I Just Did a Ton of Trend Research—These 7 Shoes Will Dominate in 2024

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(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Bally; Launchmetrics Spotlight/Versace; Launchmetrics Spotlight/Gucci)

The spring 2024 runways held plenty of new ideas. Designers introduced a slew of cool new trends that offered both a look into the future and a nod to the past. With so many trends seemingly happening at once, it can feel impossible to differentiate between what's more niche and what's more mainstream. Oftentimes, I prefer to make trend purchases that will last beyond the immediate season, which is why I've been thinking a lot about the 2024 trends that will last all year long, not just for this spring. I'm starting with my favorite topic of all: shoes.

After combing through the runways, my social media feeds, and the market, I've landed on the six shoe trends that I'm positive will have a long-term effect on 2024 and beyond. With the netted flats inspired by the Proenza Schouler runway and the elegant patent-leather pumps that are currently having a renaissance, consider this list to be your North Star for all things stylish 2024 footwear.

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(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Stella McCartney; Launchmetrics Spotlight/The Row; Launchmetrics Spotlight/Proenza Schouler)

Netting is another perfect example of a recent shoe trend that's getting a fresh makeover next year. With the onslaught of mesh flats that went viral, it was only a matter of time until we saw their successor, and now it's arrived in the form of netting. The labels already backing this include The Row, Proenza Schouler, and Stella McCartney, who tend to be trend leaders, so while these might seem out of left field, everyone who's "in the know" will soon be onto them.

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(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Gucci; Launchmetrics Spotlight/Ferragamo; Launchmetrics Spotlight/Saint Laurent)

The number one way to elevate any look in 2024 will be through a pair of glossy patent-leather shoes. Whether they're fitted boots like at Ferragamo or slingback pumps by the likes of Saint Laurent and Gucci, the patent finish is about to define cool footwear for the year ahead.

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(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Chanel; Launchmetrics Spotlight/Tory Burch; Launchmetrics Spotlight/Bally)

Flats held a strong grip on our wardrobe this past year, and 2024 is already shaping up to be no different. Instead of the simple and delicate ballet flats that dominated in the past, next year will be all about Mary Jane flats with substantial soles and buckle hardware like the academic styles Bally sent down its spring runway and the glossy versions at Tory Burch.

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(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Burberry; Launchmetrics Spotlight/Jil Sander; Launchmetrics Spotlight/Proenza Schouler)

One major trend we've noticed for next season isn't so much a specific type of shoes but a styling trick. Namely, wearing tights or thin socks with sandals. The combo may conjure images of thick tube socks and sporty sandals, but I can assure you that this wave is taking a much more refined and elegant approach to layering. It's defined by minimalist heeled sandals and a pair of sheer socks or tights, often in a coordinating color, like we saw at Jil Sander. With hosiery taking center stage, add this to the growing list of creative new ways to style your tights.

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(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Altuzarra; Launchmetrics Spotlight/Versace; Launchmetrics Spotlight/Prada)

And the award for prettiest shoe trend goes to… sumptuous satin. We saw satin pumps at Prada and Altuzarra and Versace via candy-hued boots, so the trend is definitely worth having on your radar. Look for non-neutral colors like bubblegum pink, icy blue, and lime green that give a pretty pop.

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(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Bottega Veneta; Launchmetrics Spotlight/Versace; Launchmetrics Spotlight/Tory Burch)

While you may have be reserving your shiniest, sparkliest pieces for nights out or New Year's Eve, it's time to embrace your inner disco ball for all hours of the day. If metallics seem intimidating to you, fret not. The easiest (and timeliest) way to embrace all that shines is by balancing out a neutral outfit with silver or gold shoes. Try out a pair of metallic flats with your everyday jeans for a bright pop.

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(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Coperni; Launchmetrics Spotlight/Miu Miu; Launchmetrics Spotlight/Proenza Schouler)

Miu Miu had a lot of influence on the past year, and 2024 is already shaping up to be no different. I predict that it will be the thong sandals from the brand's spring runway that fashion people will translate into their IRL looks. The minimalist silhouette makes a sleek and modern statement, like we saw at Proenza Schouler and Coperni as well.

Senior Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.