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.
RRP: $155 / £110 | With a little bit of a Gladiator sandal feel to them, we love these bold pink, studded heels. Ideal for the festive season ahead, these low-heeled shoes are great if you're not ready to bring the stilettos back out and want added support.
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.
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.
RRP: $995 / £795 | With an oversized tulle bow, these beauties are surprisingly versatile. From up-styling your favorite jeans, to accenting a winter wedding outfit, the striking pink hue is bang on trend, giving us all the Barbiecore vibes with every step.
RRP: £325 (UK only) | Sock boots returned to the runway this season and this gold sequinned iteration from British brand, Russell & Bromley really struck a partywear cord. With a directional pointed toe and sculpted heel for added style points.
3. Colorful Shoes
Valentino / Stella McCartney
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.
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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
Miu Miu / Dior
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
runway pictures from Brandon Maxwell & Prabal Gurung
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.
RRP: $365 / £250 | A suede over the knee boot adds a little extra luxe to any look. With a low block heel, these boots are ideal for everyday, teaming with everything from short skirts and dresses to concealing leggings or tucked in skinny jeans.
RRP: $1,395 / £1,225 | The shortest of our selection, these beautiful burgundy boots are crafted from high quality leather and feature a striking curved front shape. With a directional pointed toe, these boots are treated to a very modern update.
6. Platform Heels
Giambattista Valli / Valentino
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.
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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
Gucci / Valentino
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.
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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
Amina Muaddi / Bottega Veneta
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.
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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
Prada / Chanel
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.
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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.
RRP: $73 / £79 | An unusual shoe color choice, this pair benefits from a '90s-inspired black, chunky sole and solid block heel, giving a slightly grungy feel to the otherwise smart style. The ice blue hue is ideal for adding a touch of brightness.
RRP: $225 / £135 | A transitional wardrobe relies on durable staples to ease you into a season. Cos is famous for its basics and these leather loafers are a fine example. In a neutral, chocolate brown hue, they'll look great with a tailored camel coat.
10. Pointed toe shoes
Carolina Herrera / Yanina Couture
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.
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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
Isabel Marant / Miu Miu
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.
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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.
RRP: $129 / £89.99 | Elevate your boot collection with a pair of gold metallic ankle boots. Ideal for slipping on with jeans or teaming with a dress and black tights ensemble, the pointed toe and slender heel will help to naturally elongate your silhouette.
12. Mary Janes
Dior / Miu Miu
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.
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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.
RRP: $128 / £118 | Give a nod to the Mary Jane trend, with these decorative flats from Free People. Supple leather and an ankle strap for practicality and security, team these shoes with everything from dresses to jeans, ideal for those on the go.
RRP: $109 / £101.92 | Shaped from the brand's signature lightweight, fruit scented PVC, these Mary Janes don't just look good, they smell good too. The blush tone helps to extend the shoes lifecycle, as they'll be wearable well into the new year too.
13. White Shoes
Balmain/Celine
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.
RRP: £95 (International Delivery) | White trainers are a wardrobe staple all year round. Giving unrivaled comfort, these will look chic with printed dresses, adding a sports-luxe feel to your look. We love the retro '90s design aesthetic they have too.
RRP: £139 (UK only) | White doesn't have to be impractical, and who can say no to these heeled ankle boots. The bright winter white tone gives these shoes a timeless feel. Ideal for teaming with denim and other neutral hues for a chic and seasonal outfit.