Platforms to Peep-Toesā€”Let's Talk Spring's Shoe Trends

 Spring 2024 shoe trends graphic made by future.
Spring 2024 shoe trends graphic made by future.

Let's talk spring 2024 shoe trends. The usual warm-weather suspects stepped out during the 230 runway shows and presentations (yes, we counted) across New York City, London, Milan, and Paris last fall. Woven fisherman sandals, commuter flats, and ladylike kitten heels made welcome, albeit expected, appearances. (Gucci's ruby-red slingbacks were one of Sabato de Sarno's many siren silhouettes, calling to the fashion crowd with alluring Buy me now! appeal.)

But there were also more dramatic and, in some cases, downright experimental spring shoes, too. Proenza Schouler continued last year's mesh flat momentum with porous slip-ons you can wear to the beach and beyond. Meanwhile, at Givenchy, models wore stiletto heels underneath see-through hosiery as if they forgot the proper order of getting dressed. Versace and Victoria Beckham had a similar bare-it-all spirit and played pedicure peek-a-boo with peep-toe pumps. The end result was rather spirited and playfulā€”and for some, a needed departure from the subdued, quiet luxury sentiment.

As for shopping the spring 2024 shoe trends, Marie Claire composed a comprehensive guide and tapped the VP of Womenswear Buying for SSENSE, Brigitte Chartrand, for insight. Ahead, our curated edit of the sandals to slip on, flats to wear to work, and party pumps to pull out every now and then. Ready? Let's kick it!

Lofty Lifts

spring 2024 shoe trends graphic made by future
spring 2024 shoe trends graphic made by future

Seen at Simone Rocha, Peter Do, and Gucci, platforms were plentiful on spring's runways. They were especially exhilarating at Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood, a collection that honored the late great British designer known for her sky-high silhouettes. "My first thought: no one does the maxi platform better than Vivienne Westwood," says Chartrand.

The SSENSE expert also praises the surprising versatility of a sky-high shoe. "Platforms are one of those versatile wardrobe staples that you can dress up or dress down anytime you want to add a few inches," she says, shouting out Dries van Noten's lofty flip-flops and suggesting you team the sandal with straight-leg jeans and a linen button-down.

Augusta Leather Heeled Penny Loafers
Augusta Leather Heeled Penny Loafers

Gabriela Hearst Augusta Leather Heeled Penny Loafers

Lyna Metallic Leather Platform Sandals
Lyna Metallic Leather Platform Sandals

See by ChloƩ Lyna Metallic Leather Platform Sandals

Yellow Platform Thong Sandals
Yellow Platform Thong Sandals

Dries Van Noten Yellow Platform Thong Sandals

Miso Platform Sandals
Miso Platform Sandals

LarroudƩ Miso Platform Sandals

Polina Platform Sandal
Polina Platform Sandal

Vince Polina Platform Sandal

Raflower Raffia Platform Sandals
Raflower Raffia Platform Sandals

Valentino Garavani Raflower Raffia Platform Sandals

Boots with Bad Posture

spring 2024 shoe trends graphic made by future
spring 2024 shoe trends graphic made by future

The boot, a cold-weather hero shoe, is taking a load off this spring and relaxing into slouchy silhouettes. From slightly folded versions at Alexander McQueen to the puddled pools of leather at Victoria Beckham, stiff boots were out on the runways.

"If thereā€™s ever a pair of slouchy boots you need in your wardrobe, itā€™s Khaiteā€™s ā€˜The Riverā€™ Knee High Boots," the SSENSE expert says of the in-demand shoe from the New York label. As for styling the boot, Chartrand recommends "pairing [slouchy boots] with oversized knits or a long coat, and youā€™re all set to leave the house."

