The Shoe Trends in Store for Winter '24
Stilettos, flats, and the perfect sock-shoe combo await.
Winter has been dubbed boot season for obvious reasons. Boots are warm and (often) weatherproof, and they can be an excellent multi-tasker when it comes to function and style; you need a few in your shoe wardrobe for the colder seasons. (We'll show you a slightly new seasonal variation to add to your rotation later.) But a chill in the air doesn't mean it has to be boots all day, every day. In fact, this winter, we're seeing inspiration that's trending away from the obvious fur and tread choices. For example: Barely there, minimalist styles à la The Row—(hear us out, they're great to swap out for a loafer when the ground is dry), and the continuation of the fisherman sandal that will look super cool and effortless alongside a fuzzy sock or textured tight.
Chances are, you'll be spending ample time indoors and out of the elements, and winter's trending styles don't discount the power of a great winter heel or bedazzled flat that helps sidestep those winter blues (yes, winter style can still be very fun). Ahead are the seven winter '24 footwear trends —some that will fulfill the duties of winter weather workhorses, and others that will cater to the softer side of cold weather style.
Come wintertime, we don’t typically gravitate towards shoes that mimic the feeling of walking almost barefoot—but the minimalist mavens have spoken, and they’re not disappearing any time soon. This grounded style includes glove-like ballet flats in sturdier fabrications like leather and suede and other low-lift, high-impact variations, like sleek boot styles and loafer-sneaker hybrids that you’ll turn to repeatedly.
This is one of the more obvious trends of the season: Diego Abba, CEO of Italist, notes that fuzzy finishes, both inside and out, have become a staple footwear piece and a best seller for the cold weather season because they offer the creature comforts of a slipper. They're easy enough to throw on for dog walks and coffee runs—but also offer a dose of high style that works for office days and social outings, like block heel mules and foot-hugging ballerina styles.
Cassie Smart, Head of Womenswear at Matches, notes that a growing number of customers are returning to kitten or slim, slanted heel styles to pair with the hero ready-to-wear items of the season, like barrel-shaped denim and relaxed tailored jackets. But this winter, you can leave the sky-high stilettos at home. The appeal of the winter heel is in their in-between height that reigns supreme for their comfort and versatility. Heels don’t have to be fussy or fancy— a great heel should meet you where you are.
Statement-making shoes remind us that dressing up should be, in a word, fun. And high-watt shoes—from all-over metallics to embellishments—are full of whimsy that can often do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to putting an outfit together. Abba notes that boots with metallic toe boots are trending for the season as the perfect accessory to dress up or down. And almost every designer has their take on shine, from slip-on-and-go ballet flats to practical sneakers to ladylike Mary Janes.
Loafers are not a trend—they're here to stay. That's solidifed not just by the many designers who send them down the runways season after season, but also by the sheer number of real people who have adopted them as an integral part of their everyday dress codes. But even with all the options on the market, shopping for loafers is still not cut-and-dry. Smart notes the significant pivot from chunkier tread soles to sleeker, minimalist options that are a great dressier alternative but can easily fit into weekend mode. If you have reservations about baring your ankles when the temps drop below 50, pop on a sock. It's one of the most quintessential pairings there is.
We touched on this earlier, but boots—even for winter—don’t have to be basic, and better yet, they can serve a style purpose while also doing a great job ticking boxes for function. Say hello to one of our favorite takes on the knee-high boot—the slouchy knee-high boot. Smart advises investing in rich fabrics like suede and new colors, like tans and chocolate browns, as a great alternative to the black leather boot. They look incredibly polished, peeking out of midi-skirts and winter dresses or paired with a knee-length statement coat. An inherently roomier calf area means there will also be much less wheeling and dealing getting them on and off.
Smart says a cold-weather sandal works exceptionally well if it's chunky and not too refined. Think of a heavy-tread fisherman sandal or Birkenstock that achieves that utilitarian feel and pair it alongside a really cozy sock. If you haven't figured it out yet, socks will be your favorite cold-weather accessory. Alternatively, Abba suggests investing in a covetable winter sandal style in a shearling or fuzzy finish. If you can't see yourself investing in Max Mara's iconic teddy coat, why not go for the next best thing? There's a sandal version, and your feet will thank you.
Meet the Fashion Experts
Diego Abba is the CEO of luxury fashion website Italist. A graduate of Cornell University's MBA program, he is currently based in Los Angeles.
Cassie Smart is Head of Womenswear Buying at MATCHES and has been working with the company for over 13 years. Working closely with Chief Commercial Officer, Carl Tallents, she heads up the womenswear buy on the footwear, bag and jewellery, working to pioneer a curated edit which has played a significant part in the growth of the business.
