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Heels may be a runway staple, but for fall/winter 2023, designer placed extra emphasis on their look and size. Charming (and supremely comfortable) kitten heels slinked down the runways at Miu Miu and Prada, making their debut in stores early on in the fall season. (Like catnip for the fashion crowd, few pairs of Prada’s floral appliqué shoe remain. Don t worry, though–there are plenty of other options that feel just as of-the-moment.)
Of course, the usual winter suspects, like suede and over-the-knee boots, could also be found. Hermès and Michael Kors Collection delivered elegance with practicality with their sumptuous suede takes, while at Khaite, leggy styles were favored in black and creamy white leather, with a low heel and styled with sheer black tights and minidresses. And an overarching theme between the season’s footwear and handbag trends we reported on earlier, is the attention to material. Most notably? Jewel-like embellishments and lots of plush texture–not just for one to slip into, but enveloping the shoe as a whole. The result is all rather campy—and perhaps to some, refreshingly the opposite of the quiet luxury ethos that’s become the new dressing norm.
Walking that tight line between fantasy and practicality, the fall/winter 2023 shoe trends offer a little something for everyone this season and next. Get to know them all below–and shop the most coveted styles, from straight-from-the-runway picks to more wearable interpretations from independent brands.
Vogue’s Must-Have Fall/Winter 2023 Shoe Styles:
- The Covetable Kitten Heel: The Row Cybil heel, $920
- The Soft Shoe: Birkenstock Boston Big Buckle genuine shearling clog, $195
- The Suede Boot: Toteme The Mid-heel Chelsea boot, $860
- The Over-the-Knee Statement: Staud Aimee vegan leather over-the-knee boots, $495
- The Chunky Loafer: Reformation Agathea Chunky Loafers, $268
- The Soirée-Ready Satin: Manolo Blahnik Hangisimu 70 crystal-embellished satin mules, $1,095
- The Boot as Jewelry: Alaïa Crystal-embellished buckled leather ballet flats, $1,438
Chunky Loafers
Is chunky the new smoking loafer? Tods and Gucci say yes. Comfy and endlessly versatile, think of this style as the perfect foundation for your winter capsule wardrobe—colorful cashmere socks not required, but highly recommended.
Go Over the Knee
No pants, no problem—over-the-knee-boots offer all the coverage you need for the season. Style them with tights and minidresses the Khaite way, or pair them with a statement coat, as seen at Bottega Veneta, that is the outfit. Choices are rarely black or white, but in this instance, they are.
Covetable Kitten Heels
Equal parts elegant and wearable, the kitten heel shoe takes the crown as most coveted style of the season. Prada’s white pumps, which are adorned with floral appliqués, will make most fashion girlies’ hearts flutter, though, Miu Miu’s patent leather slingbacks are just as darling with their little bows. Style them with wide-leg jeans, casual fall dresses, or denim midi skirts—there are no wrong answers here.
So Suede
A quintessential material for winter, all eyes are on suede right now–and you have Hermès and Michael Kors to thank for that. Look to Staud, alongside other contemporary brands like Reformation, Toteme, and Aeyde, for everyday options at more accessible price points. Ankle and knee-high styles will transition seamlessly into spring with dresses and denim.
Gold Touch
Black leather and gold-tone accents epitomize minimalist glamour–and play particularly well with monochromatic looks. Consider this a trophy piece for nights out, especially when set on a thick heel you can actually walk in.
Warm and Fuzzy
Warning: Furry footwear may inspire strangers to touch your feet. Fluffy, long-haired shoes aren’t entirely surprising, though; the heels prominent on the runways at Khaite and Sportmax mirror the tactility we first noted in our handbag trend report. If cocooning your foot feels a bit too much (there are puddles to consider!), a shearling-lined mule or ballet flat works just as well.
Soirée-Ready Satin
Dreamed up in a rainbow of hues to suit your every whim and mood, satin heels are the ultimate holiday dressing shoe. Ferragamo makes the case for head-to-toe grey or Matisse red, while Givenchy goes for a bold with hot pink. Embellished black tights, as seen at Gucci, add an extra layer of warmth that’s especially on-point when styled with open-toed mules.
Shoes as Jewelry
More is definitely more with these statement shoes—from McQueen’s sequin-encrusted boots to Valentino’s feather-adorned lace-ups. For an office-appropriate take, turn to Dries Van Noten for inspiration: The Belgian designer paired sharp workwear separates with metallic boots for contrast. It’s a winter outfit formula you can easily recreate with similar silver or gold-toned footwear and neutral tailoring.
