As we approach a New Year, it’s time to talk 2024 trends and this time it’s all about footwear. I (like everyone else) like to do a bit of a wardrobe refresh in the New Year in line with all of the trends that are coming with it. The easiest way to do this? Take one look at your feet.

I’m sharing all the biggest shoe trends that you’re going to see a lot more of this year, and it doesn’t involve spending a fortune. Shoe trends, like all trends, come and go. Remember when ballet flats were out? 2023 saw them making a huge comeback, proving there really is no point throwing out any old shoes. Take care of your wardrobe over the years and you really won’t need to buy half as much as you think.

You might recognise some of the trends we’re seeing coming through for 2024 from your past. The slouchy boot from the noughties is being reimagined by Victoria Beckham and Dion Lee, and the aforementioned ballet flat is still reigning supreme. This year designers are throwing embellishment on them, as seen at Chloe, Loewe and Burberry.

Footwear has the power to make or break an outfit and having studied the 2024 runways at length, I’ve identified the key shoes that will transform our wardrobes this year. From sandals and socks, to pointy-toe mules, I’ve gathered inspiration from Prada, Miu Miu, Maison Margiela, Schiaparelli, and many more and found the high street shoes to invest in before everyone else.

Next read the key 2024 bag trends to get to know now and see our guide to the best post-Christmas sales that will save you a small fortune.

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Trend 1 – The Slouchy Boot

The slouchy bag isn’t the only relaxed item on trend in 2024 as we say welcome back to the slouchy boot, as seen at Victoria Beckham and Dion Lee. If you’re wondering how to wear them, I recommend wearing them on show; pair yours with a mini or midi skirt to let them do the talking. This trend also works with any colour so feel free to be bold and experiment!

Guess Yeppy Boots, £130, Zalando

Guess Yeppy Boots, £130, Zalando – buy now

Polly Western Ankle Slouch Boot, £42, FatFace

Polly Western Ankle Slouch Boot, now £42, FatFace – buy now

Forever Comfort Heeled Slouch Midi Boots, £59, Next

Forever Comfort Heeled Slouch Midi Boots, £59, Next – buy now

Trend 2 – The Thong Sandal

Yes, you read that correctly: it’s time for the return of the thong sandal (aka the fashion flip flop). The chic styles worn at Chanel proved that the get your toes out trend is back and better than ever. This trend clearly reserved for the warmer summer months, meaning you have plenty of time to decide how exactly you want to wear it.

I personally love the floral appliqué of the Nensi Dojaka sandals below, especially as florals are another huge trend we will continue to see into 2024 both on our shoes and our clothes. Toteme and Miu Miu also show us that the thong sandal is not just reserved for the flat sandal and demonstrates that the kitten heel and booties work just as well.

Nensi Dojaka Appliqué leather thong sandals, £289, MyTheresa

Nensi Dojaka Appliqué leather thong sandals, now £289, MyTheresa – buy now

Toteme Kitten-Heel Flip-Flops, £360, FarFetch

Toteme Kitten-Heel Flip-Flops, £360, FarFetch – buy now

Leather Thong Booties, £890, Miu Miu

Leather Thong Booties, £890, Miu Miu – buy now

Trend 3 – The Embellished Flat

Ballet flats are going absolutely no where in 2024 and I for one am very happy about this news; there is nothing more chic and comfortable. This year, these effortless shoes are less dainty and cute, and more bling-bling. We saw the embellished flat at Loewe and Burberry, where they were covered in crystals, while Versace opted for metallics instead. You can shop these embellished shoes on the high street already, with perfect crystal-covered styles available at Zara and Free People. Alternatively, opt for metallic or shiny shoes.

Shiny Ballet Flats, £29.99, Zara

Shiny Ballet Flats, £29.99, Zara – buy now

Gathered Metallic Ballet Shoes, £180, COS

Gathered Metallic Ballet Shoes, £180, COS – buy now

Zuri Jewel Ballet Flats, £85, Free People

Zuri Jewel Ballet Flats, £85, Free People- buy now

Trend 4 – The Pointy Toe Mule

As we know, the mule is characterised by a backless heel. While they usually have a gentle, rounded toe, ,ules are getting an edgy upgrade with pointed toes this year, as seen at Loewe, Alexander McQueen, Rejina Pyo and Mugler. Personally, my favourite part of the mule is the fact that it’s the one pair of shoes I can wear with 100% certainty that I won’t have cuts on my ankle which is a real win for me.

Leather Heeled Mules, £39.99, Zara

Leather Heeled Mules, £39.99, Zara – buy now

Wilda Kitten Mule, £298, Reformation

Wilda Kitten Mule, £298, Reformation – buy now

Kitten Heel Muless, now £107, Arket

Kitten Heel Muless, now £107, Arket – buy now

Trend 5 – The Socks & Sandals Combo

Name a better combo than socks and sandals. I’ll wait. This isn’t a trend purely reserved for just the dads out there. I’d argue that socks and sandals can actually look very sexy when done well, as Givenchy and Victoria Beckham proved in their SS24 shows. This trend doesn’t focus on one particular shoe type, but more about how it is styled. My personal preference is for an open toe platform heel paired with some lace, embellished, or sparkly socks. Sezane do this look particularly well.

Sidonie High Heel Sandals, £205, Sezane

Sidonie High Heel Sandals, £205, Sezane – buy now

Rhinestone Mesh Socks, £49, Maje

Rhinestone Mesh Socks, £49, Maje – buy now

Kayvi Velvet Bow Platform Heeled Sandals, £101, Ted Baker

Kayvi Velvet Bow Platform Heeled Sandals, now £101, Ted Baker – buy now