I’m a Minimalist Who Lives for New Shoes—4 Trendy Spring Styles I'm Scooping Up at Zara, H&M, and Mango

24 new-season shoes that look rich, but aren't.

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collage of fashion week attendees wearing spring shoe trends
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As a rule, I tend to stay far away from loud, maximalist fashion, especially in the footwear department. It's rare for fashion trends to align with my style ethos, but that's exactly the case with Spring 2026's top shoe trends—they're the perfect fit for minimalists like myself.

Spring's emerging trends may be understated, but they are far from boring. Classic ballet flats have been updated with a high-vamp design, creating an even more polished silhouette. The loafers trending among It girls, meanwhile, have gone backless, which feels on brand for warmer temperatures. Sneakers, too, have been streamlined (literally) into slimmer shapes for the season, and I can't forget the naked heels that have me rethinking my preference for flat shoes.

This season's shoe trends are a match made in heaven for minimalists, which is why they are at the top of my wishlist. Ahead, I'm sharing the pairs that caught my eye at Zara, H&M, and Mango. And because I'm on a budget, nearly all of my favorite spring-ready shoes ring in at $100 and under.

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High-Vamp Flats

I've been a loyal fan of ballet flats for years, so it's refreshing to see the shoe evolve with a higher vamp. It girls from Kendall Jenner to Zoë Kravitz have taken on the trend, so naturally, I'm on board, too. I plan to wear the glove-like shoes with straight-leg, baggy denim, but they also pair well with spring-ready dresses and skirts.

Backless Loafers

A guest wears shoulder-length brown hair in a loose bob, small oval sunglasses with tinted lenses and thin dark frames, small gold hoop earrings, a brown leather shoulder bag with a narrow strap, a blue-and-white striped blazer jacket with a silver metallic crinkled front panel worn over a white collared button-down shirt, a pale yellow crinkled midi skirt with green and white floral print and an oversized draped bow detail at the waist, brown leather loafers with buckle straps, outside Tibi, during New York Fashion Week, on September 13 2025 in New York, New York

(Image credit: Getty Images)

I throw on a pair of loafers whenever I'm in the mood for polished footwear, which is typically when I'm heading into the office. This season's take on the shoe offers the ease of slip-ons without sacrificing elegance. They pair well with tailored trousers and khaki pants, but I've seen insiders wear them with nearly everything from jeans to maxi skirts. I'm particularly a fan of pairs with a suede finish for rich-looking outfits.

Slim Sneakers

fashion week attendee wearing sunglasses, tan leather jacket, blue shirt, trousers, and white sneakers

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Sneakers have been getting slimmer over the last few seasons, and it seems the silhouette has reached its fever pitch for spring. While pastel and metallic shades are trending among sneakerheads, I'll be reaching for more subdued colors instead. Black, white, and brown sneakers will fit in seamlessly with the rest of my capsule wardrobe, and if I'm feeling the itch for more color, a soft, cool blue is just my speed.

Naked Heels

a fashion week attendee wears sunglasses, beige jacket, mini dress, and clear heels

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

I prefer my shoes closer to the ground (I live in New York City, after all!). But after seeing the bare-it-all heels on the Spring 2026 runways, I've been swayed to the other, higher side. Constructed of clear PVC, mesh, and other see-through materials, this shoe trend is just what I need to refresh my going-out outfits. It also gives me the excuse to try out new spring pedicure colors.

Brooke Knappenberger
Brooke Knappenberger
Associate Commerce Editor

Brooke Knappenberger is the Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she specializes in crafting shopping stories—from sales content to buying guides that span every vertical on the site. She also oversees holiday coverage with an emphasis on gifting guides as well as Power Pick, our monthly column on the items that power the lives of MC’s editors. She also tackled shopping content as Marie Claire's Editorial Fellow prior to her role as Associate Commerce Editor.

She has over three years of experience writing on fashion, beauty, and entertainment and her work has appeared on Looper, NickiSwift, The Sun US, and Vox Magazine of Columbia, Missouri. Brooke obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism with an emphasis on Magazine Editing and has a minor in Textile and Apparel Management.