9 Shoe Trends This Fashion Editor Is Shopping For 2024

3. THE SLIMLINE TRAINER

Whether you’re a New Balance girlie (guilty), a loyal Nike stan or an Adidas devotee, there’s no way you went through 2023 without hearing about – and seeing – the Adidas Samba. One of the most popular sneaker styles of the year, they’re showing no sign of slowing down in 2024 – but with so many various colour combinations it can be a minefield to know which to go for. I’m one of only a few fashion editors who’s yet to be drawn into the silhouette, but the latest OG colourways which feature softer neutrals and less aggressively contrasting shades may have finally tempted me.

4. THE METALLIC POINT

With metallic shades making their way onto every spring/summer 2024 runway from Miu Miu and Prabal Gurung to Rabanne, Roksanda, Alexander McQueen, Ralph Lauren, Courreges, Nina Ricci and Chloé, it should come as no surprise that it’s set to be one of the biggest trends of the year. But if the idea of a gold or silver outfit feels a little much for you, dipping a toe – or all ten – into the trend via your footwear is a smart way to go. Pointed shoes are one of the hottest silhouettes right now, too, so this mirrored, pointed pump is hitting two trends in one. Which might make the investment somewhat more tempting…

5. THE PLATFORM FLATS

After months of slimline ballet flats dominating shoe trends it’s time for a bulkier, braver silhouette to have its moment in the limelight. Whether you’re into Mary Janes, loafers, mules or sandals, you’d be wise to look to heavier frames this year. Leaning into the ‘wrong shoe theory’ once again, they work particularly well with a super feminine summer midi dress and will add something of an edge to your more saccharinely sweet pieces.

6. THE SLINGBACK SANDAL

The ankle-strapped sandal has reigned supreme in the formal footwear arena for well over a decade now, but – thanks to our insatiable appetite for nostalgic fashion – the slingback sandal looks set to take over in 2024. Super simple and visually effortless, it’s not only equally comfortable as an ankle strap but it also avoids the issue many find with ankle straps of shortening the leg. A hard-working staple, they look just as great with everyday denim and your favourite black suit as they do an evening dress. Opt for a pair with a low heel for a real taste of the 90s.

7. THE SLIP-ON CLOGS

Well I never said these were all new trends – did I? Birkenstock’s Boston Clogs have been the summer stalwart label’s hero shoe for almost a year now, and there’s no doubt that their popularity will continue to soar in 2024. Having been a loyal Birkenstock Arizona girlie for over a decade I was dubious about switching to a new silhouette, but these haven’t become the fashion world’s go-to shoe without good reason. As perfect with a thick wool sock and your favourite jeans right now as they are with cut-off shorts come summer, this is a shoe you’ll reach for time and time again.

8. THE MINI-HEEL BOOT

I know, I know, I’ve just been telling you to switch up your black boots for a nude pair, but if you’re struggling to move on from the classic then may I suggest an even smaller tweak in the form of a practical alternative. Enter: the mini heel. Not quite kitten – I know many of you can’t quite get your head around those – and yet nowhere near high, this is a really wearable way to elevate your look without sacrificing comfort. The mid-calf height is also a great new take on the traditional ankle pair, giving the boot a more contemporary, formal silhouette, while the pointed toe is undoubtedly the shape of the season.

9. THE PRACTICAL SANDAL

While I might be known to pack twice the amount of shoes than I could even feasibly wear on any given holiday, if I were restricted to one single pair there’s no doubt it’d be a sturdy, flat sandal. In fact, if I could only wear one shoe from May to September then it’d be that. So simple to dress up or down, I particularly love a suede brown pair as they feel so much more soft and summer-appropriate than a classic black pair. I’d wear these with everything from summer dresses and jeans to tailored shorts, cargo pants, two-piece sets and loungewear.

For more from Glamour UK’s Fashion Editor Charlie Teather, follow her on Instagram @charlieteather.