Now that no one is holding back the excitement of finally being able to go out and about again, everyone is dressing up more than ever, ready to bring out the best of the best. From pointed-toe mules to comfortable ballet shoes, these 9 shoe trends for 2022 are what every fashionista is looking forward to wear this year.
With long-forgotten seasonal activities sure to fill your calendar this year, on-point footwear is a must to make a glamorous entry. Therefore, after two weeks of analyzing about 20+ different designer collections, multiple celeb looks, and the top fashion influencers’ Instagram feeds, we are excited to present you with our take on the shoe trends for 2022.
It would be safe to say that we love a chunky moment with combat boots, but we’re also looking forward to a minimalist strappy vibe along with the celeb-approved mules. Whatever your style is, you’ll want to check out the trends below.
Be ready to put your slippers in the back of your closet, plan a photo-worthy outing with your vaxxed-up friends, and scroll down to know everything about the top 9 shoe trends for 2022.
Top 9 Shoe Trends for 2022
1. State-of-the-art Heels
Sculptural heels are one of the hottest shoe trends for 2022 that is already showing up in full throttle. For years, we have seen them on the runways and red carpets, but today this artsy footwear trend seen on street style divas can’t be overlooked. Thanks to an avalanche of abstract shapes, styles and dreamy silhouettes that can be found everywhere from Chanel to Zara, suiting all budgets.
While abstract techniques are commonly found in paintings, artworks, and even architecture, shoe designer giants are starting to incorporate them into their designs to give them a futuristic feel.
For 2022, Givenchy leads the fight for these state-of-the-art heels with sharply curved heels, closely followed by Chanel with their chunky Eiffel Tower-esque silhouette. My personal favorite is the magnificent Cult Gaia shoes with the chic flower petal detail on the heel.
Despite their creative design, their solid silhouettes make them one of the more comfortable heel options. Sculptural heels, like statement jewelry for the feet, are easy to wear and even easier to style. They dress your clothing from head to toe.
Wear them with cropped, wide-leg jeans for a quick outfit update, or dress them up with an asymmetric skirt or midi dress for more formal occasions. To allow the shoes to shine, keep hemlines and pants at ankle-skimming lengths or higher.
2. Pointed-toe Mules
If you’ve been paying attention to your favorite celeb/influencer’s footwear game on Instagram in recent months, you’ve probably noticed that things have become a little more blatant. While the square-toe shoe trend is far from done, the newest shape to try right now is the pointed-toe mules.
Thanks in part to Balenciaga’s extremely successful pointy mules and boots. The pointed toe, has been a standard classic for as long as we can remember. This shoe trend has already a favorite piece among celebs like Kylie Jenner, Margot Robbie, and other stylish influencers on the ‘gram.
The pointed shoe is one of the most appealing styles. Not only does it elongate your foot but also lengthens it if heeled. And what’s the most awesome news of all? This shoe style can be worn with almost any kind of outfit and for any occasion.
3. All Strapped Up- Strappy Shoes
Strappy lace-up sandals are everywhere right now, possibly in line with the midriff-flossing trend. A strappy sandal can take you from espadrilles to heels and from a day of exploring to a night at the club. These shoes are making an undeniable comeback, thanks to celebrities like Rihanna and Irina Shayk.
Not a fan of heels? Not a problem. You can still wear these fashionable strappy sandals with or without heels. We will be seeing see a lot of straps with medium heel heights and simple straps that go with everything in your closet in 2022. One can either opt for lace-up strappy heels or check out the “barely there” version with a few thin straps. My favorite style is pumps with multiple toe straps.
This shoe trend for 2022 is all about simplicity, comfort, and ease of wear without sacrificing style.
4. Fight or flight Combat Boots
Combat boots appear to be one of those shoe trends for 2022 that doesn’t need an explanation. They are a classic shoe type that have found their way into the public since their debut in the 1940s.
The famous ‘always-in’ boot may be thought of as a late-fall or winter essential, but numerous celebrities have demonstrated throughout the years that these bad boys can be worn all year. Combat boots found their way yet again on the Spring/Summer 2022 runways for Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, and Dior.
These shoes are a great idea if you want to transform your summer clothes into attractive fall attire with just one change. My favorite way of wearing combat boots is with slouchy jeans. You can also combine this look with one of the summer’s It-tops, such as the corset, for a seamless transition into fall. On breezy days, you can add a leather blazer to complete the outfit.
5. Vivid Brights
If you thought the neon trend was dead, you might want to close your eyes for what I’m about to say. Not only is neon still fashionable, but celebs are turning up the volume. Anitta, Hailey Bieber, and Gigi Hadid have all been spotted in stunning bright shoes, proving that the trend is here to stay. Quite frankly, even the thought of trying to pull off this trend sends shivers down my spine.
On the other hand, while we were analyzing our favorite influencers’ Instagram profiles recently, we’ve been green with accessory envy. Neon green, that is! To top it off, models at the fashion weeks wore classic neon colors, motivating us to alter our footwear collection as soon as possible.
From Dior to Versace, juicy bright colors were sprawled all across the runway. Therefore, when it comes to adopting this Technicolor trend, tennis ball greens, tangerine oranges, and brilliant pinks are just a few of the colors to consider.
Also, this shoe trend for 2022 will stand out against a black dress or neutral suit, adding interest to a more subdued ensemble. A scarf or nail polish in the same color family can help pull the ensemble together if it feels disconnected with only one eye-catching accessory.
