From Prada to Mango, This Old-School Shoe Trend is Making a Surprising Comeback

If it feels like everything that was once “outdated” is now firmly back in style, well, you’re not alone. Whether it was moto jackets or denim skirts, the fashion industry has been keeping us on our toes this year and making us think, so what’s next? In the land of items I would have previously banished from my closet, I have to admit that pointed-toe pumps are the last thing I could have anticipated to stage a comeback. And yet here we are in fall 2022 and the classic (albeit at times stuffy) heels are everywhere I look—and I want in.

The signs are all there. On the runways, designers are staging a renaissance of pointed-toe pumps and slingbacks with iterations that couldn’t be any cooler or more now. At Khaite, slingbacks were finished in party-ready metallics while at Loewe, heels made to look like balloons subverted the traditional shape of pumps. Meanwhile celebs from Rihanna to Hailey Bieber are preferring them over flat shoes, which tells me that they’ve officially been stripped of their “outdated” connotation.

For further evidence, see the celebrity outfits and runway looks that prove classic pumps are on their way back. Then shop our picks of the best pointed-toe pumps.

Bottega Veneta FW22

If the Olsen sisters are co-signing it via their luxury label The Row, it’s worth paying attention to.

This dramatic shape is probably the coolest iteration of a pump I’ve ever seen.

On Hailey Bieber: Sportmax dress; Balenciaga sunglasses; Jimmy Choo Erin Slingback Pumps

All about that triangle logo.

The just-dropped slingbacks fashion insiders are already obsessing over.

Khaite FW22

Khaite never fails to imbue a sense of lust into their classic items.

Knock out two trends in one go with this metallic pair.

On Rihanna: Alexander Wang jacket; Dior by John Galliano dress; Jimmy Choo x Mugler Leather Pumps ($822)

The kind of shoe you’ll own for years and years.

Little detail, big impact.

Coperni FW22

Take a cue from the runway and dress these up with knee-high socks.

Perfect for the holidays.

On Bella Hadid: 

Fall’s It boots also come in a classic pump iteration and luckily enough, there’s still plenty of stock (for now).

For $30, H&M did good.

Prada SS23

For their spring 2023 collection, Prada sent every single look down its runway with these mary jane pumps, a surefire sign that they have It-item material.

Woah.

On Kate Middleton: Alexander McQueen sweater; Emme London Josie Pumps ($435)

Level-up your work wardrobe.

And your party wardrobe.

Saint Laurent FW22

The animal print texture lends an expensive-looking feel to these.

The shoes every editor on our team has lusted after.

On Elsa Hosk: Worn vintage jacket; Helsa Jersey Cropped Turtleneck Tank ($88) and Maxi Skirt ($228); vintage Prada pumps

Winter pumps if I’ve ever seen them.

Straight fire.

Loewe FW22

Loewe’s trompe l’oeil balloon pumps continue to blow our minds .

An affordable gem.

Next, the 5 controversial celebrity shoe trends that have us divided.