It's time to embrace practicality. While you've likely considered which outerwear staples or capsule wardrobe essentials you might want to add to your repertoire this year, have you figured out which shoe trends will be joining them?
Once something of an afterthought, footwear has become a particularly effective way of expressing personal style over recent seasons, with many of us shamelessly succumbing to the endless ‘ugly shoe’ trends that appear courtesy of some of the world's coolest labels.
And with last summer's viral ‘wrong shoe theory’ dictating that the more incongruous a shoe feels with the rest of your outfit the more stylish the overall look, it's actually easier than ever to experiment with shoe trends.
However, with seemingly endless ‘must have’ styles hitting trend reports over recent months, it can be hard to whittle things down.
Here are the only 9 I think you need to consider in 2024…
1. THE SHEER BALLET FLAT
The ballet flat has been big news for a couple of seasons now, but there's no doubt that the front-runner within this space for 2024 is the sheer iteration. While last season it was all about Alaïa's Strass Ballet Flats, as we move towards spring it's this lighter-weight, mesh take that you'll see all over your Instagram feed and the feet of your most stylish friends. Le Monde Beryl's Mary Jane style pair are my favourites right now, and will be versatile enough to pair with everything from your staple denim to cute day dresses, tailoring and even your favourite loungewear.
2. THE NUDE BOOT
We all know the power of a good pair of boots, but while many of us rely on a series of black styles - the chunky biker boot, the heeled ankle boot and maybe even a cowboy boot - it's really worth looking into the lighter end of the colour spectrum to really freshen up your look. While they're much more fitting for spring and summer than your heavy black pairs, they're actually just as effective with cold-weather outfits and finish off a winter whites look perfectly. Opt for nude, rather than white, for a more timeless, versatile look.
3. THE SLIMLINE TRAINER
Whether you're a New Balance girlie (guilty), a loyal Nike stan or an Adidas devotee, there's no way you went through 2023 without hearing about - and seeing - the Adidas Samba. One of the most popular sneaker styles of the year, they're showing no sign of slowing down in 2024 - but with so many various colour combinations it can be a minefield to know which to go for. I'm one of only a few fashion editors who's yet to be drawn into the silhouette, but the latest OG colourways which feature softer neutrals and less aggressively contrasting shades may have finally tempted me.
4. THE METALLIC POINT
With metallic shades making their way onto every spring/summer 2024 runway from Miu Miu and Prabal Gurung to Rabanne, Roksanda, Alexander McQueen, Ralph Lauren, Courreges, Nina Ricci and Chloé, it should come as no surprise that it's set to be one of the biggest trends of the year. But if the idea of a gold or silver outfit feels a little much for you, dipping a toe - or all ten - into the trend via your footwear is a smart way to go. Pointed shoes are one of the hottest silhouettes right now, too, so this mirrored, pointed pump is hitting two trends in one. Which might make the investment somewhat more tempting…
5. THE PLATFORM FLATS
After months of slimline ballet flats dominating shoe trends it's time for a bulkier, braver silhouette to have its moment in the limelight. Whether you're into Mary Janes, loafers, mules or sandals, you'd be wise to look to heavier frames this year. Leaning into the ‘wrong shoe theory’ once again, they work particularly well with a super feminine summer midi dress and will add something of an edge to your more saccharinely sweet pieces.
6. THE SLINGBACK SANDAL
The ankle-strapped sandal has reigned supreme in the formal footwear arena for well over a decade now, but - thanks to our insatiable appetite for nostalgic fashion - the slingback sandal looks set to take over in 2024. Super simple and visually effortless, it's not only equally comfortable as an ankle strap but it also avoids the issue many find with ankle straps of shortening the leg. A hard-working staple, they look just as great with everyday denim and your favourite black suit as they do an evening dress. Opt for a pair with a low heel for a real taste of the 90s.
7. THE SLIP-ON CLOGS
Well I never said these were all new trends - did I? Birkenstock's Boston Clogs have been the summer stalwart label's hero shoe for almost a year now, and there's no doubt that their popularity will continue to soar in 2024. Having been a loyal Birkenstock Arizona girlie for over a decade I was dubious about switching to a new silhouette, but these haven't become the fashion world's go-to shoe without good reason. As perfect with a thick wool sock and your favourite jeans right now as they are with cut-off shorts come summer, this is a shoe you'll reach for time and time again.
8. THE MINI-HEEL BOOT
I know, I know, I've just been telling you to switch up your black boots for a nude pair, but if you're struggling to move on from the classic then may I suggest an even smaller tweak in the form of a practical alternative. Enter: the mini heel. Not quite kitten - I know many of you can't quite get your head around those - and yet nowhere near high, this is a really wearable way to elevate your look without sacrificing comfort. The mid-calf height is also a great new take on the traditional ankle pair, giving the boot a more contemporary, formal silhouette, while the pointed toe is undoubtedly the shape of the season.
9. THE PRACTICAL SANDAL
While I might be known to pack twice the amount of shoes than I could even feasibly wear on any given holiday, if I were restricted to one single pair there's no doubt it'd be a sturdy, flat sandal. In fact, if I could only wear one shoe from May to September then it'd be that. So simple to dress up or down, I particularly love a suede brown pair as they feel so much more soft and summer-appropriate than a classic black pair. I'd wear these with everything from summer dresses and jeans to tailored shorts, cargo pants, two-piece sets and loungewear.
The original article can be found on GLAMOUR UK.
