We've already pinpointed our favorite fall/winter 2019 runway trends, but now we're breaking it down further with a focus on footwear. After close examination of the spring and fall collections, we've determined which sandals to pack on vacay and which boots you'll be wearing from now until spring 2020 arrives. For this season, designers aren't completely reinventing the wheel. Instead, they're building upon the fashion house archives and past trends, adding embellishments here and there or introducing cool shapes like a cylindrical heel. Without further ado, the top 15 shoe trends for 2019.
Metallic Loafers
A metallic loafer provides an easy way to dress up your holiday outfit, whether you're visiting the in-laws or attending a company work party. Take some inspo from the look above and team your footwear with tall argyle socks. This unexpected combination gives a fresh update to your shoes. Plus, if TSA makes you take off your loafers at security, you won't have to go barefoot on those floors. Shudder.
Fall Florals
Set aside your summer floral pieces in favor of moodier and earthier shades for winter. Erdem, Brock Collection, and Zimmermann all presented collections with yellow, blue, and orange flowers against a dark background to signal this is indeed a fall shoe trend. I love this '70s-inspired ankle boot by Staud for its flawless fall floral execution. You'll find the print echoed in other footwear styles from flats to pointed-toe pumps.
Creeper Sneakers
This thick-soled shoe has a long history, from the World War II battlefields and '50s dandy subculture to the Vivienne Westwood-influenced '70s punk scene. Louis Vuitton gives the creeper a designer update with its signature logo print. Don't be afraid to let your favorite socks peek through the top for an extra style statement.
Cozy Shearling
We can all use an extra layer of warmth for winter, so shearling-lined shoes will be your feet's savior this season. Furry material covered all kinds of shoes that came down the fall 2019 runways, from over-the-knee boots at Celine to fuzzy pumps at Off-White. Once the temperatures really dip, give your favorite pair of UGG boots a break and try one of the styles, below.
Animal Print Boots
Every season you'll see animal prints on the runway, though they're always reworked in different silhouettes. For their fall/winter 2019 collections, designers like Zimmermann, Victoria Beckham, and Rejina Pyo took classic prints like leopard and paired them with a sculptural heel or pointy-toe footwear design. This instantly created something different and unique for shoppers. For those who have yet to own anything leopard print, start from the ground up with these footwear options.
Embroidery
Intricate embroidery evokes images of vintage jewelry boxes and heavy gowns like Blake Lively's Met Gala look. But it's also totally wearable. Michael Kors' spring '19 show featured everyday embroidered pieces, like this pair of pink platform sandals. The design marries artistry to fashion for a totally one-of-a-kind shoe. This season you'll also be seeing the detailing on boots and mules.
Chunky Clogs
Old school wooden platforms are back in style thanks to a few luxe updates, like structured leather and shiny studs (see: the Salvatore Ferragamo number below). Rock your clogs with a denim-on-denim ensemble and a puffer coat or underneath a maxi dress. For those wanting to take things up a notch, wear a thick pair of wool socks with your footwear for that unequivocal fashion girl ensemble.
Sculptural Heels
It's time we all embrace the unusual, sculptural heel, available in a variety of geometric shapes you definitely knew the names of in elementary school. The innovative heels are basically wearable architectural feats, allowing you to incorporate a sense of wonder and drama into your work or party outfits. Keep your look simple with jeans and a t-shirt, letting the footwear captivate onlookers.
Chunky Sneakers
Sneakers have become a permanent fixture in runway collections, so don't expect dad sneakers to completely disappear any time soon. Style with a tie-dye top or a rugby-shirt dress for the ultimate color clashapproved combo. This is one comfortable trend my feet are thankful for.
Nautical Vibes
Monse's entire spring '19 collection gave a nod to the seaside, and it seems other designers had similar ideas, releasing woven footwear. Nautical details popped up on the models' feet at shows like Milly and Ulla Johnson, paired with flowing dresses and skirts. In an instant, we were all thinking of booking vacations to the Caribbean or the French Riviera. Luckily, you don't have to wait until next season to get your hands on a pair of rope sandals. Pick a pair below to pack with you for your next vacation.
Feathers
Feathered heels and flats dominated the spring runways, from Valentino (above) to Prabal Gurung and Simone Rocha. The feathers fluttered down the catwalk and, in a second, stole the spotlight from the rest of the outfit. There isn't just one spot designers are incorporating plumage, some added feathers to the heel of their footwear while others lined it on the straps. All look amazing.
Barely-There Sandals
You need a pair of thin, strappy heels or flats STAT. This minimalist style popped up on the runways of Jacquemus and Rejina Pyo last year and retailers now offer a variety of styles. You'll find brands like Zara and BY FAR making the most elegant barely-there sandals that are perfect for the office or weddings. You do have to buy and try different styles to find the most comfy pair for you, but it's worth it. I personally prefer a style with kitten heels, worn with socks to make it wintertime appropriate.
Buckles
You're about to see buckles on flats and stilettos, adding edge to traditionally more feminine footwear. Alexander McQueen sent a shoe down the runway with three buckles, while Sies Marjan pushed the envelope with four rugged straps. If you're not ready to have your feet completely caged in, there are simpler, single-buckle options out there. Pro-tip: If you choose shoes with multiple buckles, give yourself a few extra minutes in the mornings to put them on.
Big-Toe Sandals
The fashion industry loves a good, quirky shoe (see Maison Margiela who first launched this Tabi calfskin boot in the '80s. One of our editors even dared to rock the trend and loved it.) For spring 2019, the focus was on big toe energy with plenty of designers, from Tibi to Dries Van Noten, creating toe-strap shoes. These looked sleeker and more chic than its 2018 counterpart Y/Project, but still placed a heavy emphasis on one's toe. If you don't already own a pair, shop some cute options below to wear on your tropical getaways in December.
Teva Shoe-Inspired Sandals
Should anyone make fun of your Teva shoes, you'll have the last laugh. After all, fashion houses like Prada have long been making this utilitarian style. The design, made of criss-crossing velcro straps, were summer's shoe solution to "ugly dad sneakers." Designers such as Sandy Liang and Anna Sui even incorporated Teva shoes into their New York Fashion Week presentations last year, which means you definitely need to get your hands on a pair.
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