8 Spring Shoe Trends Every Stylish New Yorker Is Wearing Right Now

Women wearing crystal mesh ballet flat trend with white slip skirt.

(Image credit: @balencianas)

If there's one thing about New Yorkers you can count on, it's that we always think of our footwear first. When our step count is in the thousands and comfortable, chic styles often take us through the whole day on the subway. Not only do we prioritize the way shoes feel, though, but also the way they look: hundreds of stylish New Yorkers are stepping our this spring and summer wearing the best shoe trends and frankly, as a New Yorker myself, I'm here for it.

Scroll on to see (and shop!) all of the shoe trends New Yorkers are buying and trying this year, from Insta-viral ballet flats to in-office-approved styles.

Almond-Toe Shoes

Woman wearing almond toe shoe trend with cream mini skirt and black top, taking mirror selfie.

This expensive-looking Swan-esque shoe trend has been making the rounds amongst the fashion crowd in the city recently. While The Row and Loro Piana have perfected the style, a few of our favorite retailers are popping up with similar-looking shoes.

(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

Ballet Flats

Woman wearing off-the-shoulder cream top, white shorts, and ballet flats shoe trend while posing on New York City intersection.

The importance of a good ballet flat in New York City can't be understated. While there's plenty of practical shoe trends New Yorkers can get behind, ballet flats may be some of our favorites thanks to their versatility.

(Image credit: @kitkeenan)

Sporty Sneakers

Woman wearing green summer dress, white cardigan, tan bag, and black Adidas samba sneaker trend.

This wouldn't be a shoe trend list without mentioning sporty sneakers, in particular, the Adidas Sambas and SL 72 shoes everyone has been wearing as of late. New Yorkers often pair the style with anything in their wardrobe for their walking commutes around the city—dresses, jeans, skirts, and pants all fit the occasion when you're wearing a pair.

(Image credit: @eggcanvas)

Clogs

Woman wearing black dress, shoe clog trend, and red socks leaning against wall.

For the IYKYK fashion person, clogs are the shoe of the spring and summer weather ahead. Chunky, platform styles are gaining speed along with interesting accents like studs and ponyhair.

(Image credit: @michellesalem)

Mesh Flats

Close-up photo of woman wearing white silk skirt and bedazzled mesh shoe trend.

If you aren't wearing mesh flats, what are you doing? New Yorkers have been baring the controversial shoe trend for the last few months, but it's especially heating up during the warmer months.

(Image credit: @balencianas)

Loafers

Woman wearing butter yellow cardigan, blue jeans, and cream loafer shoe trend sitting on bench.

While New Yorkers are known for their career-first attitude, that doesn't just apply to their in-office 'fits. This spring, dozens of loafers—both sleek and chunky styles—can be spotted on the streets.

(Image credit: @chasemarieee)

Kitten Mules

Woman leaning against lighting pole that says "Live, love, laugh" with mule shoes against pole, wearing red shirt and matching skirt suit set.

A sleek, kitten mule is an incredibly chic, sexy option to stomp around the West Village on your way to the trendiest restaurant in town. Opt for a leather, minimalistic pair.

(Image credit: @_sierramayhew)

Slingback Shoes

Woman wearing black mini dress, black sunglasses, and black pierced slingback shoe trend.

What New Yorker doesn't love slingbacks? Whether you're wearing them as flats or with a bit of a heel, this luxury-looking, understated style is a no-brainer for the stylish New York set.

(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)
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Assistant Shopping Editor
Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor whose work ranges from dissecting size inclusivity at fashion week to discussing how American Girl Doll meme accounts are the the answer to society's collective spiral. She's covered it all: Queen Elizabeth II's corgis, Roe v. Wade frontline protests, and the emergence of jorts (or jean shorts for the uninitated). AtBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Ana is responsible for delivering smart, insightful, personality-driven shopping guides and trend features for a digital-first generation.Before joiningBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Ana was Glamour magazine's editorial assistant, where she focused on daily news and special packages, including leading the brand's 2022 Met Gala coverage. For more than half a decade, she has covered style, beauty, and digital culture for publications such as Paper magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue Japan, and Allure, among others. Ana has been called a rising star in media by publications such as Nylon and Teen Vogue. (Her mother, meanwhile, calls her "the coolest person" she knows.)