It's True: These 8 Shoe Colours Will Lead the Trends in 2024
If there's one thing I've learned in my fashion-editor tenure, it's that shoes have transformative powers that no other accessory or garment can compare to. Want to make your fanciest dress feel more low-key? Try a flat. Want to dress up a knitted two-piece? Add a heeled knee-high. Want to take a pair of trousers from ordinary to extraordinary? Pop on an embellished ballet pump. They really are the influencers of the fashion world.
If you're looking to make your outfits feel fresh as we head into 2024, you know what my solution is going to be: Shoes! Of course, some shoes aren't seasonly appropriate right now—unless you're planning on jetting off to warmer climes, chances are your need for flip-flips is negated at this point. This is why I'm turning my attention to the shoe colour trends that are set to be big in 2024.
At the start of each season, I like to take a look at the runways to see which colours stand out across a variety of categories—clothing, bags and, yes, shoes. Colour is the earliest predictor of new trends and one of the easiest of said trends to adopt, making it a quick way to bring your outfits up to speed ahead of a new season. After analysing thousands of catwalk snaps from the spring/summer 2024 shows, I identified a recurring theme. Below are the eight shoe colours I kept seeing over and over again. So, if you want to look current in 2024, I suggest taking a look at the footwear below.
SHOE COLOUR TRENDS TO TRY IN 2024
1. RED
As seen at: Arkis, Fendi, Balmain
Red has been a consistent colour trend across the past few seasons, but fashion isn't through with the fiery tone. Now, it's about how you wear it, and the most popular way of doing so on the runway was with shoes with clashing outfit combinations, such as a sky-blue outfit.
Shop the Trend:
Cherry-red shoes don't come better than this.
2. BROWN
As seen at: Ferragamo, Fendi, Tod's
The colour brown became the height of chic as the quiet-luxury aesthetic peaked in the summer months, which is likely why it was such a big deal when the spring/summer 2024 collections were shown come September. Dominating coats, trousers, dresses and bags, it should come as no surprise that brown shoes are set to carry the colour's legacy on into the new year.
Shop the Trend:
The brown colour trend feels so '90s—add buckles and it's like we're back there!
Brown boots are timeless (making these a sound investment).
3. SILVER
As seen at: Gucci, Simone Rocha, Alaïa
Silver has been at the centre of so many trends lately, be it jewellery or trousers. Now, we're seeing more and more silver shoes come through in both the high end and high street markets, presenting a wearable way to tackle the trend. Gucci's crystal-fringed kitten heels will be the shoe of spring/summer 2024—mark my words.
Shop the Trend:
Until the Gucci pair above are available, these make for a worthwhile placeholder.
4. WHITE
As seen at: Carven, Vivetta, Prada
I wrote that I once thought white shoes looked "cheap" but, really, it was the white shoes I'd bought myself in the past that were cheap. Now, with interesting details such as square toes, in on-trend silhouettes such as slingbacks and ballet flats, and with a nuance on the shade used, white shoes are back and more elevated-looking than ever.
Shop the Trend:
5. GREEN
As seen at: Gucci, Burberry, Bottega Veneta
It might surprise you to learn that, aside from red, green was the prevailing shoe colour on the runways. Worn with everything from shocking blue coats to crimson flowers the shade acts as a palate cleanser, a purifier for busier outfits, akin to its impact in nature.
Shop the Trend:
The colour, the fabric, the heel, the shape—these shoes are the full package.
Bright and bold trainers are another trend for 2024 fashion people can't get enough of.
6. GREY
As seen at: Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Tod's
Another colour with '90s heritage that's poised to be big in 2024 is grey, especially shades with warm, taupe undertones. This being precisely what we saw in shoe form on the runway. This new take on neutral will serve you well as it'll pair with everything you would originally wear black shoes with. You could say they're even more versatile, as they'll also suit colours and fabrics black may be a little harsh against.
Shop the Trend:
I'm in love (and I'm also tempted by the black version).
Now these boots mean business! Would you look at that heel...
7. GOLD
As seen at: Bottega Veneta, Zimmermann, Victoria Beckham
Where there is silver, gold can never be too far behind. For 2024, there's a focus on metallics across the colour spectrum, but classicists will appreciate the gold tones that are a mainstay. The more reflective the surface, the better, being the runway mantra.
Shop the Trend:
T-bar shoes had a moment this year too, so I'm predicting they'll be back for 2024.
8. BLUE
As seen at: Eudon Choi, Fendi, Miu Miu
Blue is one of those colours that can hit very different depending on its tone and intensity. For 2024, designers have taken the delicate approach with icy blue hues, which were painted across clothing and accessories alike. But there's something especially appealing about a blue shoe, especially if it's paired with darker prints and colours like this leopard print coat at Fendi. Beautiful.
Shop the Trend:
Are these not the cutest flats around? Wear with a floral midi or blue jeans and a white shirt.
A slightly deeper shade, but the denim-like hue keeps these on the side of blue that we're looking for.
So that's what they mean by twinkle toes...
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s Deputy Editor and has over fourteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and authoritative content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, talent interviews self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their search and keyword planning, works closely with the fashion and beauty team on strategy and continues to pen many of her own articles. Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine's contributed to publications including Grazia, InStyle Marie Claire, Elle and Look, amongst others.
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