A new year brings with it resolutions and a change in the air. You might think of shaking up your style or investing in your dream shoes.
Getting ahead of the 2023 shoe and handbag trends can help you plan your purchases. You can 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 – Bold, Blocky, and Functional
It’s time to give the stiletto boots a rest. Spikey stilettos are out, and wedge boots are in. Bottega Veneta, Fendi, and Dior lead the way with blocky boots designed to combine style with functionality.
A showcase of 2023’s wedge boot trend featuring sleek designs from Bottega Veneta, Fendi, and Gianvito Rossi, combining bold silhouettes with modern elegance
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 – The Timeless Audrey Hepburn Revival
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 returning as one of 2023’s biggest shoe trends.
A collection of 2023’s ballet flat trend featuring chic designs from Sandy Liang, Chloe, and Miu Miu, blending classic silhouettes with modern elegance
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.
These trending shoes are available at every price point, making them one of the most accessible 2023 shoe trends.
3. Mary Janes – A Sophisticated and Modern Classic
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.
A striking lineup of 2023’s Mary Jane trend featuring bold platform designs from Versace, Nodaleto’s block-heeled silhouette, and Prada’s sleek, patent leather classic
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 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 – From Lingerie to Luxury Footwear
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.
A stunning lineup of netted footwear for 2023 featuring Saint Laurent’s embellished knee-high boots, Bottega Veneta’s mesh pumps, and Miu Miu’s crystal-embellished fishnet heels for a bold and sultry statement
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 with sparkles.
5. The ‘Naked’ Shoe – Barely There, Fully On-Trend
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.
A sleek display of the 2023 ‘naked’ shoe trend featuring Christian Louboutin’s clear slide sandals, Loewe’s transparent ankle boots, and Amina Muaddi’s crystal-embellished PVC slingback pumps
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 – Crystal-Embellished Shoes for Every Occasion
Shoes are going to be your number-one accessory for 2023. The 2023 shoe trends are more daring than ever, putting your best foot forward. One of the easiest shoe trends to jump on in 2023 is sparkles.
A dazzling showcase of the sparkle trend for 2023, featuring Dolce & Gabbana’s crystal ankle boots, Jimmy Choo’s embellished tulle pumps, and Rene Caovilla’s ornate crystal ballet flats
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 – Imagination Meets Footwear
One of 2023’s 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.
A playful take on 2023’s whimsical shoe trend featuring Loewe’s balloon-inspired sandals, Moschino’s fork-detail pumps, and Sophia Webster’s colorful flamingo-heeled sandals
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 – Neon Hues and Cinderella Moments
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 at the 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 best suits your complexion and aesthetic.
A vibrant showcase of the bold neon trend for 2023, featuring Giuseppe Zanotti’s open-toe sandals, Loewe’s sporty sneakers, Aquazzura’s satin stiletto heels, and Amina Muaddi’s platform thong sandals
It’s not just bold hues that are 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.
A chic lineup of the metallic shoe trend for 2023, featuring Maison Margiela’s silver ankle boots, Osklen’s gold sneakers, Aquazzura’s strappy metallic sandals, and See by Chloe’s shimmering ballet flats
Get ahead of the 2023 shoe trends using this guide to plan your purchases. These eight shoe trends for 2023 will take you effortlessly from one season to the next.