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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.
Functionality
JW Anderson SS24
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.
Koio Nomi Sandal
Isabel Marant Eskee Quilted Suede Booties
Penelope Chilvers Studio Leather Trainer
Hosiery & Socks
Etro SS24
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.
Khaite Ludlow Neoprene Sock Sneakers
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The Row Nylon Over-The-Knee Sock Pumps
MM6 Maison Margiela Stretch Block-Heel Sock Booties
Flatforms
Private Policy SS24
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.
Gucci Angelina Maxi GG Slide Sandals
Maguire Alina Black Sandal
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Intentionally Blank Rule Breaker Flatform Sandals
Exaggerated Texture and Embellishments
Erdem SS24
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.
Ganni Black Soft Bow Heeled Sandals
Loewe Toy Bow-Detail Velvet Pumps
Dries Van Noten Ruffle Ankle-Strap Heeled Sandals
Flip-Flops
Staud SS24
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.
Prada Soft Padded Nappa Leather Thong Wedge Sandals
Louboutin Loubi Spike Rubber Flip Flops
LOEWE x Paula’s Ibiza Bubble Foam Rubber Slides
Associate Fashion Commerce Editor
Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different. Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and Town & Country. Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.