Starting at the bottom is a sensible place to start if you want to update your style. A new pair of shoes can make all the difference in an outfit, whether it’s by giving it more energy or providing a more somber base. Whatever category you (and your closet) find yourself in for 2024, there are several soon-to-be-popular shoe trends available that will fit your demands. So where should we start?
We searched the runways for spring and summer 2024. We browsed our preferred stores. We also gathered forecasts from professionals in the field to compile a list of the top nine shoe trends that will likely be popular in the coming months. In need of a stylish office piece? On the boot front, we’ve got you covered. Do you want for a little drama? The main toe-bearing styles that will be popular come summer have been highlighted here. and there is some debate about them. There’s also no shortage of shopping inspiration, with designs that hug the leg, kitten heels making a reappearance, and more. Continue reading to make 2019 the year you always keep one step ahead of fashion.
Micro Heels
Similar to how the micro purse period began in 2017, the micro heel era began in 2024. Mini heels on major runways, such as Brunello Cucinelli, Givenchy, and Gucci, were hints that the ubiquitous platform shoe might be reaching its pinnacle. The ultra-low style is making an appearance on boots, slingbacks, mules, and other items, so the barely-there pump will be around until December of next year. According to Marina Larroudé, the founder of an eponymous luxury shoe brand, “the kitten heel gives a lift and a great posture, but they’re still comfortable and practical shoes for the woman on the go.”
Mesh Materials
In 2024, what started off as the preferred fabric for dresses and tops during the Y2K party season of last year will be moving south and losing some of its luster in the process. Mesh is making an appearance in footwear through dramatic overlays, delicate shoe embellishments, and silkier, lighter materials. The most striking were the mesh socks that we saw on everyone from Chanel to Sacai, as well as the statement boots that GmbH and Mugler’s runways featured, fashioned of the breathable material. Subsequently, Givenchy advanced the trend by adding mesh layers on top of certain Shoe Trends instead of beneath them.
Skin-Tight Boots
Choose a fit that fits close to the leg whether you like your boots to be thigh-high or below the knee. Ferragamo kept things simple with its sleek black version of the trend, while Marni led the charge with skin-tight designs in a variety of colorways, including blue, orange, and white. In addition to favoring slender lines, Versace also favored the ever-popular peep-toe (more on that later). We even spied a snug design at Alaïa that included slits going along the boot’s body. Pro tip: An easy and useful method to get this appearance in real life is to use a stretchy, water-resistant knit fabric.
Slouchy Silhouettes Shoe Trends
If you’re not like the skin-tight fit, there are other boot types that are becoming just as fashionable. At Victoria Beckham, slouchy black boots appropriate for the British countryside the designer is known to visit were paired with tiny dresses and pantless ensembles. Ankle boots by Proenza Schouler and heeled, above-the-knee boots by Alexander McQueen both aimed for a similar look.
Thong Sandals
Think of the dispute over flip-flops as resolved—at least for 2024. The Row set the standard for this trend in 2023, and now Caroline Maguire, the fashion director at Shopbop, predicts that thong sandals will be the summer Shoe Trends of choice. Her prognosis is bolstered by the high-end flip-flops that are on show at Chanel, Burberry, and Coperni. “Thong sandals will be an easy go-to for everyone next year, whether you’re going for a more embellished and strappy silhouette or something flat and simple,” says Maguire.
Bright Whites
According to Valentino, white is the color of the moment. This also applies to footwear, as seen in our most recent list of 2024 fashion trends. Chloé, Bottega Venetta, and Prada’s striking designs demonstrate that everything from mules and chunky loafers to pointy-toed pumps will be drenched in shade. Additionally, commuters might want to skip this one even if the striking color surely makes a statement when worn as part of a stylish ensemble.
Snake Print
Anything with an animal print demands a certain level of fierceness in terms of style, particularly if the print is inspired by a snake. However, designers are making it seem simple with muted looks that will work better as neutrals in the upcoming year. At Khaite, bowler bags with the same pattern and pointed heels with a python appeal were sent down the runway. Brown and dark green boots with an embossed reptile design were available at Fendi, while Jil Sander featured a more striking version of the print on loafers, boots, jackets, and accessories.
Tassels & Ties
Although strapless silhouettes are prominently featured in the SS24 designs, straps aren’t completely gone from dresses. At Collina Strada, Molly Goddard, and Isabel Marant, flats, Mary Janes, and clogs were tied at the ankle with various ties and tassel accents, while Miu Miu added anklets to complement her braided leather sandals. Not to be overlooked is Chloé and Altuzarra’s charming selection of bow-tied Shoe Trends styles.
Peep Toes
This trend might practically provide you with everything you need to choose the ideal transitional Shoe Trends to wear when the seasons change in 2024. The SS24 collections featured varying degrees of toe teasing, with Schiaparelli, Mugler, and Alaïa releasing pumps that provided little more than a sneak glimpse. Louis Vuitton, meanwhile, just showed out the hallux (under sheer tights). This look doesn’t have to be worn with heels, no matter how much toe you choose to expose. It’s already been seen paired with other big trends including platform shoes, ballerina flats, and an unusual pair of skin-tight boots on the Victoria Beckham runway.
