The spring/summer 2023 runway shows have wrapped up from fashion month, giving us a fresh set of collections and upcoming trends to digest. In our S/S 23 fashion trend report, we discussed some of the most noteworthy things to have your eye on for the upcoming season. Among then, the continuation of 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 F/W 22 trends including Mary Janes and ballet flats tweaked for the new season—meaning you can rest assured that those buys will last long beyond the current season. 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 that will redefine how people accessorize in 2023. Ahead, the eight biggest spring 2023 shoe trends to commit to memory.
The F/W 22 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 S/S 23 runways with pieces like pastel car coats at Tory Burch and champagne bubble dresses at Khaite—a sign that the elegant, shiny pieces will be huge for spring. Another unexpected area we saw satin was 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 including Valentino and Coperni reimagined the shoe with details like zippers and sharp lines that make the timeless pump 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-shoes for F/W 22, you can get ready to see even more takes on the shoe emerging next year, from A.W.A.K.E. MODE’s silver-embellished styles to Tod’s version that incorporates their 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 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 amongst the fashion set, I’ve never considered flip-flops to be a shoe style that feels polished or elevated. That is, until I 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 me converted.
Super strappy heels have been a defining trendy 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 seen on the S/S 23 runways at Gucci, Versace, and Christian Dior.
