A new year brings with it resolutions and a change in the air. You might be thinking of shaking up your style or finally investing in your dream shoes.
Getting ahead of the 2023 shoe and handbag trends can help you plan out your purchases. You’ll be able to curate a closet that will take you effortlessly from one season to the next.
The trending shoes for 2023 are all about contemporary shapes and bold color palettes that will put your best foot forward. These shoes aren’t afraid to be the center of attention with dramatic silhouettes and throwback looks.
We’re rounding up the 2023 shoe trends you need to know for your most fashionable year yet.
1. Wedge Boots
It’s time to give the stiletto boots a rest. Spikey stilettos are out, and wedge boots are in. Bottega Veneta, Fendi, and Dior are leading the way with blocky boots that are designed to combine style with functionality.
Bottega Veneta Wedge Pointed Toe Bootie, $1,450 at Nordstrom; Fendi First Leather Wedge Bootie, $1,850 at Farfetch; Gianvito Rossi Leather Wedge Ankle Boots, $1,345 at Mytheresa
These ‘80s-inspired shoes have been given a Y2K update with denim detailing, sculptural designs, and statement straps.
Incorporate two 2023 shoe trends into one by shopping for bold wedge boots to elevate your seasonal closet.
2. Ballet Flats
It’s time to channel your inner Audrey Hepburn with the return of the cult-classic ballet flats. Ballet flats are the more wearable sister of the classic Mary Jane (more on those later!). While these shoes are a classic, ballet flats are making a return as one of 2023’s biggest shoe trends.
Sandy Liang Pink Mary Jane Pointe Flats, $495 at Ssense; Chloe Laurent Leather Ballet Flats, $525 at Mytheresa; Miu Miu Satin Slip-On Ballerina Shoes, $950 at Farfetch
Instagram and Pinterest’s #balletcore aesthetics have brought these simple shoes back to the forefront of fashion. The beauty of ballet shoes is that they work with every outfit in your closet, from yoga leggings to cocktail dresses. Designers like Sandy Liang and Miu Miu have taken the ‘ballet flat’ trend literally, focusing on recreating the slippers worn by the world’s best ballerinas.
You’ll find these trending shoes available at every price point, making them one of the most accessible 2023 shoe trends.
3. Mary Jane
While most 2023 shoe trends have a futuristic look, a few old-time favorites are making a return. The Mary Jane is the more mature sister of the ballet flat.
This shoe has been given a makeover for 2023 with a chunky heel and a curved toe, thanks to Prada. Versace has also transformed the humble Mary Jane with a platform sole and a gothic twist, while Christian Dior added a curved heel and multiple buckles.
Versace Medusa Leather Platform Pumps, $1,112 at Mytheresa; Nodaleto Block Heel Mary Jane Pump, $730 at Farfetch; Prada Venice Mary Jane, $1,020 at Nordstrom
Mary Janes are a must-have shoe for curating a sophisticated closet that will never go out of style. It’s a preppy fashion staple that you can incorporate into your workwear closet or wear as eveningwear.
This ‘it girl’ shoe is guaranteed to be a best-seller for 2023.
4. Netting
Netting has been at the forefront of lingerie trends for years. It’s now made its way into the world of footwear, with Chanel’s bow pumps being given a seductive update with a fishnet stocking.
Saint Laurent Embellished Mesh Knee-High Boots, $2,990 at Mytheresa; Bottega Veneta Stretch Leather-Trimmed Mesh Pumps, $1,100 at Mytheresa; Miu Miu Crystal-Embellished Fishnet Pump, $1,720 at Nordstrom
Bally and Stella McCartney have incorporated the shoe trend into their 2023 collections. One of the most daring designs is Bally’s ‘barely there’ shoe, which blends seamlessly with a translucent black stocking, complete with sparkles.
5. The ‘Naked’ Shoe
Do you hate the idea of hiding a fresh pedicure inside your shoes? Never fear! The ‘naked’ shoe trend will show off your feet from every angle. This unexpected 2023 shoe trend has been experiencing a moment on the red carpet, thanks to Valentino.
