Is 2019's never-ending winter getting you down? Because same. The March 20 spring equinox may only be mere days away, but between the snow in NYC, rain in L.A., and constantly chilly temps across the country, it feels like we haven't gotten much closer to spring, no matter what the calendar says. But fashion insiders have always been known to test-drive the season's newest pieces, even in the face of oppositional weather patterns.
That said, warmer weather and all that comes with it will arrive eventually, right? We're looking on the bright side, so we tapped some of fashion's leading buying directors, celebrity stylists, editors, and influencers to share their take on the best shoes for spring. Each of them shared the three shoes currently topping their shopping lists, and if their picks are any indication, the following 27 pairs will be some of the biggest styles to know for the season ahead. From the barely there sandals that are poised for world domination to the snakeskin boots that are still so relevant for the coming months, you'll soon see that the biggest trends at play are all well represented here.
Keep reading to see just why each of these excellent shoe picks will go on to gain next-level popularity and, if you're so inclined, shop them too.
Tiffany Hsu, Fashion Buying Director, MyTheresa
"This brand is quite a new addition to the Mytheresa portfolio, as we've only stocked them since this S/S 19 season. The styles immediately became one of my favorites for the spring/summer season, especially this sexy sandal with a twist since it’s also minimalistic, which is very now."
"Calf-length boots are the next big thing, and I fell in love especially with this style by Saint Laurent. It’s all about tucking in your pants, but it also has a great transitional length for every season, basically. If you don’t have a python print yet, you better catch up quickly as this is one of the main trends for S/S 19."
"Mock croc is another big trend for spring, and it's all about the chunky sandals. Wear yours with a golden ankle bracelet to bring the boho-chic feel to your everyday closet."
Chrissy Rutherford, Senior Fashion Editor, Harper's Bazaar
"I love a shoe that can work for any occasion, from the office to an event or brunch with friends on the weekend. These The Row sandals are it."
"I've been dreaming of a pair of Manolo Blahnik mules, and who doesn't love a little sparkle for daytime?"
"In a sea of a million footwear brands, new designer Amina Muaddi's shoes really stand out. Her signature heel shape puts a twist on the simple silhouettes. This particular shoe is exactly what I'd want to wear out for a night of dancing."
Dani Michelle, Celebrity Stylist
"I love this heel. It's alluring yet architectural. It reminds me of this very coveted Old Céline shoe. It's the perfect sandal to pop off any simple summer look, or give that extra cool look to an evening out—I'm ordering one for a client right now."
"Everyone needs a good sneaker, and what's better than this unique one? PVC shoes can be tricky, but because it's a sneaker, you could add a cool printed sock and wear this casually or even dressed up. I can see it now—with a cool sweater, skirt, cute socks, and these shoes hitting NYFW."
"I'm on a full Margiela obsession and marrying that with my love of a kitten heel, I've been needing these. I love a kitten heel because I can work and walk in it all day, but add a little glamour to my day. The PVC one just makes it that much more epic."
Caroline Maguire, Fashion Director, Shopbop
"Über-comfortable sport sandals (a plus if it’s platform!) are a must."
"I’m still crushing on cowboy boots and I love this updated version with harness details."
"These flip flops are the perfect sandal to either dress up with a maxi dress or dress down with my favorite denim cut-offs for the beach."
Rachael Wang, Stylist and Consultant
"I'm vegan, so it’s hard to find well-made, high-design shoes. If I'm going to splurge on one pair of luxury shoes for spring, they'll have to be Stella McCartney's woven flats with attached anklets."
"I love Rafa’s sustainable and vegan-friendly shoes. These citrine sandals are made from recycled and deadstock materials and will look great with vintage jeans or a sundress."
"I want to add a pair of stylish but functional boots to my spring repertoire, and I think these vegan leather pull-on Chelsea boots are just the thing."
Grece Ghanem, Influencer
"You can never go wrong with a white shoe! This Prada slingback is both ladylike and a touch futuristic."
"Exotic prints are still all the rage."
"Banana phone yellow is the new beige."
Angela Fink, Stylist and Creative Director
"I've been wearing a scrunched boot all winter long, and I want to take that into spring with me. This white Tamara Mellon Icon boot was perfect to style with dresses, or tucked into jeans or pants with an oversize blazer."
"I love how this barely there string sandal can pair with just about anything."
"I love buying into and supporting new designers like this Midnight Zero Zero pump by Ada Kokosar. A shoe that says a lot, one that is so versatile that you can wear from spring to the holidays."
María Bernad, Stylist and Creative Director, Les Fleurs Studio
"It is a must to have these shoes for summer. They have satin and pearls, and the height is perfect."
"These transparent shoes will always be on trend. The height on these is perfect—they're very comfortable for spring and summer."
"These loafers are comfortable, they have a low heel, and are very '60s—a bit masculine, but with a feminine touch. I love that you can wear them with dresses or pants."
Anna LaPlaca, Assistant Editor, Who What Wear
"All I want to wear lately are beige and cream-toned outfits, and these lovely minimalist flats are exactly the shoes to wear."
"White shoes are something I always wish I invested better in, and these sleek mules are perfect."
"Grandma heels—they're about to be a thing."
Next, see which three jackets the fashion world has agreed upon for years.
