The 2020 Shoe Trends to Know Before You Start Shopping
Memorize this list.
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
