The Buckle Shoe Trend Is Taking Over Everywhere, from M&S to Zara

published 8 February 2024

In my years as a fashion editor, I have honed a few very specific skills, my favourite of which is a sharp eye for emerging trends and details. This has led me to understand the subtle cues that can indicate the value and potential of a new-season buy. These cues usually stem from my daily scouts of the new-in sections of both high-street and designer brands, the Instagram deep dives where I scope out the chicest looks and my frequent commutes to an office filled with stylish individuals. With this healthy combination, I am, if I do say so myself, uniquely placed to comment on the trends most worth tapping into.

Street style image of a woman wearing Miu Miu buckle slingbacks

With this in mind, there’s a fresh spring footwear trend on my radar that I'm desperate to tell you about. After spotting it cropping up more and more on the influencers, editors and stylists I look to for inspiration the most, the buckle shoe trend is one of the styles I’m backing this season.

Jessie Andrews styles Miu Miu buckle slingbacks with yellow socks.

Kicked off by Miu Miu’s now-iconic buckle-strap slingbacks, which were spotted non-stop on celebrities last year, buckle detailing on shoes has become one of the hottest footwear microtrends. Adopted by high-street favourites including Mango and M&S, the trend is all about sharp lines with a grungy undertone, creating fresh, wearable styles with an edgy finish.

@emnitta style black Miu Miu buckle slingbacks.

Whilst I'll be wearing mine with wide-leg trousers and dresses for springtime get-togethers, buckle shoes also pair well with pencil skirts for a trip to the office or baggy jeans for a more casual take. Read on to shop our edit of the best buckle-detail shoes.

SHOP THE BEST BUCKLE SHOES:

M&S Collection

Leather Buckle Kitten Heel Slingbacks

These look way more expensive than they are.

Miu Miu

55mm Buckle-Embellished Slingblack Pumps

The style that started it all.

Vagabond Shoemakers

Hermine Shoes in Black Leather

These also come in gold and grey.

Sézane

Paula Babies

With a decidedly French twist, these Mary Janes are a chicer alternative to trainers during spring.

Zara

Slingback Shoes With Strap

The perfect way to add a splash of colour to a pared-back look.

Paris Texas

Ashley Buckled Snake-Effect Leather Mules

Animal-print shoes are having a major moment this season.

Mango

Slingback Heeled Shoes With Buckle

Trust me, this is the chicest shoe style to invest in this season.

Aeyde

Melia Leather Point-Toe Pumps

Style with a pencil skirt or wear with your favourite jeans.

Pull & Bear

Distressed Kitten-Heel Shoes

The subtle buckle detail adds a grungy element to this classic shoe.

Zara

Heeled Shoes With Buckle Detail

Style with tights or wear with bare legs.

Jimmy Choo

Didi 45 Black Patent Leather Pointed Pumps in Black

These also come in icy blue.

Aeyde

Melia Buckled Metallic Leather Slingback Pumps

Tick off two trends at once with a silver pair.

Next Up: People in London and Paris Are Swapping Their Ballet Flats for This Sleek Shoe

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Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer and has worked in the fashion industry since she graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of the Arts London. Natalie’s experience in the industry spans journalistic and styling roles that have seen her work for publications including British Vogue, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK.

With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Reporting on a daily basis, Natalie focuses on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.