The spring/summer 2023 runway shows have given us a fresh set of collections and upcoming trends to digest. In our spring/summer 2023 fashion trend report, we discussed some of the most noteworthy things to have your eye on for the upcoming season. Among them, you’ll find sweet, pretty things and all things sheer. Of course, there were also some fresh, unexpected trends we’re betting on big, including the return of skinny pants and intentionally imperfect pieces.
The shoe space showed a similar balance. In part, we saw fall/winter 2022 trends such as Mary Janes and ballet flats tweaked for the new season—meaning you can rest assured that those buys will last long beyond the spring. On the other side of the spectrum, hyper-new styles like the reimagined pumps at Loewe and the inventive, high-concept heels at Dries Van Noten will redefine how people accessorize in 2023. Ahead are the eight biggest spring 2023 shoe trends to commit to memory.
The fall/winter 2022 season has seen an influx of pretty pieces that our editors have reported on at length. After spotting bow-embellishment rhinestone boots at Chanel and pink ruffled heels at MSGM, there is no doubt that that momentum is continuing into 2023.
Satin was major on the spring/summer 2023 runways with pieces like pastel car coats at Tory Burch and champagne bubble dresses at Khaite—a sign that elegant, shiny pieces will be huge for spring. Another unexpected place we saw satin was on shoes, specifically over-the-knee boots and clogs. While we may need to wait until next year to see those specific silhouettes available in satin, you can still tap into other classic styles in the fabric.
Pumps are a staple so classic they are hardly newsworthy, but all of that changed at the Loewe show, where inflated Barbie pumps made a major impact on the runway. Other designers such as Valentino and Coperni reimagined the shoe style with details like zippers and sharp lines that make timeless pumps feel suddenly new again.
Ballet flats have been one of the biggest shoe comebacks in recent memory, and designers are just getting started. While the Miu Miu satin ballet flats have risen to It-shoe status this season, get ready to see even more takes on the shoes next year, from A.W.A.K.E. Mode’s silver-embellished styles to Tod’s version that incorporates the brand’s trademark pebbled sole.
While Mary Jane heels are one of the biggest trends for fall, you can rest assured that they are a sound investment buy for spring as well. Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons styled 47 of 55 looks at the Prada show with Mary Janes, leaving no doubt that they will be one of the most important shoes to buy for next year.
Creativity was back on the runways in a big way in many areas. One thing to note? New shoe shapes and architectural heels. Dries Van Noten showcased thick curved heels, Ferragamo debuted circular styles, and Proenza Schouler made a strong case for waterfall silhouettes. There is no limit to the inventive styles we’ll be seeing for spring.
Despite their growing popularity among the fashion set, we’ve never considered flip-flops to be a shoe style that feels polished or elevated—until we saw the sandals in The Row’s collection during Paris Fashion Week. Designed in a glossy leather and styled with soft tailored jackets and crisp shirting, the thoughtful thongs look very grown-up. Consider us converted.
Super-strappy heels have been a defining trend in the last several years, but now, we’re seeing a new spin on them. Instead of floss heels or lace-up styles, we’re now seeing cool buckled heels and boots, as showcased on the S/S 23 runways of Gucci, Versace, and Christian Dior.
Whether knee-high boots at Givenchy or slingback heels finished with a sweet bow at Versace, shoes emerged on the S/S 23 runways with lace-up details. This is a trend we haven’t seen in a major way since the aughts, but it’s set to be in full swing next year.
