8 Top Shoe Trends For 2024 That Will Instantly Enhance Your Whole Outfit

Kitten Heels

Kitten heels might be the most divisive shoe trend of 2024, but there are plenty of reasons to embrace a micro heel — especially since top fashion houses like Prada, Gucci, Ferragamo, and Givenchy have given them the stamp of approval. Aside from elevating your look and dressing it up, kitten heels are way more comfortable than, say, a stiletto. Plus, there are tons of classic options to shop right now, which you’ll likely keep in rotation for years to come.

Courtesy of Journee Collection.

I love a slingback kitten heel. It’s the easiest way to look put together without having to rock a sky high heel. Plus, with the slingback support, you won’t be sliding out of it all night. These would be perfect for the office or even a wedding. They come in three different shades, including white and pale blue, which would go perfectly with any bright spring dress. The size range goes from 5.5 to 12, which is seriously impressive.

Two trends for the price of one? That’s what you’ll get by purchasing these kitten heels from Zara, which not only feature a small heel, but also include some statement-making bows, another popular detail that’s bubbling up for 2024.

The kitten heel trend isn’t exclusive to pumps and sandals. You can also invest in kitten heel boots, which might be the more practical option for those cold winter months, when exposed toes feel a little too risky.

White shoes were among one of our favorite spring 2024 micro-trends, appearing on the runways at Valentino and Prada. Considering this color pops against basics and a small heel gives dresses a boost, we’re more than ready to add this white bootie from Vince Camuto into our rotation.

Clogs

It’s not just you: clogs really have been everywhere for the past few seasons. Spring 2024’s runways proved the trend is still going strong, since this playful, chunky shoe popped up at JW Anderson, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Simone Rocha. TBH, our favorite clogs were that ones that included a little something extra — embellishments, prints, texture, etc. — so we’ll definitely be looking for fun details when shopping for a pair of our own.

The best footwear combination, in our opinion, is easy yet statement-making. On one hand, it’ll take little to no effort to slip on these clogs from The Sak before heading out the door. On the other, the bold checkered print will give your outfit some oomph, even if you’re just wearing jeans and a tee.

Admittedly, we tend to think of clogs as more of a summer shoe, but there are options out there you can wear in cooler weather, too. Sorel — the maker of some of our favorite pairs of snow boots — sells a fluffy, faux fur clog that you can pair with thick socks and your favorite cozy pants.

It’s easy to find clogs that work well with casual outfits, but what about styles that give off a fancier, more sophisticated feel? Enter, the Pressley Clog from Azalea Wang, which comes in a sleek black colorway and includes silver medallions throughout. They’re a bit more elevated than your average pair and would look pretty cool styled with some leather pants or even a miniskirt.

Wider-leg pants and flared jeans may be the norm these days, but choosing which shoes to wear with them is still kind of confusing. A chunky pair of platform clogs will help to balance out the proportions of a baggy look, and if you’re into bright colors and fuzzy shearling material, this yellow pair from Larroudé will be right up your alley.

Metallics

When it comes to neutral colors, it’s time to think beyond black and white. Metallics, such as silver and gold, complement almost every single shade while also adding interest to your ensemble. It’s no wonder that metallic boots, heels, and flats are on-the-rise for Spring 2024, appearing at Bottega Veneta, Versace, Coperni, and more. Embrace the glitz and glam and don’t worry about matching — these shiny shoes were made to stand out!

For those who prefer to keep their outfits somewhat casual, golden New Balance sneakers are a great way to achieve the best of both worlds. Slip them on when you want to spice up your regular uniform of flared leggings and an oversized sweatshirt.

It’s possible you already know the power of a metallic heel, which has become our go-to for formal events. Whether you’re wearing a solid gown, a mixture of prints, a frilly dress, or a sleek jumpsuit, this silver slingback kitten heel will act as a neutral and complement every look.

If you’ve been lusting over Anthropologie’s Vicenza Bow Mary Janes, you’re not alone — the metallic flats are TikTok viral and no doubt add a playful twist to simple outfits. However, if the $160 price tag feels a bit too steep, try this lookalike alternative from Amazon , which is super similar but costs just $50.

From Coastal Cowgirl to Western Goth, new Western aesthetics seem to pop up every few months — which means these metallic boots will be a smart purchase. Pair ’em with flowy floral dresses, black leather skirts, sleek jumpsuits, and denim shorts (if you dare). No matter how you wear them, they’re bound to give your outfit some flair.

Slouchy Boots

There’s something about a slouchy boot that instantly gives off cool-kid vibes. Tone down elaborate designs by taking a note from brands like Dion Lee, Philosophy di Lorenzo, and Coach, which all styled this typically-bohemian shoe with flowy, ruffled dresses. Alternatively, you can toughen up knits and other staples with a scruched-up moto boot, similar to what we saw at Victoria Beckham.

