Women need food, water, and compliments. That’s right. And an occasional pair of shoes.
Chris Rock
My normal first reaction to any statement that begins with “women need…” is irritation — the kind of irritation that comes with an uncontrollable snort. But I gotta say, Rock isn’t wrong. A new pair of shoes can be food for soul.
Plus, if your budget allows and your shoe game is lacking, now is a great time to shop. This year’s spring shoe trends offer some interesting options that have staying power. I adore a fun shoe, but it’s even better to invest in footwear that I can keep wearing year after year. That keeps my cost per wear low, my shoes out of landfills, and my budget intact.
So what are the spring shoe trends? This season, you can play with:
- Chunky loafers (see loafer picks here).
- Chains and metallic details
- Fringes and frayed fabric
- Thongs reloaded (as referenced in my 2023 spring accessories collection)
- Mesh panels
- Crystals and bling
- Ballet flats
- Super slingbacks
- Lace-up sandals aka the gladiator
- Pointy toes
Several of these trends are modern takes on classics, like the ballet flat or slingback. Even the bolder options, like metallics, don’t have to be over-the-top. It only takes a bit of metallic shimmer on the heel or a metal buckle on the vamp to be on trend.
I shopped the nine shoes below with that in mind. They’re on trend, wearable, and will retain their fresh style for years to come.
Spring shoe trends: 9 picks
1. Heeled, chained loafer
Wear these with jeans, skirts, sheath dresses, or trousers. Stylish and classic, these shoes will upgrade your business casual rotation.
They’re available in three color schemes, but sizes look to be selling quickly. Find them on Zappos, marked down from $180 to $109.97.
2. Frayed sandal
How adorable are these flat sandals? Those frayed denim straps are interesting and oh-so-versatile. Denim does go with everything after all.
Pop these on with a sundress, jeans, capri pants, shorts, or a skirt. If you’re in a t-shirt mood, these sandals fit right in. You can also dress them up with a floral skirt or blouse.
The only downside here is they’re a little pricey at $128. Watch for a sale and then snap these up.
3. Thongs reloaded
This fun and casual sandal combines two of spring’s shoe trends — they’re metallic in tone and they’re thongs. For whatever reason, statement thongs are having their moment. Bigger, bolder thongs like this shoe are on point.
I like these sandals with cropped denim, maybe with a frayed hem, or a lightweight, flowy skirt in a bold color like red.
Make these yours for $59.
4. Mesh panels
Here’s another two-for-one, trendwise. Nine West’s pretty slide sandal has mesh and crystals. Even better, these details are combined with a shoe that’s otherwise classically styled.
Note that the Iriep slide does have a tall heel, measuring nearly 4 inches. It is available in three other colors, in case the ivory looks too bridal for your taste. You can pick this shoe up for $70, marked down from $95.
5. More crystals
Yes, you can look elegant in flats. Especially if you’re wearing bedazzled flats with a cushioned footbed and pretty blue strap. Wear these to casual outdoor weddings, city sightseeing tours, or fundraising lunches at the polo field.
6. Ballet beauties
It’s funny that the ballet flat makes the trends list because this is a shoe that’s never out of style. But that’s a good thing. If you already have flats you love on hand, then you’re all good. No shoe shopping for you.
On the other hand, if you’re in the market for a new flat, look for a sleek, modern version. Pointed toe styles are popular, as are slingbacks. Ardene’s $18 shoe shown here combines both elements, along with a rich cognac brown color.
7. Shimmer sling backs
I once bought a pair of glittery ankle boots that looked amazing online. It turned out to be a regrettable purchase. The all-over shimmer just looked cheap in real life. Lesson learned: Shimmer is best in small doses.
Budget Fashionista Tip: Get coupon codes now with Capital One shopping. Here’s how.
These slingbacks demonstrate that perfectly. From one angle, this shoe is a modern but standard slingback. From another angle, they’re trendy and lively.
You can get this shoe in black or brown. The black is the more wearable of the two, and the price reflects that. Get the black slingbacks for $135 or the brown ones for $90, marked down from $225.
8. Lace-up sandals
The gladiator sandal is one of those styles that’s hot or cold. If it’s trending, everyone’s wearing it. If it’s not trending, you look like you’re heading to a 1990s throwback party.
A lace-up sandal is a more subdued version of the gladiator. You can wrap the laces halfway to your knee when that look is on. Or, keep the lace low on your ankle. That versatility also means you can wear the lace-up with whatever hemline you want.
Steve Madden’s lace-up shown here features pretty spring colors on the band. Even better, it’s on sale for $50, marked down from $85.
9. Pointed toes
Pointed toes are where it’s at this season. You can implement this trend in nearly any shoe style — sneakers being the obvious exception.
These color block mules from FSJ Shoes could be a fun, pointed-toe addition to your wardrobe. I love how they stand out without any bright colors or goofy embellishments. Wear them with an upgraded jeans outfit or slip them on for work and show ’em who’s boss.
Shopping spring shoe trends
This season, the trending shoes are a mix of bold textures and classic styles. That presents the perfect opportunity to broaden your style horizons. Just remember to lean into shoe styles that have staying power — your checking account will thank you.
