After a year spent reviewing everything from runway shows and celebrity outfits to Instagram style and new arrivals at our favorite retailers, Who What Wear’s editors have collectively covered every corner of the fashion world in 2018. When it comes to our own personal wardrobes, though, we all have different takes on style, ranging from trend-forward to edgy to classic, so the pieces that land in each of our closets range across the board. There’s no doubting that we all share at least one common fashion interest, though—shoes.
Curious to find out which shoes were the staff favorites from the past year, I asked each of our editors to weigh in with their best buys. Which ones would they have been mad if they had passed on, and which are the most-worn styles in their closets? Ahead, see the best shoe buys Who What Wear’s editors made in 2018 and then shop them for yourself. Scroll on to see why each of them made the cut, and find my picks at the end (including a $70 Zara find I’ve been wearing on repeat).
Kat Collings, Editor in Chief
"I wear these at least a few times a week, as they're wildly comfortable for a high heel. The forward shape and bold color are just a bonus."
Michelle Scanga, Managing Editor
"I snagged the below sandals right before the By Far craze took over on Instagram and was able to score the covetable red leather pair. I literally lived in them this summer."
"I updated my classic black heel collection this year with the below beauties from Neil J. Rogers. They make for the perfect evening shoes."
"When it comes to boots, I swapped my go-to black ankle boots for Stuart Weitzman's Veruka booties in the Rose Clay leather. The boots are way more comfortable than they look, and I always get compliments on the unique color."
Allyson Payer, Editor
"These were a Black Friday sale purchase, so I've only had them for a minute, but I've been having so much fun wearing them since they arrived that they've become a fast favorite. I tend to forget to buy black shoes (in favor of fun colors and printed pairs), but when I do invest in a new pair, I end up wearing them a ton. That's already happening with these square-toe beauties."
Nicole Eshaghpour, Market Editor
"To be honest, I bought these solely based on how they look, but now I love them more than I thought I would because they are not only super comfortable but also go with literally anything and everything."
"This is my most recent but also most exciting shoe buy of the year. I live in boots in the fall and winter, so any time I can find a pair that feels fun, I'm in."
Erin Fitzpatrick, Senior News Editor
"I'm 5'10", so I tend to gravitate toward practical flats (but with some kind of upgraded detailing). I found navy Aquazzura flats on sale, and I can't stop wearing them. Sadly the white versions are full-price, but I think they're a smart investment for work outfits."
Lauren Eggertsen, Fashion Editor
"I wear these Ganni boots way too much, but that's because they weirdly go with everything, even though they are so loud."
"These barely there sandals turned into the shoes I always throw on when I need something polished but not too fussy. They look great with everything from jeans to a silk slip dress."
Anna LaPlaca, Assistant Editor
"I bought these satin mules in silver when they were on crazy sale, and they're my most fun party shoes to date. I think I've worn them to nearly every event since owning them."
"These are my most recent shoe acquisition, and I have to admit that I was influenced to buy them thanks to seeing literally everyone wearing them on Instagram. No regrets whatsoever, though. My feet feel like they're walking on a cloud, and I feel like a more badass version of myself when I wear them."
"I stalked a limited edition of Nike's Air Force 1's that features a platform sole and mint green color before finally finding them in my size on Depop of all places. My efforts clearly paid off since I wear them constantly."
Kristen Nichols, Associate Editor
I ordered these shoes just a few months ago, but they're already the most worn shoes in my closet from 2018. They pair perfectly with my everyday cropped denim and have been an outfit staple everywhere from NYC to L.A.
With a square toe and delicate straps, these are the perfect go-with-anything black heels that I'll be wearing long into 2019. Bonus: They're only $70.