Slouchy Suede Boots
Slouchy Suede Boots

Paris Texas Slouchy Suede Boots

Slouched Leather Knee Boots
Slouched Leather Knee Boots

COS Slouched Leather Knee Boots

Knee High Slouch Boot
Knee High Slouch Boot

Toral Knee High Slouch Boot

Calysta Slouchy Suede Western Boots
Calysta Slouchy Suede Western Boots

Marc Fisher LTD Calysta Slouchy Suede Western Boots

Vegan Leather Slouchy Boot
Vegan Leather Slouchy Boot

Banana Republic Vegan Leather Slouchy Boot

River Suede Knee Boots
River Suede Knee Boots

Khaite River Suede Knee Boots

Mesh Momentum

spring 2024 shoe trends graphic made by future
spring 2024 shoe trends graphic made by future

Whether you love or loathe them, mesh flats are soldiering on for spring. "[Mesh flats] are simple in the best way possibleā€”they're like wearing a pair of socks," Chartrand describes.

For those looking to level up, look for mesh-paneled heels instead of just the flat versions like those from Khaite and Mugler. If a sheer pump still doesn't give you enough thrill, you can DIY the look yourself with hosiery Ć” la Givenchy's sharp stilettos worn underneath red nylon tights.

Elisa 45 Embellished Patent-Leather and Mesh Mary Jane Pumps
Elisa 45 Embellished Patent-Leather and Mesh Mary Jane Pumps

Jimmy Choo Elisa 45 Embellished Patent-Leather and Mesh Mary Jane Pumps

River Iconic Mesh and Leather Pumps
River Iconic Mesh and Leather Pumps

Khaite River Iconic Mesh and Leather Pumps

Bethany Ballet Flats
Bethany Ballet Flats

Reformation Bethany Ballet Flats

Stuart Mesh Slingback Pumps
Stuart Mesh Slingback Pumps

Stuart Weitzman Stuart Mesh Slingback Pumps

Leonie Crystal Mesh Ballet Flats
Leonie Crystal Mesh Ballet Flats

Leonie Crystal Mesh Ballet Flats

Toga Pulla Black Lace-Up Oxfords
Toga Pulla Black Lace-Up Oxfords

TOGA PULLA Black Lace-Up Oxfords

For the Ladies Who Lunch

spring 2024 shoe trends graphic made by future
spring 2024 shoe trends graphic made by future

In complete opposition to Westwood's sky-high platforms, designers offered a slew of demure, low-to-the-ground heels. Pulling inspiration from a ladylike, mid-century silhouette, one-inch slingbacks, and micro-pumps were seen at Altuzarra, Prada, Gucci, and Valentino showings.

But, as Chartrand explains, the fun part about styling a sweet little kitten heel is that you don't have to be entirely proper. "Opposites attract when styling a pair of lady heels, so don't be afraid to lean into juxtaposition. Give your kitten heels some edge by wearing pieces that contrast the ultra-feminine silhouette," says Chartrand. "I personally wear the Manolo Blahnik Maysalebica Mules with a pair of distressed, vintage Levi's or oversized sweatpants," she notes. It's the ultimate high-low pairing.

Gucci Signoria Slingback Pump
Gucci Signoria Slingback Pump

Gucci Signoria Slingback Pump

Saga Leather Pumps
Saga Leather Pumps

Aeyde Saga Leather Pumps

Guilhermina Slingback Heels
Guilhermina Slingback Heels

Guilhermina Slingback Heels

Jil Sander 35mm Leather Slingback Pumps
Jil Sander 35mm Leather Slingback Pumps

Jil Sander 35mm Leather Slingback Pumps

Manolo Blahnik Maysalebi 50 Denim Mules
Manolo Blahnik Maysalebi 50 Denim Mules

Manolo Blahnik Maysalebi 50 Denim Mules

CS 45MM Pumps
CS 45MM Pumps

Marion Parke CS 45MM Pumps

Kick Your Feet Up

spring 2024 shoe trends graphic made by future
spring 2024 shoe trends graphic made by future

Spring 2024 invites you to kick back and relax in an off-duty weekend sandal. Try an easy fisherman style, like those seen at Loewe and HermĆØs, or a funkier flat sandal like the metallic toe-strap option at Tory Burchā€”which has haunted the minds of all shoe-obsessed fashion editors since its debut back in September.

