I'm Excited About These It Shoes, From Ballet Pumps to Sexy Slingbacks

I love shoes! Once upon a time (let's say pre-pandemic and pre-baby), I was all about the fanciest of heels, but it would appear that the fashion world has shifted at the exact same time as my wardrobe. These days comfort is what rules supreme in my shoe collection. The cult shoes of 2023 all have that level of practicality in common: Trainers are more popular than ever (in fact, 32% of our Instagram audience said they'd be prioritising sneaks over any other style purchased this year), the offering of shove-on-and-go clogs is ever-increasing in luxury and high-street circles, lower-heeled slingbacks continue to be the power shoes of the moment, and ballet flats are making their biggest comeback since their last peak during the indie sleaze movement in the mid-noughties. 

Classic shoe styles play a big part in the luxury arena for 2023, but it's not all Chanel and Gucci. There are affordable options that are highly coveted too. Adidas is on a roll with two key trainer styles flying off the shelves (utter the word Samba and fashion people might weep—such is their retail rarity right now), and it looks like another bumper year for Birkenstocks. "Affordable, comfortable and durable, Birkenstock's Boston clogs are the defining shoe of the post-pandemic fashion era," say the team over at Lyst, where Birkenstock is one of the most searched-for brands right now.

Keep scrolling to see the cult shoe styles of 2023 and shop them (if you can).

BALLET FLATS

The Row applies a rigorous standard of perfection to the simplest of items, and its glove-like elasticated ballet pumps are no exception. These were first introduced in 2022 but have continued to increase in interest, like so many of the brand's staples. Black is a solid choice, but white and burgundy are equally alluring.

Aeyde's delicates Mary Jane pumps herald a noticeable shift away from the chunky soles that have dominated the footwear world past few years. That's not to say a lug sole is "out." Rather, you now have some daintier options for different moods. It's the subtly square toe that puts these in a more grown-up league. 

Chanel's classic toe-capped ballet pumps are never really out of fashion, but we have witnessed an increase in their presence on social media. These days, it would appear that the matte-black leather and patent mixes are more popular than anything with a more obvious contrast.

Maison Margiela's Tabi range (the style with the split-toe detail) is indeed the Marmite of the fashion world, but it would appear that the latest flat-soled twist on the original 1980s design has captured the imagination of the influencer set. In black or white, these are now often spotted peeking from out under wide trousers or jeans.

SLINGBACKS

Saint Laurent's instantly recognisable ultra-pointed slingbacks have become a favourite with influencers, editors and celebrities alike. They are certainly on the sassier end of the spectrum in comparison to some of the lower-heel options on the table, but they can be worn casually with loose-fit jeans as easily as they can with a more elevated look for the evening. There are a few different styles that sit within the YSL slingback category: Luna, Kiss, Blade and Tom are the style names to look out for. 

Gucci's crystal-embellished, monogrammed slingbacks have been popular for over a year now. In fact, the obsession only grows deeper. Now, the style has been introduced in a few different iterations, so if bling isn't your thing, you'll find it in logo-stamped canvas for example. Whichever iteration you choose, they are a great lower-heel option for wearing to work, on the weekend or with a glam evening look.

Prada has always been a reliable source for quirky shoes that often feature lower heels. The label's slingbacks have inspired many an imitation since a new wave entered the chat in 2021, but there's still nothing quite like the OG with its triangle logo, ultra-pointed toe and array of unusual colours.

The classic Chanel pumps have been popular for over 60 years, and every couple of seasons, they come back with some extra pizzazz. This spring, it's all about the crystal-embellished versions, as pictured here. But the truth is any colourway ever created still stands up as a solid footwear choice. Comfy, easy to wear, timeless and elegant… What more could you want?

TRAINERS

I’m not much of a trainer girl, but the frenzy around Samba restocks is enough to get me going. The retro Adidas sneakers have come back with a vengeance in 2023, and it's now nigh on impossible to buy them. We will, as always, continue to keep you updated. For now, you could sign up for Adidas's membership to unlock the releases sooner.

New Balance can boast many an It sneaker. The 550s are still going strong, but it's the 327s that I see all over London these days. Their stacked platform heel makes them a great option for bouncing around the city and adding a little extra height when you don't want to wear heels. They're comfy too. But having tried them myself, I would recommend sizing up if you have a wider foot.

It was only the other day that shopping editor Remy Farrell rediscovered the joys of Onitsuka Tiger's retro trainers and realised that they go with so many outfits. It's that slim sole and sporty motif of the Mexico style that continues to lure fashion people back in—I'm also quite enamoured with the uplifting colourways.

Loewe… Is there anything this Spanish heritage brand creates that we don't automatically fall in love with? From the brand's printed tube dresses to its sumptuous leather bags (I'm still dreaming of the Paseo), there's a level of detail and uniqueness that makes even the easiest of pieces feel special. Case in point: the Flow Runners. I'd take them in every colour if I could.

Up next, see the best shoes to wear with skirts.