I Just Did a Ton of Trend Research—These 7 Shoes Will Dominate in 2024 (2024)

Thespring 2024 runwaysheld plenty of new ideas. Designers introduceda slew of cool new trends that offered both a look into the future and a nod to the past. With so many trends seemingly happening at once, it can feel impossible to differentiate between what's more niche and what's more mainstream. Oftentimes, I prefer to make trend purchases that will last beyond the immediate season, which is why I've been thinking a lot aboutthe2024 trends that will lastallyear long, not just forthis spring. I'm starting with my favorite topic of all: shoes.

After combingthrough the runways, my social media feeds, and the market, I've landed on the six shoe trends that I'mpositive will have a long-term effect on 2024 and beyond.With the netted flats inspired by theProenza Schouler runwayandtheelegant patent-leatherpumps that are currently having a renaissance, consider this list to be your North Star for all things stylish 2024 footwear.

Netting isanother perfect example of arecent shoe trend that's getting a fresh makeovernext year. With the onslaught of mesh flats that went viral, it was only a matter of time until we saw their successor, and now it's arrived in the form of netting. Thelabels already backing this include The Row, Proenza Schouler, and Stella McCartney, who tend to be trend leaders, so while these might seem out of left field, everyone who's "in the know" will soon be onto them.

The number one way to elevate any look in 2024 will be through a pairof glossy patent-leather shoes. Whether they're fitted boots like at Ferragamo or slingback pumps by the likes of Saint Laurent and Gucci, the patent finish is about to define cool footwear for the year ahead.

Flatsheld a strong grip on our wardrobe this past year, and 2024 is already shaping up to be no different. Instead of the simple and delicate ballet flats that dominated in the past, next yearwill be all about Mary Jane flats with substantial soles and buckle hardware like the academic styles Bally sent down its spring runway and the glossy versions at Tory Burch.

One major trend we've noticed for next season isn't so much a specific type of shoes but a styling trick. Namely, wearing tights or thin socks with sandals. The combo may conjure images of thick tube socks and sporty sandals, but I can assure you that this wave is taking a much more refined and elegant approach to layering. It'sdefined by minimalist heeled sandals and a pair of sheer socks or tights, often in a coordinating color, like we saw at Jil Sander.Withhosiery taking center stage, add this to the growing list of creative new ways to style your tights.

And the award for prettiest shoe trend goes to… sumptuous satin. We saw satin pumps at Prada and Altuzarra and Versacevia candy-hued boots, so the trend is definitely worth having on your radar. Look for non-neutral colors like bubblegum pink, icy blue, andlime greenthat givea pretty pop.

While you may have be reserving your shiniest, sparkliest pieces for nights out orNew Year's Eve, it's time to embrace your innerdisco ballfor all hours of the day. If metallics seem intimidating to you, fret not. The easiest (and timeliest) way to embrace all thatshinesis by balancing outaneutral outfitwith silveror gold shoes.Try out a pair of metallicflats with your everyday jeansfor abright pop.

Miu Miu had a lot of influenceon thepast year, and 2024 is already shaping up to be no different.I predict that it will be the thong sandalsfrom the brand's spring runway that fashion people will translate into their IRL looks.Theminimalist silhouettemakes a sleek and modern statement, like we saw at Proenza Schouler and Coperni as well.