It’s hard to find a quality pair of boots for under $100, but customers swear that these simple yet perfectly slouchy brown pair from Amazon defy all odds. “I danced and walked in these all night,” reads one of the top reviews. “They were so comfortable and received tons of compliments. I usually wear a size 8, ordered an 8 and they feel comfortable with crew socks.” Sold.

The biker boot is currently rising in popularity, partially due to Miu Miu’s fall 2023 collection, but it seems the style will be sticking around for 2024, too. Josef Seibel’s laid-back leather pair will complement the distressed denim and baggy bomber jackets that are already hanging in your closet, while also adding a grunge twist to sweeter styles like pleated skirts.

For those who are trading quiet luxury for a more statement-making aesthetic, there are plenty of slouchy metallic boots to work into your wardrobe. This silver pair from Guess feels somewhat dressy, so it’s the perfect alternative for when you want to give your outfit a dose of something extra, especially ahead of a night out.

A bit of color yet still versatile enough to work with multiple pieces in your closet. On days when your outfit feels like it’s missing a little something, you’ll be happy to reach for these Marc Fisher boots, which will add interest to your look.

Darling Details

Bows and beads at Chanel, flowers at Zimmermann, butterflies at Bluemarine, spikes at Collina Strada, pearls at Dior. No more proof is needed to convince us that tiny, eye-catching details will be everywhere for the next year, adding an element of fun to otherwise classic designs.

Leave it to Steve Madden to give us just what we’re searching for. While the majority of this heel is totally see-through, the bright, colorful butterflies turn it into a statement piece. Prepare to receive tons of compliments each time you wear them out.

Sure, anyone can wear these pearl-embellished ballet flats, which are versatile enough to become your new go-to. However, if you’re getting married in 2024, they’ll also make a comfy-cute wedding flat, so grab them while you can.

Every so often, we wonder if we’ve missed the boat on a trend and worry whether it’s too late to shop it. In the case of bow-embellished heels, though, now is the time to add to cart. The delicate detail is here to stay, and thankfully this $53 option from Amazon is within our budget.

Cider labeled these $39 sandals as “balletcore,” but in our opinion, they’re less stage and more red carpet, since rosette details have been a mainstay throughout 2024 awards season.

Statement Toes

It’s possible you’ve owned at least one pair of toe-ring sandals over the course of your life, but for 2024, the trend is advancing to the next level. We’re talking exposed big toes, similar to what we spotted at Louis Vuitton, as well as the slightly more wearable cap-toe sneaker, à la Schiaparelli.

These pierced mules are practically slippers, but the unique design will make you want to wear them outside the house. The best part is that the gold ring wraps around your big toe, securing the shoe in place and making it less slippery as you walk.

Between the clear PVC strap and those round, bauble-like details at the toe and heel, these sandals could pass as expensive designer footwear. However, the $135 price tag feels a tad more reasonable, especially since it’s such a cool looking shoe.

Trade your everyday black sandals for a pair that includes a toe ring for a low-stakes way to follow this footwear trend.

Elaborate Embellishments

2024 is not the year to wonder whether your shoes feel like too much. In fact, the bigger the flower and more voluminous the ruffles, the better, which is a lesson we learned from brands such as Balmain, Ulla Johnson, and AZ Factory (just to name a few).

Consider this strappy heel a smart way to test out this shoe trend without fully committing. On days when you want to go all out, just keep the flower on, but if you’re leaning toward a simpler look, you can easily remove it.

Shortly after appearing on the spring 2024 runways, beaded fringe shoes began popping up in stores. You’ll want to invest in these sandals from Cecelia New York now, this way you’ll be set once the warmer weather rolls around.

There’s floral embellishments and then there’s floral embellishments. These Betsey Johnson boots are so whimsical, they’re bound to become your new favorite pair.

Preppy

We struggled to pin down a name for this trend — simple? classic? no frills? timeless? — but ultimately, decided that preppy was the way to go. After all, those lace-up oxfords we spotted at Prada, Ferragamo’s loafer heels, and Miu Miu’s Mary Janes all feel very schoolcore. No doubt Blair Waldorf would approve.

Somewhere in the back of our mind, we know Taylor Swift would style these with a plaid mini skirt, but there’s no need to limit your outfit options. Experiment by pairing them with dark jeans or black slacks, giving old, well-loved staples a fresh collegiate spin.

There’s no shortage of Mary Janes on the market right now, but if you’re looking for something that feels a bit more…special, add this Charles & Keith pair to cart. The T-strap detail takes it beyond the super popular yet super simple alternative and feels unique. Plus, you can’t beat the under-$100 price tag.

The 2010s business casual aesthetic is back, baby, and what better way to embrace it than by working these tweed slingbacks into your outfits? In many ways, they’re also kind of twee, AKA another old school trend that recently made its return.

Trends may come and go, but a good pair of horse bit loafers are timeless. Invest in this preppy staple now and you’re bound to break them out a bunch this year, as well as the next and the one after that.