Who among us doesn’t have a soft spot for shoes? For all that fashion month is – and it’s many, many things – it’s both the best and worst opportunity for anyone to get into a shoe habit. The spring/summer 2023 shows were no exception and the prospects for the season’s footwear trends are bright indeed. What lies ahead is equal parts whimsical and rustic, nostalgic and futuristic. Models around the world, from New York and London to Paris and Milan, have spent the last few weeks strolling the runways, leading us all to believe that rent has to somehow pay itself, because I could die without these mules. Read below for the spring 2023 shoe trends you’ll be seeing everywhere this spring. Who knows, you might find something to add to your cart ahead of time.
ballet flats
By far the biggest shoe trend of the present are ballerinas. Something like a dark horse too, right? If you thought you saw the last one starring Blair Waldorf, you were wrong. Between fashion weeks in New York and Copenhagen, apartments were everywhere. They formed the basis for Remain, Foo and Foo, Coach, Dauphinette and Victor Glemaud. Obviously, no Tory Burch show is complete without the designer’s iconic slippers. Even Sandy Liang got involved in the flat action. After spending the winter months in boots and woolen socks, a simple pair of slippers might be just what you need.
Miu Miu ballerinas with ribbon and logo
Ulla Johnson Eliza ballerinas with beaded ankle tie
Sandy Liang Mary Jane pointe shoe
clogged
These aren’t your dad’s Merrells, nor are they your standard Birkenstocks or Crocs – although we love those too. Perhaps one of the more polarizing styles, be won over by the enviable diversity of Simon Miller or the funky interpretations of Fendi offered this month to convince you that clogs absolutely deserve a moment in the spotlight. The crossroads of comfort, orthopedic support and high fashion? I will live there this spring.
Fendi Vitello leather mules with cutout heel
Givenchy platform clogs made of leather with embossed logo
Elevated cowboy boots
Paging captain obvious: If you’ve even left the house in 2022, chances are you’ve witnessed this trend in the wild at least once or twice. I’m here to tell you that the western boot trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Even if you don’t consider yourself down-to-earth, this style is admittedly fun for everyone. It can also be done in subtle ways, so don’t worry about being mistaken for a rancher. Just look at the spin Ganni took. (If it’s on a Ganni runway, you knows it’s cool.) Join Cowgirl Couture, y’all.
Ganni Embroidered Leather Cowboy Boots
Steve Madden Hayward red leather western boot
Khaite Dallas western suede knee boots
Lace
Remember the knee-high gladiator sandals of yesteryear? Well, a shocking number of shows this season gave the style a chic upgrade. We saw traditional sandals, disco-ready platforms and pumps like Prabal Gurung. They might be a bit more of a hassle to close than a single ankle strap or slip-on loafer, but the look? It pays off.
Gia Borghini Short lace-up sandal
Staud Adeline lace-up sandals
Paris Texas Malena suede strappy sandals
Metallic
From winter fashion to spring bag trends, the current landscape is all about getting noticed. We are here, we are empowered and we are ready to be seen. Sneakers are great for the airport and neutral colors are perfect for wall paint, but when it comes to the shoes you step out in? It’s time to make a statement. According to Khaite, LaQuan Smith, and Victor Glemaud, a statement that glitters is the only one worth making.
Marni Metallic Space Pumps
Protection Mary Up Specchio leather boots
Cult Gaia Soleil high heel lace-up sandals
Top
Rounded toes? I know already. Square? Eh Your style is sharp, and your toe box should be too. Take this spring’s other shoe trends, like Tory Burch flats, western boots, or lace-up styles, and narrow them down further (literally) to pointy-toe options for shoes that really get to the point. Okay, I’ll stop, but seriously, Christian Siriano, Prabal Gurung, and Victor Glemaud are all among the labels calling for pointy toes this season.
Prada slingback pumps in brushed leather
Tory Burch envelope loafers
Meg Donohue is Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Her passions are spicy food, sustainability and the Y2K remake of Charlie’s Angel. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.
