Shoe trends 2022: The must-have styles to shop now
Step into the new season with the best shoe trends 2022, as chosen by our fashion team
With winter in full swing, the shoe trends 2022 have seen us switch up our footwear wardrobe for styles that make us feel warm and protected, as well as a touch of sparkle as we enter the holiday season.
Injecting the latest shoe trends 2022 into your wardrobe is a quick-fire way of updating your look. Taking their lead from the key winter 2022 fashion trends, this season's footwear styles are incredibly varied, with the fall winter shoe trends honing in on cold-weather favorites - think the best winter boots and plenty of party-ready styles.
And while you'll want to invest in a few new season styles to update your look, many of the shoe trends 2022 from earlier in the year are continuing into the winter, meaning you can get added wear out of newer purchases, with everything from statement platform heels to lug sole boots to still line the shelves of your favorite shoe stores.
"It is clear comfort remains a priority for new season footwear but it’s great to see designers embrace color, embellishment, and statement features as we emerge from lockdown life," says Katie Eastwood, Style Ambassador at Stitch Fix UK. "Trainers will always be integral to our wardrobes but I, like many, will be adding some larger-than-life footwear to my wardrobe this season, ready for a brighter year ahead - quite literally!”
21 Shoe Trends 2022 to Shop Now
1. Kitten Heels
A surprisingly tricky trend to try, kitten heels offer a bit of a retro feel to office and party-ready ensembles for the shoe trends 2022. A look that we have seen peeking through since earlier in the year, this look can feel a little dated, particularly thanks to its throw-back '80s connotations.
To give this look a modern feel, opt for embellished styles, alongside leg-lengthening pointed toes. But it isn't just the shoe itself that pulls you through to the fall of 2022. Think about how you style a kitten heel to make this look more fab and less drab. Swap pencil skirts for ankle-skimming jeans or satin slip dresses and try styling your kitten heels with tights - like Dior and Chanel, to ensure the look feels on-trend.
RRP: $149 / £99 | Get the party started with these high-shine metallic slingbacks from Spanish clothing brand Zara. With a low kitten heel, these shoes are ideal for adding a seasonal feel to tailored work looks or accenting your favorite little black dress.
RRP: $99.99 / £59.99 | Buy now, wear into next year, this sky blue hue is set to remain popular as part of the fashion trends 2023, making it an idea investment. This smart kitten heel design will work particularly well paired with tailored trousers and suits.
2. Party Shoes
You can't head into the festive season without the best party shoes and luckily the shoe trends 2022 got the memo and delivered. From Loewe's magical oversized bow sandals to glittery footwear at Giambattista Valli, the shoe trends 2022 was a time for footwear to shine, styling up minimalist and maximalist party looks alike.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
While party shoes are certainly in for the end of the year, a great pair of metallic shoes is something you can keep in your winter capsule wardrobe for years to come. Working well with classic little black dresses, or this season's '90s fashion trend winner, the slip dress, grabbing some dancefloor ready shoes is a must-have for everything from family get-togethers to work Christmas party outfits.
RRP: $71 / £59.99 | Dazzle into the end of 2022 and beyond with these striking Office courts. A great alternative to white for the best wedding shoes for brides, they'll add a touch of sparkle to bridal looks or to the best rehearsal dinner dresses.
3. Colorful Shoes
While black might seem like the only color the fashion crowd love, when it comes to the shoe trends 2022 it's all about mood-boosting brights. Taking its lead from the fashion color trends 2022, the runways were packed with bright color clothing and this seeped down into footwear too. Coined 'Dopamine dressing', we saw models step out in colorful footwear across the fashion capitals both in the spring and again for fall.
For inspiration for the season ahead, turn to the likes of Valentino and Stella McCartney, both displayed colorful footwear options, for a joyous finish.
Our fashion editor recommends...
RRP: $102 / £40 | Platform pumps were big news on the runway and this purple pair has high fashion appeal at a straight-to-market price. Thanks to the platform, the heel isn't as high as it might appear and the block heel helps keep you sturdy.
