With the exception of Mschf's big red boots or toe shoes, I've never met a shoe trend I didn't like. At least, I've never met a shoe trend I didn't find some sort of merit in, even if I wouldn't wear it myself. For lack of a more accurate phrase to reference, one woman's trash is another woman's treasure, which is the beauty of fashion—you get to choose what it is you like and what you don't.
So, where do shoes fit into the equation? Although we're editors, the Who What Wear team ultimately have opinions on winter 2024's shoe trends—the ones they love, the ones the don't, and the ones they feel have had their time in the sun. The weather has shifted to the colder side and, with it, comes the opportunity to diversify our footwear offerings beyond ballet pumps, I thought I'd ask my colleagues which shoes they love for the winter season ahead, but also the shoes they're not all that excited about anymore. What interested me most was that all the shoes they selected felt more anti-trend than the styles they were moving on from, which is indicative of the wider gravitation we're seeing towards more timeless pieces right now. Keep scrolling to read their thoughts on the (not pressing but interesting nonetheless) matter.
The Shoes Our Editors Are Into In Winter 2024 (and the Ones They're Not):
1. Wearing: Chunky Chelsea Boots
Pausing: Super High-Heeled Boots
Style Notes: "For winter 2024, I'm over unnecessarily high heeled boots that leave my feat aching at the end of the day. Instead I'll be investing in chunky Chelsea boots. They're just as stylish, endlessly versatile and will keep my feet warm and comfortable in the chillier months. Not to mention they're a timeless style that will literally never date," says Brittany Davy, editorial assistant.
Shop the Trend:
I have these and they're so comfortable.
Wear with everything from classic neutrals to bright colours.
Just wow!
2. Wearing: Flat Mules
Pausing: Ballet Flats
"I'll be the first to admit that I love a ballet flat—they're just so cute and easy to throw on. But as the season changes I'm moving away from them and into flat mules more. They're just as comfortable but give my outfits a more updated and stylish look, making it easy to feel polished without much effort," says Humaa Hussain, junior branded content editor.
Shop the Trend:
My ultimate shoe pick.
Brown and suede is the shoe combo of the season.
Won't these look so cute worn with a knitted dress and leather crossbody?
3. Wearing: Retro Sporty Trainers
Pausing: Wedge Trainers
"One shoe trend I've never really been able to get on board with is wedge trainers. If you need a lift for orthopaedic reasons, that I fully appreciate. But a wedge trainer for aesthetic sakes only? You'll have a very hard time converting me. A trainer that is relevant in my world? The retro, sporty-style sneakers we're seeing so much of right now," says Hannah Almassi, editor-in-chief.
Shop the Trend:
I can't believe these are still in stock.
Gola trainers are going to be huge this spring.
The high street is tapping into the retro sneaker movement, too.
4. Wearing: T-Bar Fronts
Pausing: Abstract Heels
"I loved Loewe's rose-bud heels from afar but I prefer my shoes to be a bit more ambiguous and less tethered to a specific moment in time. Lately, I've been noticing more and more T-bar-style shoes on the market, even though they've been a firm fixture in the shoe collections of French and Scandi women for years. For 2024, this is the shoe detail I'm buying into," says Maxine Eggenberger, deputy editor
Shop the Trend:
In a word: Fabulous!
These look so high-end.
These also come in classic camel and gold.
5. Wearing: Chain Details
Pausing: Logos
"This season we're seeing a big shift away from logos—according to Tagwalk, there were 17% less on them on the spring/summer runways for 2024 than there were in 2023. I see this in shoes, too. Where I might have been tempted by Chanel-emblazoned loafers in the past, now, I'm looking for subtler embellishments, such as horsebit and chain details," says Remy Farrell, fashion editor.
Shop the Trend:
These will look chic styled with long pencil skirts and cropped jeans alike.
Who needs an anklet when you can have one built in?
The green is just so stunning! I can see this being the centerpoint of so many outfits.
6. Wearing: Brown Suede
Pausing: Tan Leather
"Brown is a major colour trend this season so, naturally, it's taking over accessories too. I recently treated myself to a pair of chocolate-brown suede boots. It was only when I added them to my shoe rack that I saw how must more elegant they looked against my tan footwear. Tan shoes will never go out of style, especially in the summer, but I realised that there's more to 'staple' footwear than black and tan," says Florrie Alexander, acting affiliate editor.
Shop the Trend:
These are next on my wish list.
I'm dreaming about wearing these with floral-print dresses.
These give major 'quiet luxury' vibes.
7. Wearing: Minimal Loafers
Pausing: Chunky-Sole Loafers
"I love loafers for their outfit-elevating superpowers. I already own a couple of pairs, which I'm looking forward to wearing in the spring but they're on the chunky side. Now. I'm considering rounding off my collection with a more delicate pair. Penny loafers or those with minimal, buttery leather finish fit the bill," says Poppy Nash, managing editor.
Shop the Trend:
Another Massimo Dutti shoe that looks so much more expensive than it is.
So luxe.
I own these and can attest to how comfortable they are.
