Kathryn Vasel / CNN MONEY – They can be colorful, shiny, blinged out and even fuzzy. And they’re showing up on men’s feet around the world.

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.