RRP: $69.90 / £49.99 | Channel what is Barbiecore in one simple step by pairing the best pink dresses with equally bold footwear. Another color that is set to stick around for the next 12 months, inject a directional feel to denim looks as we hit fall, and for a smart casual outfit idea, swap out for a black dress.
RRP: $256 / £149 | Whilst lime green can often be difficult to style, it is surprisingly versatile when it comes to footwear as it is far enough away from your face, that you don't need to worry, 'what color suits me?' We recommend pairing these with one of the best midi dresses in a darker hue and a chunky knit.
4. Lace-Up Boots
As we hit the height of fall and head towards winter, '90s nostalgia still reigns supreme both in street style influence and on the runway and lace-up boots are definitely having a fashion moment. Spotted at the likes of Valentino and Louis Vuitton, the lace-up boot is the most directional way to re-spin floral midi dresses, adding an androgynous finish to the most feminine of looks.
RRP: $180 / £189 | The logo details on these chunky black boots adds a point of difference to a classic lace-up boot. Style with earth tones for a neutral fall look, or tuck your jeans in for an ensemble that says you're ready for anything this season.
RRP: $79.98 (US only) | Combat boots have been a big hit on the runway this season and these worn in brown lace-up boots from Steve Madden are the perfect combination of modern design with vintage styling, so they look well loved but polished.
RRP: $229 / £165 | Glide through winter with these crafted leather hiking boots from &Other Stories. We love pairing light-colored boots with cropped jeans or the best jumper dresses, combining prettier elements with tougher details for a striking mix.
5. Thigh high boots
From staple just over-the-knee styles to daring thigh-high iterations and wader-inspired boots, this season the thigh really is the limit. Ideal shoes to wear with leggings, or for teaming with the best jumper dresses or an oversized t-shirt, thigh-skimming boots are also perfect for pairing with this season's mini skirt if you're looking to flash a little less leg.
One of several boot trends 2022, thigh-skimming iterations were the length of choice at the likes of Prabal Gurung and Brandon Maxwell, and have been reinterpreted for the ready-to-wear market with just-over-the-knee designs that are easier to integrate into winter outfit ideas. For the best quality winter boots, opt for leather iterations as these will offer extra longevity.
RRP: $350 / £349 | Utilizing the brand's iconic eagle hardware, this time to decorate the boot down the leg, these beauties deliver runway feels in droves. Ideal for teaming with a little black dress, styled over a white shirt for a chic twist on preppy ensembles.
6. Platform Heels
Take your feet to new heights (literally!) with some sky-high platform heels. Dominating the runways from Sportmax to Ermanno Scervino in the early part of the year and spotted on our favorite fictional fashion icon Carrie Bradshaw, hefty heels played into the desire from shoppers and designers to dress up once more. While this started as an early shoe trend 2022, expect this look to roll on into party season where it will truly shine. If you're still not used to getting your glad rags on, take heed of this shoe quote from Giuseppe Zanotti, “Never underestimate the power of a shoe”, a speedy way of making your look feel fresh and directional.
"We can definitely see the '90s inspiration coming through, with chunky block heels and colorful platforms - once favored by our beloved Spice Girls and devoted fans everywhere - appearing all over Spring/Summer catwalks," says Eastwood.
"Create a maximalist look by pairing these heels with a bold mini or a printed midi dress and complete the look with a colorful clutch. For a more subtle look, add these statement shoes to an oversized shirt, jeans, and chunky gold jewelry."
Easier to wear than a stiletto thanks to the block sole, experiment with vibrant Crayola hues, or add a preppy twist with some on-trend Mary Janes.
Our fashion editor recommends...
RRP: $99.99 / £59.99 | Hit the dance floor in these ultimate party shoes. In a dazzling gold with a modern square toe, they tick all the boxes. Style with the best Christmas jumper dresses and a faux fur coat - a big one from the coat trends 2022, for a comfy yet statement look that fits perfectly with the season.
RRP: $49.90 / £35.99 | With rhinestone embellishment, these shoes will elevate your work Christmas party outfits in a jiffy. The subtle black on black design makes these bargain shoes super chic, while the strap adds security to this height boosting style.
