Londoners Know a Great Shoe When They See One—7 Footwear Trends Taking Off in the City Right Now

One thing about Londoners: they know what makes a great shoe. Steered by practicality (the average week in London involves at least one or two rainy days), the city's style set has perfected its rotation of sleek, comfortable and stylish shoes that can handle a high step count whilst always looking good.

Ever inspired by the footwear scenes on my doorstep, I thought I'd chart the rising shoe trends taking off in the capital during London Fashion Week. Having traversed the city in a chic Volvo car, here are the seven new-season shoe trends I saw on repeat at LFW September 2024.

1. PUMA SPEEDCATS

Style Notes: Sorry to my Sambas, but September calls for a fresh It trainer, and Puma's Speedcats are the new-season style to know about. Spotted on the runway at Feben, LUEDER, Mains and Ahluwalia, as well as across the city's streets, these laid-back trainers imparted a chic and sporty edge to the coolest looks this week.

Puma Speedcats

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Model wears Puma Speedcats

(Image credit: Getty Images)

SHOP PUMA SPEEDCATS:

2. HEELED MULES

Style Notes: Sophisticated and chic, this elegant shoe trend spoke to the refined side of London street style. More wearable than its court shoe counterpart, heeled mules have a relaxed energy that means they style just as well with party outfits as with casual looks.

London Fashion Week Street style

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

London Fashion Week Street style

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

SHOP HEELED MULES:

3. MAISON MARGIELA TABIS

Style Notes: Love them or hate them, Maison Margiela's Tabi shoes were all over LFW. Be it as loafers, ballet flats or Mary Janes, the style set affirmed that this controversial shoe is always welcome in London.

London Fashion Week Street Style

(Image credit: Nicole Gomes)

London Fashion Week Street Style

(Image credit: Nicole Gomes)

SHOP MAISON MARGIELA TABIS:

4. PENNY LOAFERS

Style Notes: As September heralds back-to-school season, it brings to the fore some smarter silhouettes. Punctuating London's style scene, penny loafers were a favourite across the weekend.

London Fashion Week Street Style

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

London Fashion Week Street Style

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

SHOP PENNY LOAFERS:

5. SIMONE ROCHA CROCS

Style Notes: Those truly into fashion will know that the Simone Rocha X Crocs collaboration is one of the season's most important. A resounding favourite amongst editors and influencers, these clunky shoes proved that they have plenty of mileage yet. They're currently sold out (but due for a restock with the S/S 25 collection next year) but for now, you can shop secondhand styles on pre-loved websites, as linked below.

London Fashion Week Street Style

(Image credit: Nicole Gomes)

London Fashion Week Street Style

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

SHOP SIMONE ROCHA CROCS:

6. TIMBERLAND BOAT SHOES

Style Notes: The past few months have seen boat shoes come through as a major trend in London, and this past weekend affirmed that they're here to stay. Cutting through the noise of options, Timberland's styles were the resounding favourite on the streets.

London Fashion Week Street Style

(Image credit: Nicole Gomes)

London Fashion Week Street Style

(Image credit: Nicole Gomes)

SHOP TIMBERLAND BOAT SHOES:

7. SLINGBACKS

Style Notes: Sophisticated and chic with a cool '90s energy, the slingback shoe trend worked its way into so many great outfits at LFW. Worn with tailored trousers on repeat, I've also seen slingbacks look supremely chic when styled with skirts in both pencil and voluminous shapes.

London Fashion Week street style

(Image credit: Nicole Gomes)

London Fashion Week street style

(Image credit: Nicole Gomes)

SHOP SLINGBACKS:

Natalie Munro
News Writer

Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer. Having worked in the fashion industry since her time at university—where she obtained a BA in Journalism from University of the Arts London, Natalie's experience spans journalistic and styling roles. In the early stages of her career Natalie predominately worked on editorial shoots for fashion publications such as British Vogue, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK, before moving into journalism roles.

On completion of her degree she interned in the editorial team at British Vogue and later went on to freelance for the publication. Here, she developed her interest in reporting on the latest fashion news and trends. Inspired by the dynamic nature of the industry, Natalie went on to write for other lifestyle and fashion brands and publications before taking on the role as News Writer for Who What Wear.

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