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January is a drag. But it's nearly over, which means it is finally acceptable to start shopping for your spring shoes. Sure, it's not yet time to pack away those snow boots, but you can definitely start browsing ankle-baring shoes again. The best spring 2023 shoe trends are pretty versatile, too.
The platforms, Mary Janes, and chunky loafers you're loving right now still have a place in your next-season wardrobe, as do every kind of ballet flats you could think of (especially those with a literal en pointe twist). If you can't get enough minimalist silhouettes from the early 2000s, little kitten heels, are primed for a major comeback. And if you're not ready to say bye to your cold-weather lug-sole boots, there's still plenty of weather appropriate chunky options, including flatforms, wedges (yes, seriously), and block heels. Plus, cagey designs, including fisherman sandals and the delightfully whimsical jellies.
Keep scrolling for a deeper breakdown of the shoes set for cult status next season, and add a couple to your cart now so you're fully prepared for when March finally rolls around.
The Thick of It
The chunky shoe era is far from over, as proven by the Proenza Schouler, Fendi, and Jonathan Simkhai spring 2023 collections. Whether it's a flatform, wedge, or bulky block heel, there's a souped-up silhouette to suit every aesthetic. And as a model proved during Fendi's show, you can easily slip them off and carry them in your hands, too.
As seen at: Fendi
Bottega Veneta Platform Ankle Boot
Bottega Veneta Platform Ankle Boot
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Rise & Shine
You can finally put those fuzzy sandals from your life-at-home era to rest, and welcome some satin into your post-pandemic world. Ready yourself for made-to-be-seen clogs, pumps, slides, and boots in all colors with a lustrous sheen. Etro, Sportmax, and Ports 1961 are just a few brands proving the fabric has seriously elegant and modern appeal.
As seen at: Etro
MANOLO BLAHNIK Hangisiflat Crystal-Embellished Satin Point-Toe Flats
MANOLO BLAHNIK Hangisiflat Crystal-Embellished Satin Point-Toe Flats
Miu Miu Miu Miu Mary Jane Cap Toe Pump in Avorio/Nero at Nordstrom, Size 10.5Us
Miu Miu Miu Miu Mary Jane Cap Toe Pump in Avorio/Nero at Nordstrom, Size 10.5Us
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Peep Show
Will the Y2K revival prove to be the longest style revival of all time? Maybe. Designers keep delivering nostalgic hits like peep-toe mules, from kitten and block-heeled versions suited for work to elegant versions destined for occasions and nights out.
As seen at: Carolina Herrera
Jil Sander Leather Kitten-Heel Mules
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Good Angle
Knife-edge heel used to be synonymous with Balenciaga but now, every brand is making its own take on the angled heel. There's Bottega Veneta's geometric wedges, Proenza Schouler's bubble platforms and mules, and Ferrgamao's super-strappy slingbacks.
As seen at: Bottega Veneta
Saint Laurent Tom 40 T.Dream Slingback Pumps
Saint Laurent Tom 40 T.Dream Slingback Pumps
Salvatore Ferragamo Cygnus Suede Slingback Pumps
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Buckle Up
Mary Janes might just be the only shoe trend everyone can agree on, and the look is sticking around for spring. Sandy Liang's take, inspired by the square pointe of a ballerina shoe, has been impossible for the designer to keep in stock. The popularity of those by Prada and Miu Miu also show no sign of slowing down.
As seen at: Batsheva
Nodaleto Bulla Bacara Velvet Mary Jane Pumps
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Bad Girls Club
From S&M to punk, edgy details were all over the fall collections, and the vibes continues into spring. When getting your rebel fix, think about juxtaposition when styling. A strappy patent platform looks divine when worn with a tiny mini, yes, but chain-laced boots and brogues are a stylish offset to dresses and skirts of all kinds.
As seen at: Gucci
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Ballet Masters
Even people who don't follow trends know ballet flats are trending. They're everywhere but designers like Simone Rocha still make them feel fresh with pearl details and ribbon-inspired straps.
