloane (above) and Tess, low-profile sneakers that feature stud detailing, fun colorways, mix suede and leather uppers, and exotic prints. But they also come packed with comfort features, including special TPU inserts on the medial side, visibly highlighting Aetrex’s signature arch support and Cobra padded technology for heel pressure relief. The two styles happen to be Egelja’s personal favorites in the collection. “The interesting material mixes and subtle stud detailing elevate the silhouette without overpowering it,” she explains, adding, “What I love most is their versatility. They feel refined enough to dress up but still effortless and comfortable for everyday wear. They really capture that balance of heritage influence with modern execution.”
Other examples of this design formula include the Haley, a full-grain leather Mary Jane/sneakerina with padded heel and cobra heel pressure for relief; the Leah, a weatherproof ankle boot with hidden gore underlay, medial side zip, and cross-strap buckle; and the Serena sneaker, featuring Aetrex’s BioRocker technology, which is engineered to take pressure off both the heel and the forefoot as one walks.
“Overall, our latest collection feels polished but approachable—designed to support movement, confidence, and personal style rather than rigid categories,” Egelja says, noting that classic silhouettes with modern updates are designed to hold their value both aesthetically and functionally. That equates to a bigger bang for the buck. “For our customer, price is tied directly to quality, longevity, and how often she can reach for that shoe,” she adds.
Readers attending The Atlanta Shoe Market (Feb. 14–16) are welcome to stop by Aetrex’s booth (#1537) to view the entire collection.
Leah
Haley
Serena
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