In my experience, everyone in fashion has their thing, be it handbags, outerwear, basics, or most often, shoes, including but not limited to boots, heels, sandals, clogs, and flats. Mine, like so many, revolves solely around footwear. And because of that, I spend a large chunk of my day looking through runway shows, Instagram feeds, magazines, and of course, the market, in order to garner enough information about the state of the footwear market to report on it accurately and with the level of enthusiasm only a true shoe lover can emote.
That brings me to my latest dump of research findings, which center around the shoe trends that will dominate the fashion scene throughout the approaching winter. From engineer boots inspired by Miu Miu's F/W 22 offerings to colorful options that are sure to spark joy on even the gloomiest of winter days, the six shoe trends ahead are lying in wait for the season to begin and their reigns over our feet to commence. Get a head start by shopping my favorite pairs from each below.
There are no first, second, or third-place medals here—this season, we're fans of all three: gold, silver, and bronze, at least when it comes to shoes. From point-toe slingbacks and platforms to knee-high boots and ballet flats, if a pair of shoes are shiny and metallic, it's probably selling out at an alarming rate.
Shop the trend:
Yep, I already ordered these. And no, I don't have a single regret.
These boots are instant outfit makers.
I'm calling it—caged-toe heels are making a comeback.
As much as I'm a fan of neutral color palettes in the garment department, when it comes to shoes, this season's hyper-saturated styles are tempting, to say the least. From Prada and Miu Miu's chartreuse, orange, and baby-pink styles to Zara and Mango's takes in red and cerulean, it's impossible not to love 2022's vibrant shoe offering.
Shop the trend:
Red hot.
I've had dreams about these every night this week.
The number of compliments I received the first day I wore these has yet to be matched.
This price is going to be hard to match. Like, impossible.
Thanks in large part to the success of Miu Miu's F/W 22 buckle boots, engineer boots are experiencing a wave of intense popularity of late. Not only are the brand's short and tall styles almost entirely sold out, but other brands' offerings—including those made by Frye and Vagabond—are likewise flying off shelves. In other words, run, don't walk, to buy this grungy new boot trend before there are no pairs left to buy.
Shop the trend:
I tried these on in person last week and wow, they're good.
Get a pair before they're 100% sold out.
This color is dreamy.
The original leather-boot brand does this style right.
From all my research, one thing has become crystal clear: Every on-trend pair of heels right now are slingbacks, period. From Saint Laurent and Miu Miu to Prada and Chanel to Gucci and Burberry, if your shoe offering doesn't include this timeless shoe style, it's not selling.
Shop the trend:
*Buys a pair in every color.*
I've window-shopped these at Saint Laurent five times already in the last month.
These look way pricier than they are.
It's not a want, it's a need.
Sock boots are so outdated they've become relevant again. Previously commonplace in all our dated shoe trend roundups, the stretchy boot style has taken a turn of late, with influential people in fashion, from stylists and models to celebrities and influencers, wearing them back into relevance.
Shop the trend:
Sleek.
I'm gonna need a pair of these ASAP.
Simply put, we all need a pair of these.
It's a hard yes from me.
I'm sure you've seen and heard all about the rise of Mary-Jane flats, but have you been paying attention to the just-as-chic heeled versions that are making the sartorial rounds? Led by Prada's two-tone styles, Bottega Veneta's sky-high platforms, and Nodaleto's influencer-favorite options, this shoe style is the moment.
Shop the trend:
Excuse my literal drooling.
Baby pink or bust.
Sale alert.
Good till the last pair.
Next: I'm Not One for Controversial Shoe Trends, But I'm Ready to Buy These 5 in 2023
-
The Anti–Ballet Flats French and Italian Brands Are Currently Smitten WithChic flats, sans ballet.
-
The Items Everyone With Good Taste Is Eyeing From Free PeopleCaution: may cause shopping spree.
-
Summer 2024's It Shoe Just Met Its 2025 ReplacementClick here to meet its successor.
-
Only You and I Will Know These 29 Items Came From ZaraI won't tell if you don't.
-
I Finally Got Around to Creating My Annual Spring Shopbop Wish List—You're WelcomeEnjoy.
-
I Called the Cuffed-Jeans Trend—7 Shoes Fashion People Are Wearing With the Chic Denim StyleStyle the jeans like a fashion person.
-
This Elevated Basics Brand Is Every NYC and London Fashion Person's Best-Kept SecretAnd I just tried on nine pieces in its NYC pop-up.
-
I Never Wear These Outdated Staples Anymore—6 I'm Buying to Freshen Things UpClearing out.
