Gentlemen, it’s time to address the elephant in the room. In 2026, are we seriously still debating whether men can wear pink? We thought that conversation had been put to rest ages ago — especially after the last FIFA World Cup treated us to an endless parade of neon-pink football boots. And yet, one glance at street-style photos tells a different story: out on the streets, men wearing pink shoes are still the exception rather than the rule.
The good news? Something tells me (or rather, the fresh arrivals at Courir do) that this collective hesitation is about to become a thing of the past. Here’s a closer look at five pairs, equally at home in men’s and women’s wardrobes, that prove pink might just be the hottest colour of the season.
Timberland : The legendary yellow boot gets a sweet pink makeover
A monument of 1990s workwear and hip-hop culture, this is one boot we thought would remain forever synonymous with camel-coloured leather. But Timberland’s famous 6-Inch Boot is breaking away from its original look with a bold pink makeover. Who decided that the arrival of autumn had to mean a depressing colour palette?
The design retains all its signature DNA: a high-top silhouette, padded black collar, ultra-durable gold eyelets, signature leather tag and virtually indestructible lug sole. The only difference? A sweet pink upper that transforms this work boot into the centrepiece of any outfit. Timberland isn’t doing things by halves, offering the model up to size EU 46 in its men’s range. Following its highly coveted collaborations with Danish stylist Veneda Carter — who previously gave the boot a metallic silver makeover — the brand is confirming its fashion-forward direction. One existential question remains: would Notorious B.I.G., a devoted fan of the boots back in the day, have approved of this pink version? We’d like to think so.
Salomon XT-6 : Technical performance takes a pastel turn
Now a permanent fixture on Courir’s shelves, the Annecy-based sportswear brand continues its conquest of the streets by expanding its colour palette. Gone are the days of colourways designed solely to blend into rocky terrain: Salomon is embracing decidedly softer shades, following on from its much-talked-about collaboration with Danish retailer Naked Copenhagen earlier this year.
Here, the streamlined silhouette of the ultimate gorpcore sneaker comes dressed in pale pink, cut through with sharply contrasting dark lines. The Gore-Tex branding on the forefoot is a reminder that this is still a waterproof performance powerhouse, while the black lug sole gives the whole design a strong foundation. Small pops of colour on the tongue complete a model rooted in the brand’s trail-running archives. It’s a foolproof way to embrace an ultra-technical aesthetic without looking like you’re heading out for a Sunday hike: the kind of sneaker that turns heads on the subway.
Saucony Progrid Omni 9 : Y2K Style on overdrive
Over at the American running specialists, the temptation of vibrant, candy-coloured shades is proving just as irresistible. Saucony takes the dad shoe trend and injects it with a serious burst of energy through its Progrid Omni 9, straight out of the 2000s aesthetic.
The brand reworks the mesh upper in a delicate pink, punctuated by neon accents and cleverly balanced with white, black and metallic-grey leather panels. It’s the ideal option for anyone looking to experiment with pink without committing to a head-to-toe look: the contrast with the silver detailing adds a technical edge that works every time with raw denim jeans or oversized cargo trousers.
ASICS Gel-Cumulus 16 : Technical running turns up the volume
For far too long, the Gel-Cumulus 16 from ASICS suffered from a familiar problem in menswear: the expectation that it should only ever come in black or asphalt grey. It was high time this comfort powerhouse got the recognition it deserved.
Combining a breathable pink-and-silver mesh upper with the Japanese brand’s iconic Gel cushioning, this low-top version brings a serious dose of freshness to the pavement. The neon-pink midsole transforms a training shoe into a striking fashion statement. Technical, lightweight and nostalgic all at once, this pair is ready to rack up the miles without ever going unnoticed.
Nike Air Force 1 : The streetwear icon makes a major comeback
Something tells me Air Force 1 is about to make a spectacular return to the top of winter’s must-have list. And the driving force behind this comeback is none other than this pink iteration.
The sneaker swaps its traditional smooth leather for a pink suede upper, accented by a pristine white Swoosh that gives the design its structure. The perforations across the toe box are, of course, still there, but the real standout detail lies in the outsole: a pink-tinted translucent finish that extends the silhouette with remarkable subtlety. It’s clean, it’s textured, and it’s undoubtedly the easiest entry point for anyone looking to introduce pink into their everyday sneaker rotation without taking any risks.
In short, the argument that pink is “too difficult to wear” no longer holds up for a second: brands have mastered the colour, the materials deliver, and the silhouettes have never looked sharper. If you’re ready to take the plunge, there’s another good reason to do so: until October 31, Courir is donating 100% of the profits from every pair of pink shoelaces purchased to the Ruban Rose association. A perfect initiative to show your support for the fight against breast cancer… And really, what better match for those laces than a brand-new pair of pink sneakers?
