6 Comfortable Shoe Trends That Won't Kill My Feet This Spring

As an East Coast transplant (from sunny Southern California), I could wax poetic about how liberated I feel once spring comes around. It doesn't matter that 10 years have passed since I made the move. Getting to shed the bulky winter layers, reintroduce sleeveless tops into my lexicon, and most importantly, embrace less practical shoes make the seasonal transition something I await with bated breath every March. Thanks to the upcoming season's milder climate, my heavy-duty winter boots can take a back seat to silhouettes and styles that don't tout the words "weather-proof" nor "heat-retaining." Bring on the open-toed sandals and traction-less heels. But living in a city in which I typically commute on foot means I still need to consider some level of practicality. So it's just my luck that this spring's lineup of shoe trends is fraught with comfortable options

While there are plenty of flats styles I'll be embracing—slingback flats are making a big return—I'm not discounting a comfortable heel or two. If there's one thing I've learned over the years of running around New York City, it's that sturdy, chunky heels can be as comfortable as they are chic.

From Prada-approved loafers to the return of clogs, ahead are six spring shoe trends that have received my stamp of comfort approval.

Loafers

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Loafers are coming for your closet this year. The traditionally preppy style is receiving a 2020 makeover. While you'll still be able to find the classics, this year's take involves bold colors, platform soles, and lots of fun color blocking.

Oxfords Brogues

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

Thank you to Katie Holmes for alerting me to this one. Another preppy shoe trend, lace-up oxfords and brogues will be seen on feet everywhere this season. In case you're feeling a little ho-hum about this one, take a look through the new iterations the style is seeing, from animal prints to added hardware.

Mary Janes

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

Blair Waldorf would be proud to see this one come up on our list. The 2020 Mary Jane is much less buttoned-up than before. The modern take ranges from chunkier-than-life heels to true retro-inspired versions reminiscent of our school days (ruffle socks not included).

Clogs

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

Arguably the most divisive trend on this list is clogs. No matter which side of the spectrum you're on—love 'em or hate 'em—the silhouette was a mainstay on a handful of S/S 20 runways. For those willing to embrace the trend, be on the lookout for bold prints and unique new takes on the chunky shoes.

Wedges

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

Wedge sandals have slowly been making a return as a spring and summer mainstay. While there are still plenty of open-toed wedge slides to be found, this season's styles are getting a bit more creative with their shapes. Be on the lookout for wedge booties and conceptual heel styles when making your spring shopping rounds.

Low-Heeled Slingbacks

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

I promised you true flats, didn't I? But don't just take my word for it. This one is even Anna Wintour approved. Any flats are likely to be comfortable, but I love that slingbacks offer a bit more fitted security. You won't catch my feet slipping and sliding in the New York City humidity this year. 

Up next, five divisive shoe styles that are trending for spring.

Contributing Editor

Ray Lowe is a contributing editor forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . She's spent the last decade living in New York, but now that she professionally works from home, she's slowly been going back to her roots by splitting time between NYC and L.A. A year ago, she left a four-year stint as a fashion editor for Refinery29 to explore the freelance life. Nowadays, she does just about everything from penning online articles (forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Refinery29, Elle, Cosmo, and many more) to writing scripts, styling, and finding ways to fuse her love for both Disney and fashion. Her main beat is fashion (trends, emerging brands, affordable finds, you name it), but you may find her dropping in with a beauty story every now and then. As for her personal style, she'd best describe it as a balanced blend of basics and contemporary trends, often with a dash of Mickey Mouse thrown in for good measure. In her spare time, she can be found coddling my pets (a French bulldog and a rescue cat), curating travel itineraries for her friends, scrolling through Instagram for up-and-coming brands, and watching so-bad-they're-good films.