Make Space in Your Closet for the Shoe Trends of 2020

(Image credit: Getty)

published 9 June 2020

So that you know exactly what to spend your money on, we're breaking down all the trends you need to know for 2020. Others kept their eyes on the full looks during fashion month (or the incredible beauty moments of the season) but the shoe obsessives among us were paying attention to what the models wore on their feet as they strutted down the spring and fall 2020 runways. In case you missed anything from these shows, we rounded up the footwear trends we spotted, ahead, from rhinestone-covered footwear to the return of thigh-high boots in various prints and colors. Don't stock up on too many spring/summer sandals—you'll want to keep space in your closet for what will be the most coveted shoes of the year.

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Sparkle On

JW Anderson (left) and Giambattista Valli

This is your chance to shine, quite literally. Rhinestones and other embellishments popped up in small doses on the fall 2020 runways of JW Anderson, Giambattista Valli, Area, and Halpern. The diamanté touches make these the perfect evening shoe.

Dolce Vita Naylin Heels in Black

Rhinestone embellishments are an easy way to make a black sandal feel more appropriate for the evening. Style this with your favorite silky slip dress.

Miu Miu Crystal-Embellished Leather Slingback Pumps

This fancy slingback pump sparkles with white rhinestones across the foot strap. The stiletto heel comes in at 3.25 inches and has a classic pointed-toe shape.

Jeffrey Campbell Elve J Booties

The fringe rhinestones will swing in all directions when you walk, instantly making your look (and day) more fun.

Chain Details

Longchamp (left) and Ulla Johnson

All across the runways, from the brands pictured above to JW Anderson and Simone Rocha, chains were the choice of embellishment for many designers. Whether wrapped around the ankle of a boot or across the toe, this metal detail added that something extra to your footwear without looking distasteful. Considering chunky chain necklaces/bracelets are a jewelry trend for 2020, don't be surprised that your shoes are decked out too.

Mango Chain Detail Leather Boot

Black boots are your comfort zone and that's totally fine. If you wish to step it up just a bit, however, consider this half chain strap on the back. It's a conservative addition, but sets this black boot apart from the rest.

Paciotti Crystal-Embellished Leather Pumps

On board with the gold chain trend? Take it one step further stylistically with this ruby red crystal-encrusted chain strap that drapes elegantly across your foot.

Brother Vellies Woven Olivia Pump

From the woven texture, to the strappy ankle wrap to the dainty gold chain, this pair does not fall short for details.

A Twist on Over-the-Knee Boots

Rag & Bone (left) and Tory Burch

Have no fear though, this over-the-knee style is poised to make a return to the front of your shoe rack in 2020. On the runways, over-the-knee boots were fresher than ever with square toe iterations, floral designs, and drawstrings.

Charles Keith Thigh High Low Block Heel Sock Boots

A thigh-high boot at an unbeatable price.

Saint Laurent Thigh-High Pointed-Toe Boots

This crinkled leather boot pairs perfectly for work with a long dress.

Stuart Weitzman Zuzanna Over-the-Knee Boot

A classic over-the-knee boot that comes in a timeless neutral color so you can wear it season after season. Style with everything from your spring dresses to your fall knit top and skirt sets.

Loafers

Lanvin (left) and Fendi

Loafers are no longer restricted to "stuffy office wear." Be it your regular slip-on flat loafers or a slingback version, as seen on the spring 2020 Fendi runway, this style is here to stay. Rock your favorite outfits with this polished shoe, and look for pairs with unique details in the form of buckles or a backless style.

Bass Whitney '90s Weejuns

These lug-sole loafers are a favorite around the office. We all sport our pairs on the daily.

Balenciaga Cosy BB Flat Carrera Leather Mules

These slip-on loafers would have given Hugh Hefner a run for his money.

Alexander McQueen Studded Leather Loafers

These studded bad boys will definitely make a statement.

Fancy Mary-Jane Pumps

Marc Jacobs (left) and Jason Wu

The most ubiquitous shoe trend for spring 2020 was a Mary Jane-inspired silhouette. Designers breathed new life into this style by incorporating prints or adding texture à la Marc Jacobs' shearling-covered heels. Whether you decide to go for a sophisticated or playful look, you won't have trouble finding a bevy of design options.

Carel Black Patent Leather Mary Janes

Carel is known for their iconic Mary Jane, and this patent version is the perfect addition to your wardrobe.

Thom Browne RWB Brogued Spectator Mary Jane Pumps

Pair with a light wash tapered jean and these will be your new summertime go-to.

Zou Xou Eugenia Flat in Leopard

These little leopard lovelies are the perfect mix of girly and wild.

Bow-Adorned Shoes

Tory Burch (left) and Cynthia Rowley

Bows are sticking around for next season, so there's no reason to give up on finding a feminine shoe to wear to weddings and on vacations. Burch paired yellow bow pumps with floral dresses featuring a matching giant bow neckline, while Rowley styled black kitten mules with oversize shirts and slouchy bottoms. Personally, I'm a fan of the latter—a boy-meets-girl-meets-comfort look.

Tory Burch 110mm Bow Pumps

Inject color into your outfits from the feet up with these satin yellow bow pumps. Get a little matchy-matchy with a sunshine colored handbag too.

Brock Collection Bow Mules

No one does Victorian-inspired romance mixed with vintage aesthetics like Brock Collection. This jacquard kitten mule with a floral print is on my wishlist.

Aminah Abdul Jillil Black Satin Open Toe

The bigger the bow, the stronger the look! Make a major statement with this evening sandal.

Asymmetric Straps

Prabal Gurung (left) and Sies Marjan

Designers had fun repositioning and reconfiguring the straps of shoes for spring 2020, like these asymmetrical straps that wrap diagonally across your feet. Some made the straps wider, like Prabal Gurung, while others stuck to the barely-there sandal look.

Aquazzura Asymmetric Slim-Strap Sandals

If you're finally ready to splurge, why not opt for one of Megan Markle's favorite shoe brands? Rock this pair from Aquazurra at your next special occasion.

Rebecca Minkoff Nanine Sandal Black Leather

This strappy sandal from Rebecca Minkoff comes at a great price.

FETE-ish Single Strap Sandal

For the ultimate minimalist summer look, this one-strap sandal is IT.

Updated Heels

Anna Sui (left) and Self-Portrait

An easy way to add interest to a heel is by rethinking the shape or adding a pattern. Self-Portrait experimented with a snakeskin print, while Anna Sui turned her bootie's heel into what looked like a mini chair leg. Distinct looks like these make an equally impactful fashion statement.

Charles Keith Sculptural Chrome Heel Textured Sandals

This chrome gold heel transitions well from day to evening.

Yuul Yie June Sculpted Heel Sandals

These open-toe sandals won't be just another black pair in your closet, thanks to their sculptural heels.

Cult Gaia Cam Leather Booties

Circular shapes stack to form a heel on this bootie. You'll be walking on the balls of your feet—literally.

Platforms

Anna Sui (left) and Tibi

Chunky platform shoes will be the sole aesthetic for next season. Models at Tibi clunked around in various versions of the gray shoes seen here, while Anna Sui models strutted down the runway with ease in floral clogs. Here's hoping all the platform footwear won't feel as heavy as they look.

& Other Stories Suede Heeled Platform Sandals

Your next date night shoe.

Tibi Dimitri Platform Sandals

Tibi was one of the main players in the platform trend of Spring '20. These shoes, made from calf-leather, are a great investment for the warmer months.