Since fashion is both cyclical and ever changing, it’s no surprise that many trends tend to make their way back around. While I’ve already shared a select few general fashion trends that have reemerged onto the scene for 2023, today’s topic of discussion is one of my favorite things to buy—shoes. It’s not that I rely solely on the trend cycle to tell me what to wear (and you shouldn’t either), but when a designer brings back an old trend, they often bring along a fresh take that inspires me to rewear older trends in different ways.
Remove all your expectations now because you might be surprised by the trends I name below. I, for one, was a bit taken aback to see gladiator sandals on the rise again. (You can partly thank Sofia Richie for that one.) Also, wedges are still a strong pick for many, which is definitely something I wouldn’t have put in my 2023 predictions last year. But don’t be alarmed—these modern-day iterations are bringing a whole new look to each shoe category. You’re in for a treat.
Ahead, discover what’s old is new again. See the seven once-dated shoe trends that have made a comeback in full force for 2023. As always, you’ll find editor-approved picks to shop for each.
I’ll admit it—when I first learned wedges were making a comeback, I didn’t have high hopes for their longevity. But here I am now, mid-2023, ready to wear them all summer long. Sleeker options from Khaite’s and Bottega Veneta’s runways sealed the deal for me, and I know the more affordable options below will do the same for you.
Gladiator sandals making a comeback certainly wasn’t on my set of fashion predictions for the year. But don’t fret. The 2023 versions aren’t like the knee-length ones spotted all over Coachella in the festival’s prime. The summer shoe style is now much sleeker, and the tie usually sits at the ankle or mid-calf.
Espadrilles have always been available on the market each summer, but designers’ fresh takes on the style have really amped it up to an It shoe trend for 2023. You can thank the addition of more visually sleek wedges, tasteful straps, and on-trend colorways.
These studded shoes aren’t your rock-stud sandals or embellished combat boots from several years ago. They’re so much better. I like to think of them as jewelry for my shoes and match them to my rings or necklaces. It really ties a whole outfit together.
Speaking for myself, I never stopped wearing chunky sandals, even when I noticed a shortage of them on my Instagram feed. Technically, they have never been entirely “out,” but the new era of sporty sandals offers an elevated take that has us rethinking the category altogether. Thanks to collaborations like Teva x Chloé and Birkenstock x Jil Sander, everyone is on the hunt for chic yet comfy slides for summer.
Many early 2000s trends may give flashbacks to outfits that we don’t fully remember, but I promise you’ll be impressed by the denim shoes available to shop right now. (The Chanel denim flats are on my wish list.) After all, denim goes with everything, so why not opt for the fabric in a pair of shoes?
We’ve been talking about metallics so often here at WWW that I almost forgot they were once considered “tacky.” Now, they bring each outfit to another level on the style scale.
