If you had more shoes on your wishlist than goals for 2023, you’ve come to the right place. Shoes will make or break your outfit, your night, and your whole life if you let them. The runways—and the streets—of spring 2023 fashion month were stomped on by all kinds of footwear. And according to two buyers in the fashion industry, that’ll be the case throughout the year. From mega-high platforms to tiny kitten heels, clunky boots to sculptural shoes, and heavy embellishments to minimalist thongs, the new year will be all about variety. Pick your favorites to try out (with your best spring 2023 fashion trends and 2023 bag trends, of course) from the styles below.
Platforms
Whether you’re 5’2” like our mother monster Lady Gaga or 5’10”, making you taller than most men if you wear even short heels, platforms will make anyone feel on top of the world. Look down on your enemies in these wicked shoes (and take them for a practice run before you go out and twist your ankle). Thank Gucci, Schiaparelli, and Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood for taking this trend to new heights. “Loud platform heels paired with a sexy bodycon dress are definitely a clear trend for spring 2023,” said Tiffany Hsu, Mytheresa’s Fashion Buying Director. “Statement shoes from Amina Muaddi and Mach & Mach are the perfect staple to pair with any mini-skirt.”
Knee High Boots
Are you wearing the...trending knee-high boots of the upcoming season? Yeah, I am. Heel or no heel, knee-high boots are the ideal height for styling with mini skirts, slit-leg midi dresses, or, dare I say, skinny jeans. As long as the pants are leather, we’ll allow it.
Tiny Kitten Heels
For just a little bump-up but not too much, try the kitten heel. “The biggest trend in shoes is something we are dubbing the ‘fashion footwear comedown,’” said Ryan Kleman, the Director of Buying, Non-Apparel at Moda Operandi. “For so long, the best shoes in the market were north of 100mm. Now, we are seeing a fashionable return to heel heights somewhere in the middle. The key to mastering this trend is not sacrificing the fashion or the sexy.”
Heavy Boots
If you need a shoe that will keep you grounded, these are for you. Your feet might feel literally anchored to the floor, but at least you’ll look really cool in the heavy shoe trend for 2023. And your feet will get used to the extra weight...think of it like a workout with ankle bands. It’s a win-win.
Toe Ring Sandals
Perhaps as a nod to the nineties and noughties, toe rings are back for spring 2023. Only this time, they’re on your shoes. Tory Burch, Lanvin, and Stella McCartney are all in on the trend.
Embellishments
Chains, studs, rhinestones, pearls, and more adorned the shoes on the spring runways, from Junya Watanabe and Alaia to Ottolinger and Paco Rabanne. As for what you’ll see on Moda? “Boots that are anything but boring,” Kleman says. “Everyone seems to have their everyday boots and are opting to refresh their shoe closet with thigh-highs, heavy embellishments, or denim variations.”
Super Strappy
Strappy sandal heels will always be a spring and summer classic, so get your pedicures scheduled in advance. Missoni, Ulla Johnson, and A.W.A.K.E. Mode had the standouts this season, but until they reach the stores, check out these styles.
Paris Texas Crystal Embellished Lace Up Sandals
Clear Heels
Take clues from Bottega Veneta, Valentino, and Dries van Noten’s runway shows: clear is the new black. The references for this trend aren’t totally clear (pun intended), but whether inspired by glassware, ’90s jelly accessories, or club dancer culture, its popularity on the runways is nothing but transparent.
Sculptural Heels
Artistic and edgy, these shoes are sure to start a conversation, so make sure you’re elegantly crossing your legs when you can so they’re on display to the world. They might not have been sculpted by Michelangelo himself, but we can settle for Rick Owens.
Thong Sandals
If you love flip flops but don’t want to look like a total surfer bro, try them with a heel, as seen in Coperni and Burberry’s spring collections. Perfectly minimal and sexy, the style gives your foot an elongated, slender shape without the hassle of straps or buckles.
Updated Loafers
Pragmatists can get behind this trend. From the office to brunch to shopping around town, these definitely aren’t your father’s loafers, nor are they ugly commuter shoes. These loafers are made to be seen.
