14 Spring 2022 Most Important Trends in Footwear

The most interesting and must-try trends in a season aren’t necessarily those that create new ones. The most exciting results are those that combine two unrelated concepts or subtle tweaks to existing designs. This is evident in the Spring/Summer 2022 shoes trends that have been exhibited on runways over the last month. It’s all about refining and enhancing the best.

You may have seen the latest silhouettes of footwear before but they are freshened up by some of the most creative minds in the world. Spring brings back the classic loafer and clog. These shoes are comfortable and sturdy, so they’re great for people who don’t want to go back to traditional heels. The Fall/Winter 2021 plush slipper trend is being reinterpreted in zhuzhed up beach shoes.

The runway featured classic pumps in classic colors, with chunky heels and stark white shades. T-strap shapes were a throwback to the past, but they were styled in a way that transcended the Roaring Twenties. Playful details were key to unexpected footwear: Think neon flashes and lots of textural elements that catch the eye.

The new shoe trends offer a balance to the Spring/Summer ready–to-wear choices you’ve been noticing. While collections emphasized the return to suiting, footwear followed up with modern and polished silhouettes. Shoes were the perfect complement to craft-inspired creations. They are full of texture and color. Explore all 14 themes and look ahead to 2022.

#1 Ankle Strap Heels

This delicate ankle detail was featured on several spring/summer 2022 collections. It can be found on pumps, platform, and peep-toe heels at Victoria Beckham, Coperni and Loewe. The timeless look can be paired with shorter hemlines or, as in the case for Coperni patterned tights to create a camouflage effect.

#2 Get Linked Up

Chains were a prominent feature of the new collections. Heavy metals are a recurring shoe trend. Tom Ford’s designer used heavy links to place across the foot and ankle. Balmain’s straps looked like a linked watch bracelet. Chanel’s signature woven, chain-and-leather design was used as the strap for sweet ballet flats.

#3 Hefty Loafers

Proenza Schouler and Christopher Kane favored the timeless, versatile and often gender-neutral loafer silhouette. The classic, minimalist version is always a great choice. However, these brands elevated the look by adding heavy hardware details and oversized soles to a more traditional style.

#4 Let’s log!

Clogs can be a controversial shoe style, so Spring/Summer 2022 is a good time to either love them or hate them. Rejina Poo, Salvatore Ferragamo and Givenchy are all in favor of the chunky silhouette. They have both minimalist, sleek pairs in woven fabrics as well as ones with logo buckles and floral prints.

#5 Beach Shoes 2.0

Gabriella Hearst and Coperni embraced the summery side to spring with elevated versions of flip flops. They feature bright colors and embellishments as well as puffy platform soles. These designs are perfect for next year’s beach trips, but they also work well with tailored separates or crochet evening gowns.

#6 Lacing at the knee

Keep scrolling if you are a sandal-wearer who is low-maintenance. You can also admire the striking look of the extra-long laces featured in Christian Dior’s and Prabal Gurung’s collections. These designs have all the impact of a knee-high boot but in a warm-weather-appropriate package that highlights the shape of your legs.

#7 Flash of Orange

The new styles of shoes were full of bright colors, but orange was a bold shade that stood out. The runways were slightly lit by the bright tangerine hues of the sporty silhouettes from Prabal Gurung and Louis Vuitton.

#8 Flatforms for the Next Level

The flatform, heavy-soled boot is the best option if you want more coverage. This heavy boot style was featured in collections by Givenchy, Schiaparelli, Vivienne Westwood, and others at different shaft heights. This look speaks to someone who is not afraid to be bold and tall.

#9 Strap Stacking

The recurring theme of Saint Laurent, Versace and Acne Studios was the tiny straps that reached up the legs in neat, tidy bundles of three- or four-batch bunches. The multiple-buckle shoes’ small straps make the look playful, but subtle.

#10 The Modern T-Strap

The T-strap sandal, often associated with 1920s style and the Roaring Twenties, was a strong presence at spring runways. Acne Studios had the silhouette in ankle-wrapping ties. Miu Miu featured metallic styles against tall socks. Burberry’s T-shaped strap was similar to a thong sandal.

#11 Get tempted to touch

It can be difficult to see the beauty in a shoe design from a screen. This is especially true when it has textures that are begging to be seen up-close. Many brands turned up the volume on their designs, such as Fendi’s multi-colored mules and Altuzarra’s fluffy soles. Maryam Nassir Zadeh added a beach-party feel to her sandals with a straw fringe.

#12 The Quirky White Pump

Although classic white shoes might have a bridal-like feel, the spring collections offer more interesting options. Bevza’s low-vamp style, Khaite’s flared-heel style and Nina Ricci’s two-tone heels are all examples.

#13 The Pointed Toe Mule

Another timeless shoe option is the mule. It’s back in spring with a pointed-toe, elongated shape. This will work well with both mini skirts and jeans. The standout mules are available in the signature springtime colors of yellow, green and floral prints at Prada, Jason Wu, and Marine Serre.

#14 Sandal for Fishermen

The thick, substantial straps that wrap the foot are the most popular spring sandal trend. This style signals that modern, practical footwear is becoming more popular than the tiny-strapped minimalistic of the ’90s.