Trending shoes for 2022 + the ‘IT’ girl shoe trend

Staying current and on trend should be as easy as walking into the store and buying a new pair of shoes, right? Unfortunately it’s not; especially in a year when you can make anything work. For example, if you have an exaggerated wide leg, a ballet flat that isn’t as trendy right now, still looks amazing.

Want to know what’s changed in 2024? Check out the 2024 trends here.

So basically, always remember that trends are just that–you don’t have to go throwing out every pair of shoes you own, just re-imagine how to wear them, and try a trend somewhere else in your outfit, like your bag or top. It’s also a great time to spring clean your shoes for the ones you don’t enjoy wearing.

Here are the 2022 shoe trends you should know:

Platform heels

How to wear in 2022: Skinny and flare pants, form fitting dresses, and tone-on-tone wide leg pants
Remember those 90’s grunge and exaggerated anime references? Oh they’re back. If you’re tall like me, you probably won’t be embracing this full throttle, but you’ll be happy to know that also means you don’t have to feel the full force of a sky high Louboutin heel without a little help.

I love this look with a wide legged pant because they tend to run a little longer and need a little heel height lift–can’t you just picture this one from Saint Laurent for date night? When wearing with a wide-leg, try to wear the same color (tone-on-tone) heel as your pant or it can look a little too bottom heavy.

I’ve noticed these shoes are less mary jane (though still on trend with heels) and pay more attention to ankle height, buckles, and curves.

 

Metallic and Shiny

How to wear in 2022: Minimalist outfits, monochromatic outfits, anything that needs a little spice
With minimalism still in full swing, it’s no wonder designers are still spicing up their footwear lines with high shine, gemstones, and disco fever. The most unique take I saw with this was Tom Ford’s gemstone display with chunky soles. A statement shoe to be sure! Currently loving these Birkenstocks.

 

 

Curves

How to wear in 2022: minimalist outfits, straight leg pants
Curved furniture isn’t the only thing popping up everywhere. We’re also seeing rounded soles and pillowy curves hitting the runways as one of the hottest fashion trends.

 

 

Artsy and Sculptural

How to wear in 2022: a-line skirts, shorts, short skirts, ankle pants, cocktail dresses

I’ve seen everything from kitchy nail polish from Loewe to gems to everything in between. Think modern wearable art and surprise the eye with your lovely feet. Keep it classy by simplifying the rest of your accessories and consider a more streamlined outfit.

 

 

Pointy Toes

How to wear in 2022: Slouchy jeans, cocktail dresses
Move over square toe shoes and get over here with the pointy toes. Particularly pointed toe boots and heels with and without platform heels. Not to say square toe shoes are completely gone, but they’re a more narrow square. Even ballet flats are starting to have a smaller point at the end.

 

 

Sky High boots

How to wear in 2022: Blazer dresses, 90’s plaid skirts, high waisted mini skirts
Not just thigh high, but as high and exaggerated as you can get. We’ll be seeing more of these in the fall I’m sure, but for those of us who don’t get on board with this trend, riding boots are also still trending for daily wear.

Delicate and Minimal

How to wear in 2022: Wide leg pants, straight leg pants, cargo pants, long skirts, flared dresses
When wearing more sculptural tops or wide leg pants, or just larger silhouettes in general, a delicate and minimal shoe can keep a look feminine while still on trend.

 

 

My picks for the IT girl

I admit, I couldn’t pick just one shoe trend, but I wanted to narrow it down to the most wearable everyday shoe styles since those are the ones we really get mileage out of.

Chelsea boots

How to wear in 2022: Cropped pants, longer skirt, tone-on-tone skinny jeans, mini skirts
Still holding strong this year and even knocking out knee high rubber boots for some fashionistas. These boots still feel fresh and new since they haven’t been very popular since the 60’s.

I fully expect these shoes to be worth a purchase since they’ll last for years to come. They’re practical and though it may take a little practice styling, they’re pretty easy to pair. This will carry you through the rain in spring summer with a rubber shoe, and keep you warm all fall with leather. You can also find the sneaker variety for those casual summer days.

 

 

Outfit details | How to Style a Blazer

Lace-up everything

How to wear in 2022: Wide leg jeans, tone-on-tone, mini skirts, cropped pants
Athleisure wear may never leave and that means neither will sneakers. This year’s sneakers are still very 90’s vintage. Think Converse, oxfords, or a more moderate dad sneaker that still has a chunky bottom that’s just a little less to make them easier to wear with everything. Miu Miu just came out with a super cute sneaker with edited-down dad vibes.

Tip: Keep in mind you elongate your legs any time you do tone-on-tone, so wearing black skinny jeans with black lace ups are a win just as much as white on white would be. Monochromatic is always a win.

 

 

Mules, loafers, slides, and even slippers

How to wear in 2022: Straight midi skirts, cropped denim, trousers, and shorts
I didn’t see these on as many runways but it’s a trend holding strong because it’s just so wearable. I think these are great with everything.

The reigning ‘It’ shoe is still the Gucci loafer (also the Prada loafers), but if cost is stopping you from getting this laid-back style, here’s a great dupe that is comfortable for every day. They take a little time to arrive from overseas, but I have the fur trim ones and get compliments every time I wear them.

 

 

In summary, when you’re shopping, look for:

80’s curves
Round or Pointed toes
Chelsea boots
Gold, silver, shine, and gems
Chunky soles
Any details that look like sculptural or modern art
Ankle height everything from straps to boots
Exaggerated everything (whether extra large or extra dainty straps)