Christian Louboutin Just Nothing Slide Sandal, $695 at Nordstrom; Loewe Transparent Ankle Boot, $589 at Farfetch; Amina Muaddi Rosie PVC Slingback Pump, $1,075 at Matches Fashion
Brands like Loewe and Dilara Findikoglu have jumped on the bandwagon with clear PVC flats and mules. This shoe trend will require a little more consideration than most. You want to avoid wearing clear PVC shoes in climates where condensation will make the interior of the shoe sweat.
6. Sparkles
Shoes are going to be your number-one accessory for 2023. The 2023 shoe trends are more daring than ever before, putting your best foot forward. One of the easiest shoe trends to jump on in 2023 is sparkles.
Dolce & Gabbana Ariosto Crystal Ankle Boot, $2,645 at Saks Fifth Avenue; Jimmy Choo Bing Crystal-Embellished Tulle Pump,$1,150 at Matches Fashion; Rene Caovilla Crystal-Embellished Ballet Flat, $1,844 at Farfetch
Crystal-embellished shoes are everywhere you look for 2023, from ballet flats to ankle boots and kitten heels. These rhinestone shoes will take you from a night in the city to your best friend’s wedding.
Look out for classic designs like Chanel’s iconic slingbacks for splurge-worthy rhinestone shoes that will become closet staples.
7. Whimsical Shoes
One of 2023 biggest trends is whimsical shoes. These shoes will capture your imagination and give any outfit a quirky twist. The 2023 Spring/Summer collections have put artistic footwear front and center.
Every fashion house, from Loewe to Moschino, has launched a whimsical shoe, including miniature flamingos on pumps, deflated balloons on court shoes, and palm tree lining inside boots.
Loewe Balloon Leather Sandals, $1,200 at Mytheresa; Moschino Fork Front Pump, $880 at Farfetch; Sophia Webster Flo Flamingo Stripe Metallic Leather Sandal, $630 at Farfetch
Heels are the go-to choice for whimsical shoes, whether you’re styling them with a cocktail dress or jeans. We’ve always thought that shoes are a living piece of art. It seems fashion brands are taking the message to heart.
Whimsical shoes can be an unexpected choice for a wedding guest outfit or to add a twist to your bridal fashion.
8. Bold and Metallic Shades
It’s not just shoe silhouettes that define trends. Color is at the heart of shoe trends for 2023. We’re ditching the neutrals for bold and metallic hues.
Highly saturated colors, including bold neon, are top of the list of 2023 shoe trends. Miu Miu, Loewe, Prada, and Victoria Beckham have all swapped their usual muted hues for vivid shades. It’s time to determine the color palette that best suits your complexion and aesthetic.
Giuseppe Zanotti Open-Toe Sandal, $774 at Farfetch; Loewe Flow Suede-Paneled Sneakers, $690 at Mytheresa; Aquazzura Babe Neon Satin Stiletto Sandal, $1,025 at Saks Fifth Avenue; Amina Muaddi Jamie Platform Thong Sandals, $728 at Mytheresa
It’s not just bold hues having a moment. Metallics are as well. Elevate your formal wear with your own Cinderella moment by investing in metallic shoes. We’re naming metallic shoes the new ‘neutrals’ for 2023.
The perk of investing in metallic shoes is that they match almost any outfit, especially silver metallic heels. There’s no stopping the metallic shoe trend, whether it’s high heels, ballet flats, ankle boots, and sneakers.
Maison Margiela Tabi Metallic Leather Ankle Boots, $1,190 at Mytheresa; Osklen Metallic-Effect Sneaker, $334 at Farfetch; Aquazzura Ari Metallic Sandal, $775 at Matches Fashion; See by Chloe Jane Metallic Ballet Flat, $265 at Shopbop
Get ahead of the 2023 shoe trends by using this guide to plan your purchases. These eight shoe trends for 2023 will take you effortlessly from one season to the next.