The Vamizi Suede Sandals
The Vamizi Suede Sandals

Amanu The Vamizi Suede Sandals

Muntana Fisherman Mule
Muntana Fisherman Mule

Hereu Muntana Fisherman Mule

+ Net Sustain Leather Sandals
+ Net Sustain Leather Sandals

Toteme Leather Sandals

Ernest leather fisherman sandals
Ernest leather fisherman sandals

Emme Parsons Ernest Leather Fisherman Sandals

Clio leather sandals
Clio leather sandals

Ancient Greek Sandals Clio Leather Sandals

Rebecca Leather Dual Buckle Slide Sandals
Rebecca Leather Dual Buckle Slide Sandals

Chloe Rebecca Leather Dual Buckle Slide Sandals

Silver Lining

spring 2024 shoe trends graphic made by future
spring 2024 shoe trends graphic made by future

Silver shoes have joined forces with ballet flats to become one super-charged trend this spring. Magpie-worthy Mary Jane flats were hard to miss at Chanel and Cecilie Bahsen, while Loewe sent out crystalized slippers that shimmered with every step.

"You can never go wrong with a silver ballerinaā€”it's an updated classic with its metallic finish," details Chartrand. When styling a reflective flat, the SSENSE expert encourages you to "embrace the nonchalant, model-off-duty look with a cashmere sweatsuit." After all, diamonds (or at least the shiny effect of diamonds) plus cashmere is the ultimate aspirational pairing.

Astra Slingback Flat
Astra Slingback Flat

Rag & Bone Astra Slingback Flat

Gommettine Metallic Leather Flats
Gommettine Metallic Leather Flats

Roger Vivier Gommettine Metallic Leather Flats

Balla ballerina shoes
Balla ballerina shoes

Dear Frances Balla Ballerina Shoes

Stuart Weitzman Leather Ballet Flat
Stuart Weitzman Leather Ballet Flat

Stuart Weitzman Leather Ballet Flat

Silver Bell Charm Crochet Ballerina Flats
Silver Bell Charm Crochet Ballerina Flats

Simone Rocha Silver Bell Charm Crochet Ballerina Flats

Bethany Ballet Flat
Bethany Ballet Flat

Reformation Bethany Ballet Flat

Peek-a-Toe!

spring 2024 shoe trends graphic made by future
spring 2024 shoe trends graphic made by future

As we all know, a peep-toe shoe is nothing new. However, the frontward cutout has recently experienced a spirited resurgence, resulting in a spike in designer and celebrity interest. It started when Miu Miu (always the trend-setting fashion house) released its thong sandal-style boots in the Spring 2023 collection. After percolating for a year, the peek-a-boo detail gathered real speed for spring, with brands like Versace, Victoria Beckham, and Louis Vuitton sending out a series of peep-toe heels and knee-high boots, whose fans include Kylie Jenner who came out in support of the peep-toe bootie.

Mila Suede Peep-Toe Wedge Sandals
Mila Suede Peep-Toe Wedge Sandals

Veronica Beard Mila Suede Peep-Toe Wedge Sandals

Amanda 105mm Suede Peep-Toe Booties
Amanda 105mm Suede Peep-Toe Booties

Paris Texas Amanda 105mm Suede Peep-Toe Booties

Leather Mules
Leather Mules

Ala?a Leather Mules

Gianni Ribbon Leather Open-Toe Boots
Gianni Ribbon Leather Open-Toe Boots

Versace Gianni Ribbon Leather Open-Toe Boots

Dia Slide Sandal
Dia Slide Sandal

Black Suede Studio Dia Slide Sandal

Leather Sling Peep-Toe Ballerina Flats
Leather Sling Peep-Toe Ballerina Flats

Le Monde Beryl Leather Sling Peep-Toe Ballerina Flats

Meet the Fashion Expert