Hands up if you're ready for summer? Both of mine would be in the air right now if it weren't for the fact I have to type this. After what feels like a long, especially cold winter, I have my sights firmly set on the new season and, my, I can't wait to start refreshing my wardrobe for the spring. While coats aren't quite off the agenda and there is still a need for boots, I am adamant—I will be wearing "normal" shoes this month.
Sure, they may require a sock on chilly days but the first change I action when I begin making my seasonal style switch always pertains to footwear. Though I may need to call upon them again for the next while, the last thing I'll entertain buying is boots: Instead, I've set my sights on some new flat shoes. It might sound like a silly claim but flat shoes are everywhere right now. Of course, they've always been a market staple—loafers have remained a stylish shoe go-to since Gucci put them back on the map in the early 2010s. But now, flat shoes have taken over from heels as the shoe du jour, and there are more designs than ever to choose from.
Last year, the ballet flat reigned supreme, but what's in store for 2024? Well, if you already invested in a pair, you'll be pleased to hear that ballet flats are sticking around as we head into spring (if you really want to look current, I've woven the freshest pair into my edit). However, alongside them, there are five more flat shoe trends taking off in 2024. Scroll on to see them.
6 FLAT SHOE TRENDS TO TRY IN 2024
1. SLINGBACK SILHOUETTE
Style Notes: Let's start things off on an elegant note, shall we? Slingback kitten heels were all the rage last wear but, for 2024, things are taking a more practical turn, as more and more brands are serving up flat slingbacks. More often than not with a pointed toe, these feel intrinsically '90s, in the best possible way.
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These look so high end.
Snake print is going to be another big shoe trend for 2024.
So many influencers I follow own these shoes.
The dream designer shoe.
2. MESH FABRICS
Style Notes: Another 2023 trend that was put on ice for winter, we're set to see the return of mesh flats as temperatures rise. Shopping options were limited last year but the market is already flooded with chic mesh flats for every budget.
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A black pair will ease you in and look great with a dark pedicure.
The rhinestones are such a gorgeous addition.
These come in an array of beautiful colours.
The shoe that sparked the mesh shoe trend.
3. BUCKLE ACCENTS
Style Notes: Continuing the homage '90s footwear we're seeing this season, buckles are also on the rise for 2024. Seen on flats by way of statement claps as well as micro fastenings, so long as your shoes have a buckle of some sort, rest assured they're bang on trend.
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Don't these look designer?
These were the toast of LFW in September.
If you're already a fan of mary janes, these flats are a natural progression.
These also come in classic black or steel grey.
4. STUDDED SURFACES
Style Notes: Alaïa brought social media to its knees when it released its studded flats a few months ago, sparking a need for studs and embellishment on footwear. From mary janes to ballet shoes, you'll see this treatment across the shoe spectrum this spring. Below are just some of the highlights.
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These have already sold out twice.
If you thought Le Monde Beryl was all about velvet flats, think again.
Every fashion editor I know wants to own these shoes.
Free People's shoes are so impressive for spring.
5. PARED-BACK BALLET
Style Notes: I said ballet flats are still in, and I meant it. Whatever pair you already own will absolutely do the trick. However, if you are in the market for a fresh set, why not consider one of the minimal styles on offer? Sans bows, these ballet flats give the trend a cool, refined take.
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These look just like The Row's ballet flats.
Perhaps 2024's most-iconic flat shoe.
I'd wear these day-to-day with blue jeans and a white shirt.
Metallic shoes will lift any springtime look.
6. PENNY LOAFERS
Style Notes: Horsebit loafers will always be a flat-shoe mainstay but, like their ballet flat cousins, we're seeing a rise in unadorned loafers in 2024, otherwise known as the penny loafer. Simple and classic, these loafers will go with everything you pair them with, from straight-leg jeans to floaty skirts.
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You're looking at a never-date shoe right here.
Living for that tiny YSL emblem.
These also come in a classic black colourway.
These have the prettiest logo detail to the front.
