As a fashion editor, I always endeavour to bring you a unbiased take on the trends—I am well aware I don’t to personally like something for it to hold value. As long as it’s relevant, has grounding and could enhance someone’s style in one way or another, I’ll report on it. However, I have to admit, there’s one trend in particular that I had previously written off but, surprisingly, I’ve been coming round to recently. Because of this change of heart, I can be transparent with you. Before this year, I always thought white shoes looked cheap. I put this down to a white pair of two-inch heels I wore nonstop between the ages of 16 and 18. I forget where they were from but I almost certainly picked them up in a bargain bin for under a tenner. They were awful—a shiny faux leather material that started to peel after I wore them out in the rain one time, yet still insisted to wear. It’s this image that’s been tethered to the white-shoe trend in my mind ever since.
However, I’ve started to realise that not all white shoes are made equal (read: to the low standards of my first pair). In fact, all the chicest outfits I’ve been saving down for the last couple of months seem to feature, in particular, white low-heel shoes: the influence of which can be traced back to Prada.
At the start of the year, fashion people began snapping up Prada’s pure-white slingback shoes for their Fashion Week wardrobes. Emblazoned with the iconic logo, they were a cult item across the warmer months, with the brand going on to release several variations of its white low-heel shoe as we progressed into autumn and winter. And now we’re seeing the full effects of the white-shoe movement, with searches for the term spiking by a huge 250% in the last week.
The brand at the heart of the trend? Prada.
Across London, Paris and New York, white low-heel shoes keep cropping up, paired with party outfits and tailoring in equal measure. Pointed toes pay homage to the Prada OGs, but French influencer Anne-Laure Mais also proves that almond and round toes have just as much worth, too. The key factor in making what I would have formerly described a “cheap” shoe trend look chic is this. Styling for one! The outfits themselves are elegant. Then there’s the low-heel factor, which feel more effortless than high-heeled counterparts. Also, the range of white shoes has diversified to include ivory and off-white—while stark white looks sharp and cool, these diffused tones will blend more seamlessly with your outfits and, in turn, could look more put together.
Really, the moral of the story is to keep an open mind, particularly where shoes are concerned! Officially a convert myself, I’ve rounded up an edit of the chicest pairs in the white low-heel shoe trend across every budget (including any from Prada I could find with stock. Scroll on!
Mango’s new white heels won’t hang around for long.
The OGs (though with a slightly higher heel—the lowest are still out of stock).
These are incredible.
Tick off two shoe trends in one with a white mary jane.
Hannah Lewis pairs her white, low-heel Prada shoes with a sheer skirt for a day in London.
These come in so many chic colours, but the white is my favourite.
If The Row’s in on it, you know it’s going to be a big deal.
Not the lowest heel I know but the wedge element makes it feel like you’re walking on air.
These look designer, don’t they? They also come in gold if you’re equally as obsessed as I am.
The trend has also jumped stateside, with Caroline Lin wearing them nonstop.
The trend also applies to boots.
These shoes have the most beautiful lace trimming.
It may not strictly be sandal season, but Reformation’s Meena heels come in handy year-round.
Charles & Keith is really nailing the white low-heel shoe brief.
Paris-based influencer Anne-Laure Mais wears the white low-heel shoe trend with a black and white look for even more of a chic impact.
Cute! And on sale!
These Khaite shoes will make every outfit you wear them with look more “fashion”.
I will never not want a pair of Manolo Maysales.
The gold toe cap is an inspired addition.
Next Up: It’s My Job to Spot Shoe Trends—9 Pretty Styles That Will Rule 2024
