We talk a lot about the importance of investing in classic pieces; items that will stand the test of time and that you’ll wear for years to come, but that doesn’t mean we don’t like to flirt with new-season trends when fresh looks roll around. By now, I’m sure you’re already familiar with the overarching spring/summer 2023 fashion trends, which I’ve documented by way of our bumper report. Now, if I may, I’d like to turn your attention to one particular item: Shoes.
If you ask me, there’s no easier way to dip your toe into a trend than with a pair of shoes (I promise that pun was a happy accident). After all, what else can completely change the tone of your outfit quite like well-chosen footwear? Therein lies their appeal. Jeans can be made fancier, cocktail dresses scaled back, winter wares made summer-worthy, and vice versa. As such, it not only makes sense to stay ahead of the shoe trends for 2023, but if you’re the fashion enthusiast I expect you are, I’m sure you’ll get a kick out of reading about them, too.
So, without further ado, scroll on to see the 11 shoe trends for 2023 that are destined to take over at certain points throughout the year. How do I know this? From the runways, of course!
Style Notes: Square-toes have reigned over the past few seasons and collections but, for 2023, designers have sharpened their toes and are experimenting with ’80s-style winklepicker silhouettes.
The shoes on every minimalist’s 2023 wish list.
In a word? Gorgeous.
Style Notes: Thanks to Miu Miu and The Row, ballet flats have been one of the biggest shoe trends of the past year. If you’ve already invested, you’ll be pleased to hear they’re sticking around for 2023, too, by way of satin and velvet fabrications.
Alexa Chung is a fan of this shoe brand.
These ballet shoes come in a pretty array of colours, by favourite being this golden pair.
Style Notes: Sparkly bags have been very much a thing this season, and the twinkling trend is being carried into 2023 in shoe-form. From slingback block heels to the boldest of boots, footwear with rhinestones and crystals was a running theme on the hottest runways.
The fanciest flat shoes of the season.
I’m into this light Gucci slingback colourway.
Style Notes: If you’ve been holding off on getting a pedicure, this shoe trend might convince you to revisit the salon. Peep-toes appeared in unusual ways all over the designer spectrum—everyone from ACNE Studios to Victoria Beckham put models’ toes on show.
Peep-toes have never looked so cool as they do here.
The asymmetric cutout feels so current.
Style Notes: Shades of gold and silver are commonplace in the winter months when party season is in full swing. For 2023, the party continues with an array of high-shine shoes in light-catching metallics in sweetie-wrapper hues.
These shoes were made for dancing the night away in.
The side silhouette of this mule is incredible.
Style Notes: Pedis at the ready, people—see-through vinyl was the finish of note on the runways of Valentino, Huishan Zhang, Coach and more.
These mules come in so many colours.
Amina Muaddi put PVC shoes on the fashion map again.
These pumps have been an influencer favourite for years, and that’s showing no signs of waning.
The multi-strap front of these Mary Janes feels so fresh.
Style Notes: Perhaps one of the most divisive shoe trends out there, you either love wedges or hate wedges; there’s no middle ground. Another certainty? Bottega Veneta, Ports 1961 and Masha Popova are all in the former camp. Surprisingly easy to walk in, I’m willing to be wedge shoes will be all over occasion season.
The coolest!
The perfect wedge for minimalists.
Style Notes: Boots might not be the first thing you associate with the spring/summer runways, but they were very much a thing in the 2023 collections, and were usually found styled with micro hemlines.
These also come in chic navy suede.
Tan suede styles will look more springtime-appropriate than black leather might.
These are just as iconic as any Bottega Veneta bag.
Not into the red? These also come in classic black.
Style Notes: Last year’s slew of stomping boots are shy in comparison to those made for 2023. Soles are bigger, buckles are more cumbersome, and the attitude is off-the-scale. The market is still to catch up. but these clompers are excellent options for now.
COS knows how to create timeless boots.
The soles on this pair are on the right track.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