RRP: $129 / £113 | Looking for a statement heel? These Steve Madden platforms will elongate legs with ease. Embrace the denim trends 2022 and use these quirky, platform heels to nail how to style flared jeans. The platform will help to balance this out for you and the monochrome palette makes it easy to style.
7. Ballet flats
On the other end of the heel spectrum is the simple ballet pump which has made a recent comeback. A popular '90s fashion trend, ballet pumps feel out of favor for a number of years but with the early noughties being a huge fashion trend 2022, it’s no surprise the ballet pump has resurfaced, especially as it has that comfy element too which can resemble slipping into the best slippers - bliss!
Timeless and chic, ballet pumps work with anything from your jeans to skirts and they're an excellent choice if you're wondering what shoes to wear with leggings. For a fall update, look to a pointed toe silhouette which will leave a flattering finish too, and add a feminine flourish with embellished details and ribbon fastenings.
Our fashion editor recommends...
RRP: $99 / £75 | We love these green pumps teamed with your best skinny jeans and a fitted sweater for an effortless daytime look. Or why not try pairing them with neutral tailored pants and a blazer for a chic fall outfit idea for what to wear to work.
RRP: $125 / £79 | For comfortable flats that are delightfully elegant and perfect for evening wear, look no further. In an on-trend metallic finish, the basket weave taps into the desire for more artisanal detailing, adding polish to this simple design.
RRP: $1,075 / £825 | Learn how to dress like Carrie Bradshaw, with the pump version of one of the character's most iconic pairs of heels. The blue hue is surprisingly versatile and will work for office days and evenings out alike for instant polish.
8. '90s Mules
Mules have pretty much cemented themselves into our wardrobes the past few seasons thanks to that quilted style from Bottega Veneta and the fact that '90s fashion trends are still going strong into the later part of 2022. Defined by one simple strap and a low-to-mid heel this year's iteration has a playful spin - from animal prints to sparkly details.
Despite heading into colder months, when wearing mules becomes a little trickier, while you might not want a pair for everyday, when it comes to Christmas party outfits, they're an instant winner. Easy to slip off at the end of the night, look for jeweled and smart iterations to enhance your holiday season look.
With no fussy fastenings or laces, these mules can be easily slipped on and off as you dash in and out of the door. Team with mom jeans and a simple tee for a brunch-ready look that gives a little nod to nostalgia.
Our fashion editor recommends...
RRP: £221 (UK only) | Animal prints remain a key trend into the winter season and these zebra style mules are crafted from luxurious calf hair. The backless design and low heel gives these smart shoes the look of the best slippers, ideal for wearing with pants.
RRP: $102 / £55 | The chunky block heel adds a modern twist to the '90s feel that dominated the fall 2022 runway shows, bringing them in line with the shoe trends 2022. Pair with tailored pieces, such as wide leg pants to enhance the '90s look.
RRP: $198 / £150 | Get into the swing of the season with these festive green mules. The jeweled front make these an ideal swap for your best slippers for a chic idea for what to wear on Christmas Day, while the bow details adds a touch of cuteness.
9. Square Toe Loafers
The polished loafer is the city-ready style we've been waiting for. Classic and timeless, they add an androgynous spin to any outfit and will earn you some serious cool points once you learn how to style a loafer.
For a 2022 update, the best loafers for women feature a square toe silhouette as seen on the Tod’s runway. Lean in fully and team with tailored trousers for a sharp look, or opt for a more directional pair, with a chunky sole for a '90s twist that will look great paired with a cute and direction plaid mini skirt too, drawing inspiration from Paris Fashion Week street style snaps.
Our fashion editor recommends...
RRP: $85.99 / £49.50| British brand Marks and Spencer is known for its quality on a budget. Wondering how to style loafers for women? The black hue makes these easy to pair with smart outfits, pairing well with neutral hues such as grey, navy and tan.
10. Pointed toe shoes
Dressing up is back and if you've been wondering what to wear to a wedding this winter, it's all about pointed-toe shoes. With parties back in a major way, designers took the opportunity to go glam on footwear. Elongating your silhouette, a pointed-toe shoe in both heels and flats are instant leg lengtheners and gives a nod to the '80s and '90s nostalgia that has been sweeping the runway too. From classic black stilettos to bold brights, here's how to interpret the trend as we step into party season.