As seen at: Simone Rocha
Simone Rocha Low-Trek Ballerina embroidered shoes
Simone Rocha Low-Trek Ballerina embroidered shoes
Laura Lajiness Kaupke is a freelance writer and editor covering fashion, accessories, and lifestyle topics, including beauty, home, fitness, and travel. You can see her work across various outlets, including VOGUE, Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE, Marie Claire, InStyle, Glamour, Esquire, Women’s Health, Brides, The Zoe Report, Popsugar, Refinery 29, Coveteur, Byrdie, Well+Good, The Editorialist, among other titles and brands. Laura has worked in the fashion industry for over 11 years and held senior fashion editor positions at Popsugar and The Zoe Report, with additional experience as a copywriter and fashion publicist.
Greetings, enthusiasts of the ever-evolving world of fashion! I am here to share my wealth of knowledge and expertise in the realm of footwear trends, having dedicated over a decade to unraveling the intricacies of the fashion industry. My journey has encompassed various roles, from senior fashion editor positions at reputable outlets like Popsugar and The Zoe Report to copywriting and fashion public relations.
Now, let's delve into the captivating realm of the spring 2023 shoe trends, as outlined in the Harper's BAZAAR article. The curated selection of footwear trends for the upcoming season offers a fusion of nostalgia, innovation, and timeless elegance.
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The Thick of It: Chunky Shoes
- Proven by the Proenza Schouler, Fendi, and Jonathan Simkhai spring 2023 collections, the chunky shoe era persists. This includes flatforms, wedges, and bulky block heels. Noteworthy examples are the Bottega Veneta Platform Ankle Boot and Eckhaus Latta Green Platform Boots.
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Rise & Shine: Satin and Lustrous Sheen
- Bid farewell to fuzzy sandals as satin takes the spotlight in post-pandemic footwear. Etro, Sportmax, and Ports 1961 showcase made-to-be-seen clogs, pumps, slides, and boots with a lustrous sheen. Notable mentions are the MANOLO BLAHNIK Hangisiflat Crystal-Embellished Satin Point-Toe Flats and Miu Miu Mary Jane Cap Toe Pump.
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Peep Show: Y2K Revival with Peep-Toe Mules
- The Y2K revival endures with peep-toe mules, featuring both kitten and block-heeled versions suitable for various occasions. Carolina Herrera leads the trend, and examples include Jil Sander Leather Kitten-Heel Mules and Gucci GG Embellished Slingback Pumps.
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Good Angle: Angled Heels Everywhere
- Knife-edge heels, once synonymous with Balenciaga, are now embraced by various brands. Bottega Veneta's geometric wedges, Proenza Schouler's bubble platforms, and Ferragamo's strappy slingbacks exemplify this trend. Notable options are Saint Laurent Tom 40 T.Dream Slingback Pumps and Salvatore Ferragamo Cygnus Suede Slingback Pumps.
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Buckle Up: Mary Janes Forever
- Mary Janes continue to reign, with Sandy Liang's inspired square pointe design and popular offerings from Prada and Miu Miu. Notable mentions include Nodaleto Bulla Bacara Velvet Mary Jane Pumps and Reformation Black Mimi Mary Jane.
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Bad Girls Club: Edgy Details and Rebellion
- Edgy details, inspired by S&M and punk aesthetics, remain prominent. Strappy patent platforms, chain-laced boots, and brogues offer stylish contrasts to various outfits. Noteworthy examples include Tory Burch Studded Ballet and Toga Pulla Buckled Leather Mules.
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Ballet Masters: Trending Ballet Flats
- Ballet flats, a universal trend, continue to evolve with designers like Simone Rocha infusing fresh elements such as pearl details and ribbon-inspired straps. A standout example is Simone Rocha Low-Trek Ballerina embroidered shoes.
As you embark on your spring shoe shopping journey, consider these trends to stay ahead in the ever-shifting landscape of fashion. Whether you lean towards the bold chunkiness of the thick shoe era or the timeless charm of Mary Janes, the spring of 2023 promises a diverse array of footwear options to suit every taste and occasion. Happy shopping!
