One thing about Londoners: they know what makes a great shoe. Steered by practicality (the average week in London involves at least one or two rainy days), the city's style set has perfected its rotation of sleek, comfortable and stylish shoes that can handle a high step count whilst always looking good.
Ever inspired by the footwear scenes on my doorstep, I thought I'd chart the rising shoe trends taking off in the capital during London Fashion Week. Having traversed the city in a chic Volvo car, here are the seven new-season shoe trends I saw on repeat at LFW September 2024.
THE 7 STREET STYLE SHOE TRENDS TAKING OFF IN LONDON
1. PUMA SPEEDCATS
Style Notes: Sorry to my Sambas, but September calls for a fresh It trainer, and Puma's Speedcats are the new-season style to know about. Spotted on the runway at Feben, LUEDER, Mains and Ahluwalia, as well as across the city's streets, these laid-back trainers imparted a chic and sporty edge to the coolest looks this week.
SHOP PUMA SPEEDCATS:
Trust me: these won't be in stock for long.
Fashion people can't get enough of Puma's Speedcats for autumn 2024.
2. HEELED MULES
Style Notes: Sophisticated and chic, this elegant shoe trend spoke to the refined side of London street style. More wearable than its court shoe counterpart, heeled mules have a relaxed energy that means they style just as well with party outfits as with casual looks.
SHOP HEELED MULES:
These also come in four other shades including a leopard-print colourway.
I'm banking these ahead of party season.
Fashion people will be wearing these all autumn long.
3. MAISON MARGIELA TABIS
Style Notes: Love them or hate them, Maison Margiela's Tabi shoes were all over LFW. Be it as loafers, ballet flats or Mary Janes, the style set affirmed that this controversial shoe is always welcome in London.
SHOP MAISON MARGIELA TABIS:
These also come in a dark-brown shade.
Style with socks or go without.
These are a fashion person favourite.
4. PENNY LOAFERS
Style Notes: As September heralds back-to-school season, it brings to the fore some smarter silhouettes. Punctuating London's style scene, penny loafers were a favourite across the weekend.
SHOP PENNY LOAFERS:
Just add crew socks.
The easiest way to add a smart edge to your daily styling.
These look more expensive than they are.
5. SIMONE ROCHA CROCS
Style Notes: Those truly into fashion will know that the Simone Rocha X Crocs collaboration is one of the season's most important. A resounding favourite amongst editors and influencers, these clunky shoes proved that they have plenty of mileage yet. They're currently sold out (but due for a restock with the S/S 25 collection next year) but for now, you can shop secondhand styles on pre-loved websites, as linked below.
SHOP SIMONE ROCHA CROCS:
These won't be around for long.
The pearl detailing adds a pretty and playful edge.
Shop these whilst they're on sale.
6. TIMBERLAND BOAT SHOES
Style Notes: The past few months have seen boat shoes come through as a major trend in London, and this past weekend affirmed that they're here to stay. Cutting through the noise of options, Timberland's styles were the resounding favourite on the streets.
SHOP TIMBERLAND BOAT SHOES:
Burgundy is set to be the colour of the season.
Wear these as an alternative to trainers to elevate your daily style.
The chunky sole adds some height without sacrificing comfort.
7. SLINGBACKS
Style Notes: Sophisticated and chic with a cool '90s energy, the slingback shoe trend worked its way into so many great outfits at LFW. Worn with tailored trousers on repeat, I've also seen slingbacks look supremely chic when styled with skirts in both pencil and voluminous shapes.
SHOP SLINGBACKS:
These delicate pumps would look so cool with baggy jeans.
Another burgundy option.
These also come in two other shades.
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