Our fashion editor recommends...
RRP: $290 / £178 | Nailing two trends in one, this design is crafted with a mule-style silhouette. While this pointed stiletto heel might not be for every day wear, it's a chic and modern style that will coordinate easily with occasionwear clothing.
RRP: $45 / £30 | Need a pair of shoes to go with the best wedding guest dresses this winter? Look no further than these statement purple shoes. Crafted with a bow detail for added wow factor, the pointed toe will help to elongate your legs.
RRP: $320 / £290 | A wardrobe essential, a neutral pair of court shoes will avoid those 'nothing to wear' moments. A classic pump, this black pair can be worn for work or parties, subtly elevating your favorite dresses and teaming with tailored pants.
11. Metallics
A huge hit this past summer, expect our love of all things sparkly to follow through into the shoe trends 2022 for this winter too. Whether you opt for party-ready styles, or everyday designs, a metallic shoe is a sure-fire way of up-styling your look in a flash. From shimmery slip-ons to pretty embellished pumps, treat your feet to some new season sparkle. Fendi, Dior, Simone Rocha and Max Mara were just some of the brands that sent models' feet dazzling down the runway at the spring/summer 2022 shows. And with the holiday season one traditionally when designers go for all out sparkle, this look firmed up its position on the fall/winter runways too.
Our fashion editor recommends...
RRP: $99.99 / £59.99 | One of the most trend-led shoes on the market, these beauties tap into several hot styles in one. From the high shine rhinestone finish, to the pointed toe, mule silhouette and the kitten heel stature, these have literally have it all.
RRP: $342 / £199 | Incredibly elegant, if you're after a pair of bold evening shoes, these certainly fit the bill. Try pairing these shoes with a satin bright blue midi dress for a look that embraces color and solves what to wear to an engagement party.
12. Mary Janes
A classic shoe style, the Mary Jane veers in and out of fashion. Distinctive for its closed, rounded toe and at least one strap across the foot, while it usually features a low, block heel, for 2022, it has been reinvented across the runways. Maintaining its doll-like aesthetic, the new Mary Jane features both low and high block heels. In a range of fabrications, including leather, velvet and satin, they were seen at the likes of Thom Browne and Paul and Joe earlier in the year, but as we head into fall expect more celebratory and party iterations ready for the Christmas period.
Our fashion editor recommends...
RRP: $63 / £69 | In a lacquered cognac, these Mary Janes feature a platformed sole for added height. While they will work with dresses or long knitted skirts this fall, their flatter soles make them ideal for teaming with rolled hem straight jeans too.
13. White Shoes
White shoes are often associated with the brightness of summer but don't discount winter whites too. For the earlier part of the shoe trends 2022 white shoes and boots were spotted on the runway at the likes of Valentino, Jil Sander and Balmain. Taking on varied silhouettes, from the best white trainers to chic ankle boots and statement-heeled sandals. For the shoe trends 2022 as we close out the year, look to new season knee-high boots in winter white hues for a fresh take. But remember, with white shoes, comes great responsibility, so make sure to learn how to clean white shoes in order to keep them in tip-top condition.
RRP: £75 (UK only) | Sleek, comfortable and stylish, you can never go wrong with a pair of Converse. Paying homage to the brand's core plimsoll style but with a more directional feel, the platform finish adds a more feminine twist to the design.
14. Ankle Strap Detailing
If you love a nostalgic '90s anklet, then you'll love this trend. Ideal for wearing with shorter dresses and cropped hem jeans, ankle detailing up-styles all shoe shapes and silhouettes this season. From statement straps to chain detailing, ankle embellishment was big news on the runway. From Moschino to Armani and Tom Ford, designers were really honing in on the detail to set their shoes apart and as we head into the Christmas party season, we expect embellishment and detailing to remain a core shoe aesthetic..
Our fashion editor recommends...
RRP: $61 / £35 | These slim heeled sandals are a great answer to what to wear on a first date. The on trend hue gives off an air of confidence, while the ankle detailing offers a pretty finish.
RRP: $89.90 / £59.99 | For a winter update to the ankle trend, look for boots with interesting strap detailing such as this black heeled pair with a pearl embellished strap and gold buckle.
