Every Time I Open Instagram I See These 7 Shoe Trends

Summer is in full swing and the most monumental way to angle your wardrobe towards warm-weather season is with your choice of footwear. Each year, the summer shoe trends will differ from their predecessors, and for 2023, there are some new styles to consider. Now, I never advocate buying something just because it feels of the moment or timely, but if you happen to love it and think it works with your sense of style, then perhaps it is the right purchase for you. And, going by their current popularity on Instagram, I'd say these summer shoe trends for 2023 have a good chance of piquing your interest.

During the recent hot spell, I was sure to keep an eye on the shoes circulating in fashion circles, and there were seven styles in particular that kept cropping up. Among them, silhouettes like wedges have already been embraced and are only set to gain more traction as the months go on. Then there's a shift towards barely-there fabrications such as mesh and tulle; sure, they're not meant for downpours, but there's no denying that they're pretty. And finally, there are sandals so versatile; I don't think there's anything they won't go with.

Ready to take a look at the complete list of summer shoe trends to try in 2023? Right this way…

1. Mesh Flats

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(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Style Notes: The longer a trend sticks around, the longer it continues to evolve. Now, the ballet flats and Mary Janes that were all the rage in spring are sticking around for summer, but in mesh or sheer materials. 

Shop the Trend

2. Thin-Tie Sandals

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: The anthesis to the chunky sandals that dominated last year, for 2023 we're seeing more and more sandals with ultra-thin wraparound straps. 

Shop the Trend

3. Green Tones

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Style Notes: From lime to kelly, green was one of the most prevalent colours on the spring/summer 2023 runways. So, it should come as no surprise that the hue has now begun showing up on all sorts of shoes, from throw-on sandals to sexy high heels. 

Shop the Trend

4. Embellished Straps

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Style Notes: From Gucci's GG slingbacks to Amina Muaddi's brooch-adorned courts, crystals were the dominant shoe trend of party season. Now, the rave continues into summer with slightly more delicate but no less impactful jewel-strap sandals. 

Shop the Trend

5. Minimal Wedges

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(Image credit: @emnitta)

Style Notes: Make no mistake, mules are back, but not as you know them. Instead of the clunky, rope-adorned pairs that used to be commonplace, we're seeing more refined wedges with clean or sculptural silhouettes coming through.

Shop the Trend

6. Retro Sneakers

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(Image credit: @oliviamarcus)

Style Notes: First Sambas, now Onitsuka Tigers; fashion's love of retro-style sneakers is only heating up as we head farther into summer. The perfect exploring shoe, expect to see these sorts of kicks on every It-girl holiday in 2023. 

Shop the Trend

7. Square Toes

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(Image credit: @fisayolonge)

Style Notes: There's just something about square toes that gives shoes an edge, be they flat sandals or heels. Although it has been omnipresent for the past few seasons, if the market is anything to go by, it's going to be just as big of a trend this summer, too. 

Shop the Trend

Next Up: It's My Job to Find Amazing Shopping Picks—These 9 New Buys Are Too Good to Miss

This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated. 

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, 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 SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.