However, if you’re feeling adventurous, let go of any limitations and go for it. A vivid bright-colored style from head to toe works pretty well.
6. The Ballerina Way- Ballet Shoes
Did you think ballet shoes are a thing of the past? You might want to think again. For almost a decade, these shoes have been tucked away in the back of our closets. 90s models like Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford, and Coco Rocha wore them all the time back then, but like many trends, ballerina flats soon lost their luster.
Well, buckle up because they’re making a long-awaited comeback in 2022. As comfort has become one of the most essential factors in how we dress, these shoes have become more stylish than ever.
Chanel, Moschino, and Zimmermann all debuted their versions of chic ballet styles in their Spring/Summer 2022 collections. From classy pearl accents to sublime nudes, ballet flats are one of the shoe trends for 2022 that will have us put down our sneakers. A classic, timeless accessory that will never fall out of fashion.
These subtle slip-ons look classy when paired with a fancy suit. In my opinion, ballet shoes are far more fascinating than regular dress shoes or low-top kicks.
Final verdict- ballet flats are the ideal combination of flair and comfort.
7. Fuzz, Fur, Fringe
Another set of shoe trends for 2022 to look out for is the three fashion F’s, Furry, Fluffy, and Fringy.
Furry slipper slides are comfortable and stylish enough to slay both inside and outside the house. This shoe style works as a statement piece, it gives a basic T-shirt and shorts, a sundress, or even a sweatsuit a playful twist. In addition to being one of the world’s most convenient footwear trends, there are a lot of great options to checkout. From Zara to Fendi, every brand is currently making furry sandals.
Next, if you’re anything like me, you might have spent the majority of 2021 in slippers or sneakers. This fluffy shoe trend is for you if you’re ready to make small steps back to wearing real shoes. Shoes with puffy, quilted straps, mostly in the style of sandals, are hot right now. Labels like Zara, Balmain, and Bottega Veneta, have been pioneering this trend.
Lastly, if there’s one fashion trend you’ll love, it’s the fringe trend. Fringe detailing is quickly shaking things up on runways of cult faves like Dolce & Gabbana. The designer house upped the ante with playful suit designs paired with long layers of fringe boots, elevating the generally playful, whimsical trend to a more elegant and polished look.
The fringe trend is a simple yet open-ended approach to add a layer of excitement to an ensemble, thanks to the unlimited options. Celebs have already embraced this shoe trend in a variety of ways.
8. Matchy Shoes & Bags
The trend of matching accessories has been one of the most dramatic fashion shifts in recent seasons. I’m guessing you’re wondering if matching shoes and bags are trendy in 2022 as well. I understand. After all, coordinated purses and shoes are becoming increasingly popular on TikTok and Instagram. Furthermore, many brands are now marketing matching bags and shoes, including some of my favorites like Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, and Fendi.
“Matchy-matchy” refers to the “art” of matching one’s accessories or coordinating one’s outfit to the T. Matching accessories, which was once considered a fashion faux pas, is now a hot new trend and will continue to be in 2022. So, do you or do you not? Do you coordinate your bag and shoes?
Well, in my case I was on cloud seven after analyzing and researching for this article. It wasn’t so much about the matching accessories as it was about validating my style. Because I like to match my accessories, this was my “oh yes” moment.
While the art of coordination can be difficult to master, it is not impossible! This trend is all about matching or coordinating color and texture with your accessories. For example, if you wear white shoes, your bag and belt can be white. When it comes to textures, you could pair patent leather with patent leather, faux croc with faux croc, and faux fur with faux fur.
9. Tied for Life- Lace-up Shoes
While the fashion industry is known for their love to ‘thank you, next’ its trends much too quickly, lace-up shoes that crisscross and wrap around the ankle are one of the unforgettable shoe trends for 2022. Not only there are many variations of this shoe, we predict this trend will last till the fall of next year.
One stride at a time, this shoe is slowly but steadily taking over our Instagram feed. Moreover, Valentino, Chloe, Cult Gaia, and Dior showcased their version of the laced-up shoes glamorously on the ramp. The appeal? They go with anything from a tiny dress to denim shorts and a swimsuit. Plus, they elongate the legs, which we all want. 😉
If flats are more your style, keep your eyes out for attractive tie-up heel-less sandals that can easily be slipped into a weekend bag and other places is the way to go.
For an evening look, pairing lace-up shoes with a slip dress for a basic date night outfit can be a great style choice. If you are willing to take your style to the next level, tie them over a pair of pants for a Bottega Veneta-inspired ensemble.
From Cult Gaia’s extravagant petal heel detail to Dior’s neons, and Prada’s pointy mule silhouettes, this was our take on the 9 hottest shoe trends for 2022. The new year is bringing some of the most wearable shoe trends for us.
Which shoe would you choose to strut into the new year? Let us know your favorite among these shoe trends by commenting below and don’t forget to share with us your OOTD pictures by tagging us on IG @shilpaahujadotcom!
Akarshi is a Fashion Journalist at ShilpaAhuja.com. She has completed her bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design from Amity University, Mumbai, and is originally from Mumbai itself. Prior to ShilpaAhuja.com, she worked with an e-commerce fashion brand where she interned as a fashion designer and also led the social media marketing team for the company. She loves fashion, blogging, sketching, baking, and traveling. When she’s not writing, she loves to read about astronomy.