We talk a lot about the importance of investing in classic pieces; items that will stand the test of time and that you'll wear for years to come, but that doesn't mean we don't like to flirt with new-season trends when fresh looks roll around. By now, I'm sure you're already familiar with the overarching autumn/winter 2023 fashion trends, which I've documented by way of our bumper report. Now, if I may, I'd like to turn your attention to one particular item: Shoes.
If you ask me, there's no easier way to dip your toe into a trend than with a pair of shoes (I promise that pun was a happy accident). After all, what else can completely change the tone of your outfit quite like well-chosen footwear? Therein lies their appeal. Jeans can be made fancier, cocktail dresses scaled back, summer wares made winter-worthy, and vice versa. As such, it not only makes sense to stay ahead of the shoe trends for 2023, but if you're the fashion enthusiast I expect you are, I'm sure you'll get a kick out of reading about them, too.
So, without further ado, scroll on to see the 11 shoe trends for 2023 that are destined to take over at certain points throughout the year. How do I know this? From the runways, of course!
1. Pointed Perspective
Style Notes: Square-toes have reigned over the past few seasons and collections but, for 2023, designers have sharpened their toes and are experimenting with '80s-style winklepicker silhouettes.
The shoes on every minimalist's 2023 wish list.
In a word? Gorgeous.
2. Join the Barre
Style Notes: Thanks to Miu Miu and The Row, ballet flats have been one of the biggest shoe trends of 2023. If you've already invested, you'll be pleased to hear they're sticking around for autumn/winter, too, by way of satin and velvet fabrications.
Alexa Chung is a fan of this shoe brand.
These ballet shoes come in a pretty array of colours, by favourite being this silver pair.
3. Crystal Heeling
Style Notes: Sparkly bags have been very much a thing this season, and the twinkling trend is being carried into winter 2023 in shoe-form. From slingback block heels to the boldest of boots, footwear with rhinestones and crystals was a running theme on the hottest runways.
The fanciest flat shoes of the season.
I'm into this light Gucci slingback colourway.
4. The Toe Show
Style Notes: If you've been holding off on getting a pedicure, this shoe trend might convince you to revisit the salon. Peep-toes appeared in unusual ways all over the designer spectrum—everyone from ACNE Studios to Victoria Beckham put models' toes on show.
Peep-toes have never looked so cool as they do here.
The asymmetric cutout feels so current.
5. Upon Reflection
Style Notes: Shades of gold and silver are commonplace in the winter months when party season is in full swing. For 2023, the party continues with an array of high-shine shoes in light-catching metallics in sweetie-wrapper hues.
These shoes were made for dancing the night away in.
The side silhouette of this platform is incredible.
6. Vinyl Player
Style Notes: Pedis at the ready, people—see-through vinyl was the finish of note on the runways of Valentino, Huishan Zhang, Coach and more.
Amina Muaddi put PVC shoes on the fashion map again.
A modern take on a classic silhouette.
7. Modern Marys
Style Notes: Mary Jane heels might be one of the biggest trends of 2023, but you can rest assured they're staying put for winter, too. Chunkier than past iterations of the classic style, with details including statement buckles and platform soles, make no mistake—Mary's feel more current than ever.
Carel shoes are a French-girl favourite.
The multi-strap front of these Mary Janes feels so fresh.
8. Portion of Wedges
Style Notes: Perhaps one of the most divisive shoe trends out there, you either love wedges or hate wedges; there's no middle ground. Another certainty? Bottega Veneta, Ports 1961 and Masha Popova are all in the former camp. Surprisingly easy to walk in, I'm willing to be wedge shoes will be all over occasion season.
The coolest!
The perfect wedge for minimalists.
9. New Heights
Style Notes: Boots might not be the first thing you associate with the spring/summer runways, but they were very much a thing in the 2023 collections, and were usually found styled with micro hemlines.
These also come in cool silver shade.
Tan suede styles will look more springtime-appropriate than black leather might.
10. The Right Ties
Style Notes: From knee-high boots at Givenchy to Ghillie-inspired stilettos at Jason Wu, shoes have been given their own unique form of corsetry with lace-up fronts for spring. Sexy but directional, this is the sort of shoe I imagine pairing with transparent dresses or an on-trend knee skirt.
These are just as iconic as any Bottega Veneta bag.
Not into the red? These also come in classic black.
11. Bumper Bikers
Style Notes: Last year's slew of stomping boots are shy in comparison to those made for 2023. Soles are bigger, buckles are more cumbersome, and the attitude is off-the-scale. The market is still to catch up. but these clompers are excellent options for now.
Reformation knows how to take on a shoe trend.
The soles on this pair are on the right track.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Next Up, Autumn/Winter 2023 Fashion Trends: The Expert-Approved Looks You Need to See
