These 7 Shoe Trends Are Set to Take Over This Spring

We fully advocate investing in classic pieces (items that will stand the test of time and that you'll wear for years to come), but we still like to flirt with the new-season trends that fit in with your own personal style. There's no easier way to dip your toe into a trend than with a pair of shoes.

Cringe-worthy puns aside, we're of the opinion that there's nothing that can give your existing wares an overhaul quite like a pair of shoes, which is exactly why they hold such appeal. As such, it only makes sense to stay ahead of the footwear game and keep up to date with the latest goings-on for heels, flats, sandals, trainers and boots.

This is why we took it upon ourselves to laboriously trawl through the thousands of runway shots to bring you the biggest shoe trends spring/summer 2020 has in store.

We know what you're thinking: It's still pretty cold out. That may be the case, but given the fact the following seven shoes are set to dominate the style agenda for at least the next seven months, we think footwear is a sensible investment to make ahead time. Keep scrolling to start spring 2020 off with your best foot forward (sorry).

MARY JANES

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(Image credit: Carolina Herrera/Imaxtree)

Twee they may be, but the retro Mary Jane is going to be 2020's star shoe silhouette, having been seen on the runways of Maison Margiela, Carolina Herrera and Marc Jacobs alike. 

ESPADRILLE SANDALS

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(Image credit: Christian Dior/Imaxtree)

Making an appearance for yet another year is the humble espadrille. In 2020, however, instead of a wedge, the sole remains flat, while raw and rope lace details prove to be all the rage. 

ASYMMETRIC STRAPS

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(Image credit: Tibi/Imaxtree)

Last year's obsession with barely there strap heels is set to reign well into spring 2020. The seasonal update comes in the form of an asymmetric strap. 

COLOURFUL SNEAKS

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(Image credit: Rokh/Imaxtree)

While white trainers haven’t completely disappeared from the catwalk, the new sneaker of choice is the one made up of loud and sometimes even clashing colours. Eat your heart out, dad. 

FLATFORMS

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(Image credit: Giambattista Valli/Imaxtree)

Platforms may have made a quiet resurgence at the tail end of 2019, but as far as springtime is concerned, it's going to be all about the flatform. Embellishment will up the style credentials, as will satin and mock-croc finishes. 

HEELED LOAFERS 

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(Image credit: Prada/Imaxtree)

While flat loafers have long been the shoes of busy, on-the-go women, its sister heeled styles have helped to elevate it once again to the height of sartorial sophistication. With blocky heels and square toes, rest assured they're almost as practical as their flat counterparts. 

ANKLE CHAINS

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(Image credit: Proenza Schouler/Imaxtree)

Anklets were 2019's jewellery of note, and it seems designers have made it even easier to get our chain fix, with the likes of Prabal Gurung, JW Anderson and Proenza Schouler all incorporating chains into their designs. 

This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Opening Image: @aimeesong

Next, 10 boot-and-dress combinations that work every time.

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.