RRP: $175 / £125 | With multiple straps these glitzy shoes are ideal for the upcoming party season, or would team beautifully with the best bridesmaid dresses for a polished finish.
15. Padded Shoes
A major trend across the board, fashion is officially obsessed with quilting. From coats to the best Saint Laurent handbags and everything in-between, if it can be quilted, guaranteed designers have done so. Pillowy in style, look out for thicker and fuller straps, knots, twists and quilt detailing for a creative take on this season's footwear. Shop the trend via straight-to-market brands for budget-friendly pieces that will allow you to have a play with the style without breaking the bank.
RRP: £125 (International Delivery) | Slides can be smart and this black leather iteration proves it. The wide foot strap offers plenty of support, while the simple silhouette ensures that these sandals won't date. Wear with tights or around the house.
RRP: $180 / £145 | UGGs are back in a big way, but these new padded boots take things to the next level. Ideal for rainy days or when you want extra warmth, these will become a winter staple. With a pop of color, they'll brighten up dreary mornings.
RRP: $950 / £725 | Known for making some of the best designer bags, Spanish brand, Loewe has a fantastic shoe collection too. These gorgeous, padded, buttery soft leather slip-on shoes are enhanced by the brand's logo embellishment.
16. Creative Heels
With runway shows happening six months in advance of the season, designers have to predict the mood of consumers to help direct their ranges. For this next trend, the likes of Loewe, Balmain and Tom Ford opted for a post-pandemic golden age of dressing up and frivolity. As we've all begun to ease back into a more regular routine, sculptural heels played a huge role in inviting shoppers to enjoy going out again and with a season of Christmas parties on the cards, we expect this trend to continue to be embraced in a big way.
Sculptural stilettos played with geometric shapes and chains as a way of up-styling heels. This quirky trend is a hard one to replicate for straight-to-market brands, due to the intricacy of the design, but look out for any added detail, contrasting block color heel interpretations, and unusual embellishments.
RRP: $99.50 / £87.33 | Look like you've walked straight off the runway for a fraction of the price in these striking pearl stiletto heels. With a slingback strap for support, the pointed toe and blush hue adds a leg lengthening finish to this party-ready shoe.
RRP: $195 / £140 | These striking disco-influenced heels are sure to turn heads and are ideal for pairing with your best Christmas party dresses. We recommend styling these shoes with one-tone or color-block outfits to let them truly shine.
17. Clogs
Clogs have really gained in the fashion stakes in recent seasons. Their easy and comfortable nature, coupled with leading clog brand, Crocs's concerted effort on the collaborative fashion front (teaming up with everyone from Christopher Kane to Balenciaga), the clog is making a firm bid for a spot in your capsule wardrobe. Spotted at the likes of Saint Laurent, Versace and Balenciaga, this chunky, rounded front, shoe style is ideal for pairing with wide-leg jeans or linen trousers for a laidback look. A rather heavy silhouette, we don't recommend pairing with dresses as it works best with more androgynous pieces. Although this is a much more summer leaning trend, for transitional fall weather, clogs can still make their mark, and pair with tights easily enough too.
RRP: $43 / £40 | 2022 has seen the return of Crocs. Collaborating with Balenciaga, and with regular appearances in street-style fashion snaps, there is no escaping this year's most outrageous shoe choice. Check out the fur-lined version for extra winter comfort.
18. Wedges
For all those who find heels tough going but want a little added height, it's time to rejoice as the wedge has made a welcomed return to the runway. Spotted at the likes of Versace, Acne and Fendi, it often took on a narrower and slightly more sculptural silhouette than you might be used to, but as much as the new slimmed-down wedge has trickled into the ready to wear market, you can still expect chunkier iterations too.
A wedge offers greater balance than heels as the height is more graduated, an ideal training ground if you're hoping to work on your heel game. While in the summer season we saw block color interpretations alongside wooden and raffia fabrications, as we head into fall and winter, look for wedge boots for a directional way to wear the trend.
RRP: $111 / £60 | Wedge boots formed part of the boot trends for the season and this platform design with sleek ankle finish will work well with everything. Slip under flared pants, rock with tights and dresses or add a grungy feel to skinny jeans.
