It has been an eventful few weeks in the fashion world. But while the spring/summer ’23 fashion week runways of New York, London, Milan, and Paris saw the return of maxi skirts and cargo pants, we couldn’t take our eyes off what was happening below the hemlines — in the shoe trend department.
There was plenty to ogle between the gremlin feet at Gucci and the surrealist, anthurium-adorned shoes at Loewe. But as far as the shoe trends that will actually be worn come next year, there were a number of styles featuring a nod to the past, from good ol’ fashioned flip-flops to the glittery jelly sandals of yore.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up the biggest SS23 shoe trends you can already shop right now, whether you’re looking to dabble in a bit of nostalgia or you want to upgrade your closet with something it’s never seen before (but won’t be staring back at you).
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Maxi Soles
Platforms, flatforms, thong platforms… there’s no such thing as going too big on this one. From Fendi’s wedged sandals to chunky bottoms at Max Mara, Monse, Vivienne Westwood, Brandon Maxwell, and beyond… better believe this style will be reaching new heights. Case in point: Cher’s surprise cameo at Balmain wearing wedges as intensely fabulous as she is. Photo: Courtesy of Balmain.
Simon Miller Blackout Platform, $, available at — PAID CONTENT —
If you’re looking for a more seasonally-appropriate way to rock the chunky sole trend before next spring, may we suggest a platform wedge bootie? Take this grunge-inspired Chelsea boot, for example: They’ll add some serious height to your favorite fall and winter ensembles while keeping your toes nice and toasty.
Nine West Henrita Chelsea Platform Booties, $, available at
Steve Madden Pepe 30 Platform Sandal, $, available at
Ugg Sport Yeah Clog, $, available at
Teva Flatform Mevia, $, available at
Flip-Flops
Flip-flops will forever be a divisive topic among fashion folk, but as long as the Olsen twins put their stamp of approval on it (as they’ve done before), the trend is as good as outfit gold in our book. What’s more: The Row wasn’t the only show where the casual sandal was paired with ultra-luxe looks this season. In case you need further convincing, Saint Laurent and Burberry have also climbed aboard the beach sandals train, sometimes presenting styles with a heel for extra elevation (and Y2K edge). Photo: Courtesy of Burberry.
Mango Platform Strap Sandals, $, available at
J.Crew Factory Easy Summer Flip-Flops, $, available at
TKEES The Boyfriend, $, available at
By Far Jack glossed-leather mules, $, available at
Point-Toe Flats
Flats have been back for quite some time now thanks to the recent collections of Miu Miu and Simone Rocha and the rise of balletcore. Now, the style is reaching its peak, so to speak, with toe shapes taking a turn for the sharper. In fact, the pointier, the better, according to Molly Goddard, Tory Burch, Roberto Cavalli, Courrèges, and others. Photo: Courtesy of Molly Goddard.
Sarah Flint Natalie Flat, $, available at
Rothy’s The Point, $, available at
Jeffrey Campbell Tied Down Knot Mules, $, available at
Birdies The Goldfinch, $, available at
Slip-On Sneakers
Just when you thought we might finally be done with sneakers that are so uncool they’re actually cool, designers like Deveaux, JW Anderson, and Collina Strada made the case for the slip-on kind for spring. If your mind immediately goes to velcro styles of your childhood or mom’s old Skechers, that’s exactly where it should be. Photo: David Spector/Collina Strada..
SOREL Kinetic Impact Sneakers, $, available at
Eileen Fisher Point Recycled Stretch Knit Wedge Sneaker, $, available at
APL Athletic Propulsion Labs TechLoom Bliss, $, available at
Charles & Keith Aberdeen Checkered Denim Slip-On Sneakers, $, available at
Mesh Shoes
Proenza Schouler, Jonathan Simkhai, Emporio Armani, Bally, and Nensi Dojaka all agree: fishnets for your feet will very much be in fashion next season. Extra points for rocking a pair with diamond-like details. Subtlety is not the point here, people. Photo: Courtesy of Bally.
Piferi Drizella Crystal Mesh Flat Mules, $, available at
Pipatchara Ramal Sandals, $, available at
Schutz Sinara Knit Sandal, $, available at
Vince Camuto Elanndo Flat, $, available at
Unusual Embellishments
After spending far too much time in indoor shoes, we’d like to celebrate designers like Balmain, Moschino, Loewe, Rick Owens, and Fendi who clearly understood the dopamine dressing assignment. Remember the aforementioned gremlins at Gucci? Very camp. So was Christian Cowan’s collaboration with Crocs, which featured detachable chains and ribbons that could double as jewelry or hair clips. The fluffier/sparklier/kookier your footwear this spring, the better. Photo: Courtesy of Loewe
Crocs Clog Pack, $, available at Crocs
Dolce Vita Halie Pearl Sandals, $, available at
Brother Vellies Palms Feather Sandal, $, available at
LoveShackFancy x Sophia Webster Lilico Sandal, $, available at
Up-The-Calf Straps
Dust off your gladiator sandals, friends, because the sexiest shoes for spring will be the kind with straps that snake their way around your leg. At least if Versace, Michael Kors, Ester Manas, Prabal Gurung, and Rochas have anything to say about it. Photo: Courtesy of Rochas.
Reformation Gemma Lace Up Sandal, $, available at
Lulus Janiyana Pistachio Lace-Up High Heel Sandals, $, available at
Marc Fisher Calyda Sandal, $, available at
Bershka Chunky Sole Flip Flops, $, available at
Jelly Shoes
For a trend that’ll take you right back to the days before we even knew that trends were a thing, designers like Coach, Simone Rocha, and Collina Strada are giving the jelly shoe a high-fashion reboot. Yes, we can hear our inner child screaming with glee. If only we could get our hands on some gel pens to boot…Photo: Courtesy of Simone Rocha.
Melissa Possession + Collina Strada Sandal, $, available at
Coach Ulyssa Slide, $, available at
Tory Burch Crisscross Bubble Jelly, $, available at
Salvatore Ferragamo Jelly Ballet Flat With Vara Bow, $, available at
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