24 Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale Finds That Embrace Fashion’s Favorite Summer Shoe Trends
Ballet flats, kitten heels, and platform sandals will be the season's most coveted shoes.


Shopping enthusiasts, listen up. The Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale is in full swing, which means that from now until Sunday, June 2, you can save up to 50 percent on thousands of summer fashion pieces, from elevated summer basics to vacation essentials. While refreshing my warm-weather wardrobe, I immediately jumped on the opportunity to peruse the virtual sale section and discovered that Nordstrom’s footwear category is filled with the latest summer shoe trends—ballet flats, kitten heels, and platform sandals.
All three of these styles have made quite a splash recently. Dainty ballet flats ruled Sandy Liang, Simone Rocha, and Phillip Lim's Spring 2024 runways. Designer labels like Prada, Gucci, and Valentino showcased a range of ladylike kitten heels. Meanwhile, sky-high platforms entered the chat during the Fall 2024 Fashion Week circuit through brands like Isabel Marant, Loewe, and Victoria Beckham.
Bottom line: There's no sign of these shoe trends fizzling out during the warmer months ahead. My advice to you? Shop them now before they sell out. Keep scrolling, and you'll find a curated list of the top shoe trends heating up for summer.
Shop Ballet Flats From Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale
Retro Mary Janes have dominated the fashion trend cycles for the past few seasons, and it looks like they're already poised to take over again this summer. Sam Edelman’s version puts a modern twist on this old-school style with soft pleated details around the toe box.
I’m a no-frills gal with a pretty simple shoe wardrobe. But I'm looking to revamp my footwear collection slightly, and I'm starting with these Tory Burch slip-ons. The subtle stitched exterior forms a captivating quilted texture that sets these shoes apart from others in the ballet flat category.
The whimsical girlhood aesthetic is still going strong. Lean into it with Kate Spade’s ballet flats, plastered in a powdery pink shade and adorned with a tiny bow. Pair these shoes with a pleated skirt and a fitted blouse to take the ultra-feminine vibe even further.
Shop Kitten Heels From Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale
Open Edit’s striking kitten heels boast a relaxed flair and stonewashed denim exterior. Consider styling these shoes with white wide-leg pants and a structured white T-shirt for a laid-back summer occasion.
I think I just found a new pair of shoes to add to my rotation of summer work outfits. For balmy days ahead, I plan to wear these black pointed-toe heels, floor-grazing tailored trousers, and a breezy button-down top.
If you want to wear a polished pump without a high heel, let me point you toward Stuart Weitzman’s kitten heels. These timeless shoes are grounded with a heel just below two inches to achieve an elevated look without the discomfort of sky-high stilettos.
I prefer to get the most out of my shoes, which means that I often search for transeasonal footwear that I can wear for months on end. SARTO by Franco Sarto’s kitten heels are high on my wishlist because I can easily take these cognac brown shoes from summer to fall.
Shop Platform Sandals From Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale
As a city dweller who walks practically everywhere, I prioritize footwear that’s easy to move around. When I discovered that Nordstrom’s Claudia platforms have a lightweight construction and a sturdy block heel, I knew I had to add them to my shopping cart immediately.
Sam Edelman’s woven platform sandals have a delightful summery feel. To top off the look, pair these shoes with a breezy white dress and a designer-style beach bag.
Marc Fisher LTD’s Quessa shoes make a strong case for the return of boho-inspired sandals. The contrast between the buttery leather upper and textured cork sole reminds me of the Y2K-era platforms that I used to wear as a teen, and I’m definitely on board with bringing this look back.
I have a few engagement parties lined up on my summer schedule, and I’ve been scrambling to figure out what heels to wear. After stumbling across Jeffrey Campbell’s ankle strap platforms, I think I can finally put my footwear-related stress to rest. These neutral sandals will complement any dress, and they’re only $44, so I won’t have to break the bank.
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Lauren K. Tappan is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers trend forecasting and shopping stories, highlighting runway-inspired styles and a blend of emerging and established brands. Prior to joining Marie Claire, she worked as a freelance editor for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE, specializing in e-commerce content and curating seasonal trend reports. Earlier in her career, she worked at Town & Country, developing a strong portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.
Lauren holds a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in journalism from the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, she served as editor-in-chief of The Walk, the university's fashion magazine, and completed internships at Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.
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