10 Shoe Trends We’re Eyeing for 2022 (and 10 We’re Retiring)
Shoe trends were aplenty in 2021, with everything from sky-high platforms to ballet flats finding their way into our footwear collections. But now that we’ve entered into a new year, it feels like a perfect time to begin clearing out some space on our shoe racks for fresh additions while perhaps holding onto a few of last year’s biggest hitters.
To get to the bottom of what is and isn’t worth keeping as well as which styles should be on everyone’s wish list this year, I hit up my fellow editors. Clarks Shoes And as always, their tips did not disappoint. Scroll on to find out which shoe trends, from low-key staples to of-the-moment fads, are making it into the 2022 wardrobes of 10 Who What Wear fashion editors and which are headed straight for the donation bin.
Eyeing: Flat Lace-Up Boots
Retiring: Tall Boots
“I’m not keen on over-the-knee boots right now because I think there are so many other styles that feel fresher. Since I’m tall, I don’t really need any extra height, so I’m gravitating toward flat lace-up boots right now. They’re super versatile and go with literally any kind of outfit, Hoka Shoes and they’re also comfortable. Win-win.”
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There’s a reason why these boots are constantly selling out and being restocked.
These are proven to be a Gen Z favorite.
Your new every-single-day pair of boots.
Eyeing: High-Top Sneakers
Retiring: Chunky Sneakers
“At this point, I thought I would have been over the throwback-sneaker trend, but I’m only ordering more. Last year, I couldn’t get enough of basketball sneakers, Las Vegas Raiders Jerseys and most recently, I added a pair of cream-and-black Converse into my closet. Yep, turns out I’m officially a sneaker person now. That being said, I’m less excited about super-chunky sneaker styles since I don’t see them having a long shelf life.”
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@KRISTENMARIENICHOLS
The OG sneakers.
These will make every outfit cooler.
“For 2022, I’m loving a toe-shape trend more than anything. It’s a wide, round toe that feels so fresh after years of square toes. The best part is you can try the trend with almost any kind of shoes, whether it’s mules (like I’m wearing) or a pair of heels. In terms of shoe trends I’m retiring, I haven’t been reaching for my knee-high heeled boots lately. Specifically, there was a moment where a lot of people were wearing croc-stamped tall boots, and I think I went a little too hard on that trend, so I’ll be letting those hang in the back of my closet for a while.”
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Every fashion girl from Paris to L.A. to Copenhagen is wearing these this season.
Last summer’s platform flip-flops have since gotten a gladiator-inspired update.
This toe style looks so good with slouchy trousers.
Eyeing: Rubber Footwear
Retiring: Loafers
“For now at least, I’m steering away from loafers—especially the chunky, lug-soled variety—and instead am backing all things rubber footwear. With the weather being as wet and unpredictable as it’s been in NYC of late, it’s not safe to wear my suede and leather footwear. Rubber shoes, like my Bottega Veneta Puddle Boots, allow me to go anywhere at any time without worry.”
Thanks to a recent sighting on Mary-Kate Olsen, Vans are about to be huge.
Eyeing: Wide-Round-Toe Shoes
Retiring: Knee-High Heeled Boots