During one of my weekly scrolls through Zara's new-in section, I realised that everything I was adding to my basket were shoes. Yes, I am so impressed by the high-street giant's shoe offering right now that not only did I instantly buy two pairs for myself (more on those later), but I think the footwear may actually be out-performing ready-to-wear for the first time in an age.
If you're put off by the idea of queueing in a packed store or scrolling through hundreds of new pieces, allow me to summarise: there is literally a pair of shoes for every spring outfit you've been dreaming about wearing for the past few dreary months. Think pretty flats, polished heels, chic slip-ons and summer-ready sandals—you name it, it's here, and I've compiled them all into one easy edit for your perusal, and they all come in at under £90.
The below picks are the kind of spring and summer shoes that you're going to wear on rotation for the next six months and into next year too, so expect shoes with some serious staying power. From pointed toes to metallics and work shoes to fun prints, assembling your spring wardrobe just got easier. Keep scrolling for the cream of the crop of Zara shoes this season—you won't regret it.
1. LADYLIKE COURTS AND SLINGBACKS
If quiet luxury taught us anything, it's how to make the most out of simple and uncomplicated pieces, and the evolution of the luxe-looking trend is "ladylike" glamour—think twin sets, pencil skirts, pointed shoes and sleek accessories that are one part office siren, one part 1950s housewife. Case in point: the return of the kitten slingback. Zara has plenty of pairs in this classic style and several elegant court shoes in an array of spring-ready pastels that can be dressed up with sheer socks for a nod to runway styling.
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I can think of so many outfits that would benefit from these.
Be still, my beating heart.
The matching socks really up the ante.
We still can't get enough of bows.
This is spring in a shoe.
2. '90s MINIMALISM
The '90s called, and nostalgic shoes are making a comeback. Most notably, wedges, mules, strappy sandals and frankly anything that wouldn't look out of place on a Calvin Klein billboard. Fans of pared-back minimalism will be happy to see these no-muss, no-fuss shoes all over the high street again, and if you're looking for a subtle accompaniment to a look that lets the outfit do the talking, may I suggest any of Zara's leather flats? Or even the mesh ballet pumps. Then again, there's also the mules…
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My childhood dreams come true.
Perfect for the office.
These are just so chic.
Some of the best mesh flats on the market.
Minimalist perfection (and they come in black too).
3. DRESSED-UP FLATS
The best styling advice I can give you in 2024? Leave the blister plasters at home; we're wearing our flats for the evening too, so there's no need to pack an emergency pair of flip-flops. When pumps, loafers and sandals look as good as these, there really isn't any need to rely on towering platforms to make an entrance, and whether you're dressing up for the office or keeping it comfortable for the weekend, there's a flat shoe with your name on it. (I've got my eye on the red patent pair that wouldn't look out of place on the streets of Paris.)
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It's party time.
The cross straps are subtle but make all the difference.
All of the style of a tweed jacket in a shoe.
I'm obsessed with this colour.
These could easily be Erdem.
4. METAL MORPHOSIS
Now here is a trend whose roots we can trace right back to the S/S 24 runways. This elevated take on embellishment is the shoe equivalent of gilding a lily. Sculptural heels and chunky metal details give these affordable shoes designer appeal—proof that you don't actually have to spend four figures to look like you did. At first glance any of these pairs could be from Jil Sander or Loewe due to their directional design, so let's just keep the truth between us (for now, that is).
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I immediately ordered these before they sold out.
These are insanely stylish.
They come in so many colours too.
Carrie Bradshaw, eat your heart out.
5. THAT '70S SHOE
In case you missed it earlier this month, boho is officially back, and with it comes all the accessories that made the '70s one of the most referenced decades in fashion history. For 2024, think less disco and Donna Summer and more Woodstock and Fleetwood Mac. Zara has stocked up on plenty of suede, slip-ons, and earthy colour palettes perfect for wearing with laidback denim as soon as the spring sunshine hits.
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Just add flares.
Festival fashion (minus the mud).
Perfect for a lazy weekend.
You'll wear these all summer.
How to make white dresses even better.
