Who among us doesn’t have a soft spot for footwear? Since fall’s NYFW, we’ve been taking notes and making forecasts about which shoe trends would dominate the coming months. What lies ahead is equal parts whimsical and rustic, nostalgic and futuristic. Get ready for stylish cowboy boots and couture clogs. From models on catwalks to It Girls on crosswalks, trendsetters around the world are making us all believe that rent will have to somehow pay itself, because I might die without those Mary Janes. Below, read up on the shoe trends you’re bound to see everywhere for spring 2023.


Ballet Flats

spring 2023 shoe trends
Slaven Vlasic

Far and away, the biggest shoe trend of note right now is ballet flats. If you thought you had seen the last of these with Blair Waldorf, you thought wrong. Between New York and Copenhagen fashion weeks, flats were everywhere for spring/summer 2023 showings. They provided the foundation for looks at Remain, Foo and Foo, Coach, Dauphinette, and Victor Glemaud. Obviously, no Tory Burch show is complete without the designer’s iconic slippers. Even Sandy Liang got in on the flat action. After spending the winter months in boots and wool socks, a simple pair of slip-ons might be just what you need.

Logo Band Ballet Flat
Miu Miu Logo Band Ballet Flat
$950 at Nordstrom$950 at Bloomingdale's$950 at Neiman Marcus
Eliza Beaded Ballet Flats
Ulla Johnson Eliza Beaded Ballet Flats
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Mary Jane Pointe Shoe
Sandy Liang Mary Jane Pointe Shoe

Lace-Up

spring 2023 shoe trends
Andres Kudacki

Remember the knee-high wrap-up gladiator sandals of yesteryear? Well, a shocking number of shows this season gave the style a chic upgrade. We saw traditional sandals, platforms fit for the discotheque, and pumps like those at Prabal Gurung. They might take a little more effort to fasten than a single ankle strap or slip-on loafer, but the look? She pays off.

Short Lace Up Sandal
Gia Borghini Short Lace Up Sandal
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Adeline Leather Lace-Up Sandals
Staud Adeline Leather Lace-Up Sandals
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Malena Strappy Suede Ankle-Tie Sandals
Paris Texas Malena Strappy Suede Ankle-Tie Sandals
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Metallic

spring 2023 shoe trends
Theo Wargo

From winter fashion to spring 2023 bag trends, the current landscape is all about standing out. In 2023, we’re ready to be seen, honey. Sneakers are great for the airport and neutrals are perfect for wall paint, but when it comes to the shoes you step out in? It’s time to make a statement. Per Khaite, LaQuan Smith, and Victor Glemaud, a statement that shines is the only one worth making.

Silver Mirrored leather Mary Janes
Marni Silver Mirrored leather Mary Janes
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Mary Up Turquoise Metallic Leather Pointed-Toe Knee-High Boots
Schutz Mary Up Turquoise Metallic Leather Pointed-Toe Knee-High Boots
Soleil Lace Up High Heel Sandals
Cult Gaia Soleil Lace Up High Heel Sandals

Pointed Toe

spring 2023 shoe trends
Slaven Vlasic

Rounded toes? Been there, done that. Square? Eh. Your style is sharp, and your toebox should be, too. Take this season’s other shoe trends, such as Tory Burch flats, western boots, or lace-up styles, and narrow it down further (literally) to pointed-toe options for footwear that is truly on-point. Okay, I’ll stop, but seriously, Christian Siriano, Prabal Gurung, and Victor Glemaud are all among the labels making a case for pointed toes this spring.

Brushed Leather Slingback Pumps
Prada Brushed Leather Slingback Pumps
Madame
Bottega Veneta Madame
Envelope Loafer
Tory Burch Envelope Loafer
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Clogs

spring 2023 shoe trends
Taylor Hill

These are not your father’s Merrells, nor are they your standard Birkenstock Bostons or Crocs—although we love those, too. No, we’re talking about clogs. Allow the enviable variety from Simon Miller or Fendi’s funky renditions to convince you that this shoe absolutely deserves a moment in the spotlight. The crossroads of comfort, orthotic support, and high fashion? That’s where I’m living this spring.

Vitello Leather Cutout-Heel Mules
Fendi Vitello Leather Cutout-Heel Mules
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Bubble Platform Clogs
Simon Miller Bubble Platform Clogs
Now 30% Off
Givenchy Smooth Leather Clogs
Givenchy Givenchy Smooth Leather Clogs
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Slouchy Boots

fashion photo session in paris october 2022
Edward Berthelot//Getty Images

And just like that, slouchy boots are back in style. It feels like it happened overnight, no? Suddenly, well-dressed women everywhere are walking tall in slouching shoes. For early spring, when everyone is phasing out of the cold winter months, but you’re not quite ready for open-toe sandals, this trend will be your best friend.

Ashlee Up Soft Nappa Boot
Schutz Ashlee Up Soft Nappa Boot
Now 60% Off
Sway Low Slouch Boots
FP Collection Sway Low Slouch Boots
Jahleel Suede Thigh-High Boots
Amina Muaddi Jahleel Suede Thigh-High Boots

Mary Janes

cfda fashion awards arrivals
Taylor Hill//Getty Images

The Mary Jane is the Gemini of shoes. That is to say, it’s a two-sided style. At a cursory glance, Mary Janes are feminine—coquettish, even. Look closer and you’ll find the strapped silhouette is actually quite versatile. From flat-soled shoes and funky sneakers to stilettos and sandals, there’s one to fit your wardrobe.

Moschino logo-plaque shoes
Moschino Moschino logo-plaque shoes
Ava Leather Ballet Flats
The Row Ava Leather Ballet Flats
Mostra Mary-Jane Pump
Bottega Veneta Mostra Mary-Jane Pump

Soccer Shoes

celebrity sightings in new york city april 24, 2022
Gotham//Getty Images

The jury is out on whether we have Bella Hadid or Harry Styles to thank for this trend (choose your fighter!), but I’m not mad about it either way. If you’re tired of your Air Force 1s or can’t get that grass stain out of your Supergas, why not try a sportier style to fulfill your trainer needs? And if you need intel on where to buy Adidas Sambas, we’ve got you covered.

Elevated Cowboy Boots

spring 2023 shoe trends
Taylor Hill

Paging Captain Obvious: If you left the house at all last year, you probably witnessed this trend in the wild at least a time or two. The western boot trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Even if you don’t consider yourself a down-home broad, this style is admittedly fun for all. It can be executed in subtle ways, too, so don’t worry about being mistaken for a rancher. Just look at the spin Ganni took. (When it’s on a Ganni runway, you know it’s cool.) Get on board with cowgirl couture, y’all.

Mid Shaft Embroidered Western Boots
GANNI Mid Shaft Embroidered Western Boots
Lucille Western Boots
Shyanne Lucille Western Boots
Dallas Knee-High Western Boots
KHAITE Dallas Knee-High Western Boots
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Headshot of Meg Donohue
Meg Donohue
Associate Fashion Commerce Editor

Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different. Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and Town & Country. Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.