In the mood to dig your heels into a new pair of shoes for the upcoming season? You’ll want to read up on the best summer 2023 shoe trends first. And to help you set foot in the right direction (okay, I’ll stop), I’ve tapped none other than Caroline Maguire, the fashion director at Shopbop.
Finding the right pair of shoes for your summer ‘fits can sometimes feel more like a job than you might like. Maybe you want a pair of cute summer sandals that’ll last you all season. Or perhaps you need a go-to pair of walking sneakers for those daily strolls. Of course, if you want to do all of that and tap into the season’s hottest trends, Maguire has you covered.
The fashion director has a pulse on the latest pieces to hit the market, which means she already knows the biggest footwear trends for the summer. Scroll down to shop what she declares will be the best summer shoe trends you can start wearing now. And once you’ve rounded out your summer shoe collection, be sure to finish your wardrobe with the best summer 2023 fashion trends.
Platforms
“This summer, we’ll be seeing a lot of platforms (flatforms included!),” she shares. “I personally love how platforms offer some extra height and accentuate your legs; pairs from Cult Gaia feel uber-retro and super on-trend.”
Culta Gaia Joplin Platform
Naked Wolfe Spice Black Stretch Knee-High Boots
Melissa Mar Platform Sandal
Loafers
Loafers might be considered more of a cold-weather shoe, especially given their preppy nature. Don’t let that fool you, though. This closed-toe shoe is still going to be omnipresecent come summer, according to Maguire. In other words, if you haven’t snapped up the best loafers yet, now is your chance. (No time like the present!)
Free People Liv Penny Loafer
Wandler Lucy Loafer
Koio Brera Loafer
Ballet Flats
You may already be keen on the epic return of ballet flats (which, no doubt, have a place in warm weather), given that it’s one of the best spring 2023 shoe trends to make its way down the runways. Blame it on the ongoing love for balletcore or the want for something sweet and simple; either way, no one is upset about it.
Tory Burch Studded Ballet
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Mansur Gavriel Square Toe Ballerina Flats
Jeffrey Campbell Balletic Buckled Ballet Flat
Mary Janes
Another year-round trend that’s a surefire win for summer? Mary Jane shoes. The fashion director lists this schoolgirl silhouette as a must-have for summer 2023. And if you’re asking me, I completely agree. Whether it be on the flat or low-heeled side for an easy look or a comfortable high heel to add an unexpected edge to an outfit, these are sure to grab some attention wherever you go.
Coach Whitley Mary Jane
Souliers Martinez Casilda Leather 90 Pumps
Nodaleto Bacara 55mm Glitter Mary-Jane Shoes
Vintage Sneakers
Sneakers are no stranger to trending themes—and this season is no different. But the specific trend of cool styles Maguire’s eyeing? Retro-inspired trainers. Swap out your classic white sneakers or chunky kicks for a pair of these for a more streamlined option this summer.
Rag & Bone Retro Runners
Nike Air Max 86 Big Bubble Suede and Mesh Sneakers
Madewell Court Low Top Sneaker
Dale Arden Chong is the Senior Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Previously, she was an editor at MensHealth.com and has written for Who What Wear, GLAMOUR, The Coveteur, and more. She loves fashion, food, and art, among other things—but her greatest love is K-pop idol V of BTS.