19. Textured Footwear
We might be ready to embrace getting dressed up again, but if you're already missing your best loungewear looks, then this next shoe trend is one to invest in and a look that you can still love in winter too. Despite a return to skyscraper heels, designers such as Fendi, Altuzarra and Miu Miu also injected cozy elements into collections. Shearling and faux fur made a surprising appearance in footwear, both on shoe exteriors and as a snug inner lining to allow you to feel like you're in your fave slippers while remaining at the forefront of fashion.
RRP: $130 / £110 | Executing this trend to perfection, these UGG slipper/sandal hybrids are smart and playful. The logo straps tap into the ankle-focus trend, while the colorful platforms add some interest to your fluffy shoe game.
RRP: $170 / £160 | Combine two of the shoe trends 2022 in one with these impossibly cozy Birkesntock clogs. Perfect to wear as slippers or for running errands, they'll even replace your best cashmere socks, in fact, we reckon you won't want to take them off.
20. Rubberized Shoes
Interpreted on the runways through rubberized boots and almost jelly-like sandals, designers looked to fresh fabrications to reignite shoppers' passion for fashion. Whether you're battling the upcoming rain in rubber booties and your best waterproof jacket, or opting to up your slipper game with rubberized sandals, this look helped to inject some fun into fashion week.
Our fashion editor recommends...
RRP: £64.99 (international delivery) | Love them or hate them, you will see these boots popping up everywhere this season. Extremely practical, these will work for almost any fall day. Channel the color trends 2022 with this bright kermit green color.
21. Gladiator Sandals
Yes. you read that right. Gladiator sandals made a comeback for the shoe trends 2022. Although they've never gone fully out of style, the design isn't always considered a major trend for the summer season in particular. But this shoe trend walked straight back onto the runway and into our closet. Defined by their multi-strap detail, for summer 2022, we saw all kinds of iterations. From statement knee-high versions to more easily translatable ankle strap designs, surprisingly easy to style, sandal iterations will still work for dry fall days. With stand-out versions were seen at the likes of Alberta Ferretti, Paco Rabanne, Dior Chloé, and Ports 1961, to make this look work into cooler months, look for covered toe iterations that can even be styled with tights, and relegate barely-there versions to summer or winter sun wear only.
Our fashion editor recommends...
RRP: £95 (International Delivery) | Scandinavian clothing brand, &Other Stories have perfected the gladiator sandal. Featuring leather ankle ties and chunky black straps, this is a shoe that will team with everything from office wear to maxi dresses.
RRP: $79.99 / £49.99 | If you're escaping the cold weather, opt for these neutral gladiator sandals. Ideal for beach strolls show off the ankle strap detailing with shorts, skirts or directional, ankle-skimming culottes for a more fashion-forward finish.
RRP: $98 / £88 | Looking to execute what is Boho style? No one does it better than Free People and these unique, wrap around gladiator sandals offer a retro twist on the trend. Ideal for learning how to style cargo pants or wide-leg jeans for a casual look.
Charlie is the Deputy Fashion Editor at Future plc across multiple women’s magazines including Woman & Home, Woman and Woman's Own.
She bagged her first magazine job in 2009 and has previously written for titles including Stylist, Closer and Dare. Over the years Charlie has embraced anything that was thrown at her from styling celebrities to testing out the best jeans on the high street to writing about must-have beauty buys.
With a weakness for a printed midi dress, Charlie is on a mission to shop more sustainably and loves finding new ethical brands and second-hand buys.
- Maya SargentGraduate writer
- Rivkie BaumFashion channel editor
- Amelia YeomansSenior writer
-
Zara Tindall’s olive green Christmas coat proves why we should never underestimate the style power of outerwear
Zara Tindall's 2023 Christmas Day outfit was unbelievably elegant and it reminded us how key coats are to winter styling
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Amanda Holden's shimmering sword sequin skirt just took our festive excitement up a notch with its serious tinsel vibes
Amanda Holden is Christmas ready in a dazzling sword sequin skirt and seriously cute embellished jumper - now we want a skirt that gives off chic tinsel vibes.
By Lucy Wigley Published