As a self-confessed footwear lover, there’s nothing I love more than researching all the latest shoe trends.
In 2023, shoes are becoming more elaborate, over the top and decorative than ever before, with embellishment, statement heels and chunky wedges being clear trends for the coming year.
READ MORE: 5 Accessories Trends You Need to Know About for 2023
Feminine energy is in the air too; dainty ballet flats have been slowly, slowly creeping back into our closets, but ever since Bella Hadid wore a pair of satin white ballet pumps, it’s safe to say it’s entering the mainstream. In fact, searches for balletcore spiked an incredible 1,424% afterwards, according to research by Boohoo.
Mary-Janes are also a bonafide trend for the year, with Prada, Versace, Sportsmax and Coach creating unique and dainty iterations of the shoe in their SS23 collections.
But the question is: can you really wear any of these trends? We only share trends that are really wearable, so it’s a resounding yes – as long as you’re willing to be nicknamed twinkletoes when you buy a pair of crystal-embellished boots.
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Balletcore
Dig out your ballet flats, because this 90s throwback trend is well and truly back. Seen at Miu Miu, Simone Rocha, JW Anderson’s SS23 shows and on the feet of stars like Bella Hadid, you’re in great company.
Toe-Cap Quilted Mary Janes, £65, Charles & Keith – buy now
Whipstitched velvet Mary Jane flats, £85, Vibi Venezia – buy now
Wrap Ballet, now £142, Tory Burch – buy now
Statement shoes
This trend may take a little more courage to get involved with. Designers were well and truly thinking outside the box when designing the SS23 collections, with Loewe offering balloon-stuffed heels and a silver pair with an enormous bow.
Pastel Pink unisex sandals, £115, Camper – buy now
LipChick 100 patent-leather pumps, £825, Christian Louboutin – buy now
Nonagon Sandal, £167, Jeffrey Campbell – buy now
Balloon sandal in lambskin, £895, Loewe – buy now
Mary-Janes
I’ve been dying for a pair of Nodelato’s for what feels like an eternity, and 2023 might just be the year I invest. Prada’s up-turned pair also caught my eye, somehow adding an air of sophistication to the usually youthful energy of the style.
Très Vivier crystal-buckle patent-leather sandals, £1,130, Roger Vivier – buy now
Luke Red Patent Leather Ballet Flats, now £153, Alohas – buy now buy now
Bulla Babies patent-leather platform Mary Jane pumps, £595, Nodaleto – buy now
Patent Leather Mary Jane Pumps, £120, & Other Stories – buy now
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Crystalised
Crystals, crystals and more crystals. For those of you who love embellishment, this glitzy footwear trend is 100% for you.
High Heel Studded Ankle Boots, £139, Zara – buy now
Women’s GG slingback pump, £790, Gucci – buy now
Bulla Babies 85 glittered leather platform Mary Jane pumps, £595, Nodaleto – buy now
Satin loafers with crystals, £1,300, Prada – buy now
Wedges
No, not the cork wedge! In 2023, expect to see chunky, angular wedges taking over thanks to Prada, Bottega Veneta and footwear designer Amina Muaddi.
Vaughn slingback wedge pumps, £387, By Far – buy now
Wanda 110mm wedge sandals, £375, Paris Texas – buy now
Stretch square-toe leather wedge mules, £710, Bottega Veneta – buy now
Transparent
Transparent shoes are here to stay! Valentino’s XXL platforms are a highlight, but these come in all shapes and sizes – including those throwback jelly sandals, which Gucci have recreated.
Transparent High-Heel Sandals, £32.99, Zara – buy now
Plexiglas and patent leather sandals, £780, Prada – buy now
Women’s sandal with Double G, £375, Gucci – buy now
