There comes a time in almost every fashion item’s lifespan when the hype around it starts to wane. That doesn’t in any way, shape, or form mean that said praise will never return, but it does probably signify the need to store those afflicted pieces away for a while to make room for their replacements. Nowhere are trends cycling as quickly and significantly right now than footwear, a space where, in 2024, buzzy colors, shapes, and specific shoe styles dethrone their formerly on-top foes on a near-daily basis.
As sad as it can be to wave goodbye to the shoes in your collection that accompanied you on many a 10,000-step walk, subway-stair climb, and worldly vacation, it has to be done. But don’t worry—2024’s footwear offering is nothing to scoff at. Once you see the six “in” styles below, I’m sure any residual sorrow will quickly be replaced with feelings of elation.
As cool as they oftentimes look when they appear on runways, denim footwear just hasn’t been impressing at the level it once did in recent seasons. What has been, though, are all of the patent-leather shoes that have dropped in the last few months, from Saint Laurent’s viral Lee slingbacks to Ferragamo’s drool-worthy knee-high boots. Pretty much, if the shoes are covered in patent leather in 2024, they’re set to go viral. Yes, you can quote me on that.
Though the extra inches were a nice bonus during the last couple of years of platform dominance, my shins are thankful for the way the style’s popularity has subsided. These days, the heels on every chic fashion person’s feet are much more sleek and subtle than the platforms of yore, featuring pretty embellishments à la Prada and approachable heel heights courtesy of The Row, Phoebe Philo, and more.
If you’re gearing more toward the office siren look than the gorpcore one this year, trade in your lug-sole boots for some ’90s-inspired stiletto boots. Trust me—the simple swap will change the way every item in your closet looks, taking whatever you pair them with up about 10 notches in a matter of seconds.
I’ve never actually thought highly of the PVC shoe trend—apart from a few exceptions that include Maryam Nassir Zadeh’s iconic Olympia Wedges and Alaïa’s heart pumps—mostly because of how uncomfortable the material can be in the summertime, especially when they’re not made well. Because of that, deprioritizing the style won’t be all that difficult, especially since the alternative features the fishnet material that I haven’t been able to shut up about for months. To get the look right, take cues from Alaïa’s boots and ankle-strap wedges as well as The Row.
The “metallic everything” trend has been fun and all, but going into 2024, my goal is to transition my wardrobe into a more minimal, timeless state of being, which is why I’m giving up a majority of my all-over silver footwear and trading them in for tamer but equally chic gray options from the likes of Prada and Ferragamo as well as Zara and Reformation.
Remember bubble shoes? From clogs to sandals to boots, there was a time not too long ago when many of the most-wanted shoe styles appeared full of CO2. These days, though, those blown-up silhouettes haven’t been getting much wear time. Instead, another comfy, pillowy footwear option has taken over. After they were spotted on the F/W 23 runways at Gucci, Burberry, and Khaite, to name just a few, furry shoe styles have slowly but surely crept into fashion’s top spot. After you try on a pair, you’ll start to understand why.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
