10 Spring 2023 Shoe Trends Everyone Will Be Wearing This Year
From platform ballet shoes to kitten heels.
January is a drag. But it's nearly over, which means it is finally acceptable to start shopping for your spring shoes. Sure, it's not yet time to pack away those snow boots, but you can definitely start browsing ankle-baring shoes again. The best spring 2023 shoe trends are pretty versatile, too.
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The platforms, Mary Janes, and chunky loafers you're loving right now still have a place in your next-season wardrobe, as do every kind of ballet flats you could think of (especially those with a literal en pointe twist). If you can't get enough minimalist silhouettes from the early 2000s, little kitten heels, are primed for a major comeback. And if you're not ready to say bye to your cold-weather lug-sole boots, there's still plenty of weather appropriate chunky options, including flatforms, wedges (yes, seriously), and block heels. Plus, cagey designs, including fisherman sandals and the delightfully whimsical jellies.
Keep scrolling for a deeper breakdown of the shoes set for cult status next season, and add a couple to your cart now so you're fully prepared for when March finally rolls around.
Related article: The New Guard Of Designers Turning Up The Heat In Milan
Photo: Getty Images
The Thick of It
The chunky shoe era is far from over, as proven by the Proenza Schouler, Fendi, and Jonathan Simkhai spring 2023 collections. Whether it's a flatform, wedge, or bulky block heel, there's a souped-up silhouette to suit every aesthetic. And as a model proved during Fendi's show, you can easily slip them off and carry them in your hands, too.
As seen at: Fendi
Bottega Veneta
Platform Ankle Boot
NORDSTROMSAKS FIFTH AVENUENEIMANN MARCUS
Eckhaus Latta
Green Platform Boots
Photo: Getty Images
Rise & Shine
You can finally put those fuzzy sandals from your life-at-home era to rest, and welcome some satin into your post-pandemic world. Ready yourself for made-to-be-seen clogs, pumps, slides, and boots in all colors with a lustrous sheen. Etro, Sportmax, and Ports 1961 are just a few brands proving the fabric has seriously elegant and modern appeal.
As seen at: Etro
MANOLO BLAHNIK
Hangisiflat Crystal-Embellished Satin Point-Toe Flats
Miu Miu
Logo Band Ballerina Pump
Photo: IMAXTREE
Peep Show
Will the Y2K revival prove to be the longest style revival of all time? Maybe. Designers keep delivering nostalgic hits like peep-toe mules, from kitten and block-heeled versions suited for work to elegant versions destined for occasions and nights out.
As seen at: Carolina Herrera
Yuhan Wang
Black Leather Kitten Heels
Gucci
GG Embellished Slingback Pumps
Photo: Getty Images
Good Angle
Knife-edge heel used to be synonymous with Balenciaga but now, every brand is making its own take on the angled heel. There's Bottega Veneta's geometric wedges, Proenza Schouler's bubble platforms and mules, and Ferrgamao's super-strappy slingbacks.
As seen at: Bottega Veneta
Saint Laurent
Tom 40 T.Dream Slingback Pumps
Salvatore Ferragamo
Cygnus Suede Slingback Pumps
Photo: Getty Images
Buckle Up
Mary Janes might just be the only shoe trend everyone can agree on, and the look is sticking around for spring. Sandy Liang's take, inspired by the square pointe of a ballerina shoe, has been impossible for the designer to keep in stock. The popularity of those by Prada and Miu Miu also show no sign of slowing down.
As seen at: Batsheva
Nodaleto
Bulla Bacara Velvet Mary Jane Pumps
Photo: Courtesy of Reformation
Reformation
Black Mimi Mary Jane
Photo: Getty Images
Bad Girls Club
From S&M to punk, edgy details were all over the fall collections, and the vibes continues into spring. When getting your rebel fix, think about juxtaposition when styling. A strappy patent platform looks divine when worn with a tiny mini, yes, but chain-laced boots and brogues are a stylish offset to dresses and skirts of all kinds.
As seen at: Gucci
Tory Burch
Studded Ballet
Toga Pulla
Buckled Leather Mules
Photo: IMAXTREE
Ballet Masters
Even people who don't follow trends know ballet flats are trending. They're everywhere but designers like Simone Rocha still make them feel fresh with pearl details and ribbon-inspired straps.
As seen at: Simone Rocha
Simone Rocha
Beaded Round Toe Criss-Cross Trek Ballerina Sneakers
Alaia
Crystal-Embellished Leather Ballet Flats
Photo: IMAXTREE
The Return of the Thong Sandal
Like ballet flats, the minimalist sandal never actually went out of style. Refresh your assortment for spring 2023 by taking runway cues from Khaite, Altuzarra, and Maryam Nassir Zadeh with ultra-skinny straps on flats. Or, go the heeled route á la The Row and Rejina Pyo.
As seen at: Altuzarra
The Row |
Black T-Bar Flat Sandals
Prada
Triangle Logo Sandal
Photo: IMAXTREE
Comfort Plus
These days, few comforts feel as necessary as comfort-first footwear. Designers like Simone Rocha, Eckhaus Latta, and Jil Sander make a case for orthopedic chic via thicker, more supportive soles with a little something extra—this is still a fashion moment, of course. Think metal buckles, graphic overlays, sparkly embellishments, PVC detailing, and beyond.
As seen at: Eckhaus Latta
Jil Sander |
Black Bubble Heeled Sandals
Nicole Saldaña |
Ssense Exclusive Green Bibi Heels
Photo: Getty Images
Cagey Girls
The caged shoe trend has been around for the last few seasons. Still, spring 2023 is ushering in a new era of fisherman sandals, from sleek and minimalist takes seen at Bottega Veneta and Erdem to chunkier versions at Gabriela Hearst and JW Anderson. Plus, the ultimate Y2K version of jellies, as witnessed at Coach.
As seen at: Bottega Veneta
Gucci |
Purple Double G Flat Sandals
The Row
Grained-leather Fisherman Sandals
MATCHES FASHIONNORDSTROMSAKS FIFTH AVENUE
This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.