Based on Fashion Month, These Are the Top 5 Shoe Trends for Next Spring

Well, well, well, what a fashion month it has been. As models have floated down catwalks all around the world—from Spring Studios to the Place du Trocadéro—I’ve been taking notes on which trends, styles, and silhouettes will be everywhere come the spring thaw. Namely, I’m breaking down the five major shoe—and footwear accessory—trends you’ll see next year. You’re in for a pleasant surprise, actually, as most of these are (dare I say) foot-friendly.

Ballet flats, Mary Janes, and metallics are rolling over from last season, so don’t put them in storage just yet. But what fresh newness is in store? Before you start Black Friday shopping or building your holiday wish list, read up on which footwear follies are likely to be dubbed the It shoe of spring 2024.

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Functionality

At Gabriela Hearst, it was Birkenstocks. At Melke, Dr. Martens. I spotted fisherman sandals and crochet slippers at J.W. Anderson, and—drum roll, please—Simone Rocha had…Crocs. It seems as though designers all throughout fashion month opted to swap out skyscraper heels in favor of more practical footwear. Flats, for example, continued to rule the runways at Tory Burch, Staud, Fendi, and Proenza Schouler. Whether you choose to get comfy in orthotic ankle boots, dad sneakers, or even hit the town in your house slippers, you have high fashion’s blessing. And that’s a beautiful thing.

Hosiery & Socks

Call your mom and tell her pantyhose are back, baby. If you’re taking notes from Etro, you’ll want to stock up on chunky socks to pair with your favorite spring wedges. You can even slip into tights with strappy or open-toed heels, à la Missoni, LaQuan Smith, or Jil Sander. The list of designers who used stockings this fashion month is lengthy—it would probably be shorter to name where I didn’t see them.

Flatforms

We’ve officially moved beyond the realm of chunky and into full-blown flatforms. Add some lift to your favorite loafers like Gucci did, or make like Collina Strada, Sunnei, and Etro and step into some bulky sandals. My personal favorite take, though, goes to Private Policy’s flatform UGGs.

Exaggerated Texture and Embellishments

Gone are the days of shopping solely for shoes and accessories. Now, you need accessories for your shoes. From Erdem’s floor-dragging fabric bows to Simone Rocha’s bedazzled Crocs, shoes for spring should be overtly textured and wildly embellished. Take, for instance, the fluff ball shoes from Roksanda and Roberto Cavalli. If you thought the feathered trend was over, think again. The Attico played with sequins while Ferragamo dabbled in wood beads. Mach & Mach leaned into all the above with bows, ruffles, and bling. If you’re gonna do it, you might as well do it big.

Flip-Flops

It’s almost as if the fashion powers that be sensed the looming seasonal depression and decided to give us something to look forward to. Yes, we get couture flip-flops for spring. You can thank the likes of Staud, Sandy Liang, and even Burberry. At PH5, rubbery flip-flops and slides allowed the garments to take the spotlight. I can only imagine the delight of the models upon learning they’d be taking the catwalk in a pair of thongs.