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.