The new shoe trends of 2018 are really quite varied: On one runway you'll find delicate, dainty heels covered in pretty embellishments. On the other you'll find stompy cowboy boots. In one camp—where both Balenciaga and Christopher Kane see eye-to-eye—there are souped-up Crocs. But take a hop, skip and a jump over to another atelier, and it's all about 1980s-inspired, spiked stiletto pumps. There are sensible options and wildly impractical ones; statement styles exist, but so do very wise go-with-everything investment purchases. Basically, if you're a shoe lover (er, duh), then this year is YOUR year: You have every footwear trend, silhouette, colour and finish possible.
That in itself can be a touch overwhelming, so we've gathered the best runway shoe-spiration to bring you a concise edit of what will be most useful and impactful for your own wardrobe. See our top shoe trends for 2018, and shop the pieces you can already snap up now—at different price points.
Cowboy boots are the perfect way to kick off 2018 in major style: They work nicely now when it's still warming up, but they'll have plenty of summer mileage through the festival months. Our first dibs go to Chloé's red snakeprint versions seen on the spring runway, but we'd happy have any of the following shoppable versions too…
Thick-soled and highly detailed, that's how we'll like our sneakers in 2018. Louis Vuitton's led the pack, but already we've seen that Balenciaga's Triple S styles keep selling out, and some high-street stores are introducing the idea.
Related: Prediction: These 6 Things WILL Influence Your 2018 Fashion Choices
On the opposite side of the spectrum from all of those comfy, bouncy sneaks you have the ultimate in seriously high '80s-style stiletto pumps. It's a shoe trend that many retailers are buying heavily into, and if Victoria Beckham is in on the movement, we could be persuaded… Bonus points if you wear them in an unexpected colour.
Many designers have incorporated extra-bright brights into their clothing for S/S 18, but there's also a lot to be said for simply adding a pair of hot-hued shoes (particularly in primary shades of yellow, red and blue) into your existing wardrobe. Our dream start would be with these Rochas mules.
Chanel leads the charge when it comes to spring's see-through plastic trend (Karl Lagerfeld employed the fabric for every imaginable item, not just footwear), but there are other designer names backing the idea up: Balmain, Moschino and Calvin Klein to name a few. Shop our favourites in the next few slides.
There's no one heel shape that rules supreme for 2018—from block to stiletto and now these curvier silhouettes, you have plenty to choose from. Celine's more sculptural styles feel like vintage made new thanks to the styles of ankle boots they were combined with.
Related: Trust Me—These 5 Ankle-Boot Trends Will Be Everywhere You Look in 2024
Like much in the fashion world right now, if it doesn't have feathers on it, we're not interested. Saint Laurent had them sprouting from every kind of shoe, simple strappy sandals to crazy over-the-knee boots. This is one trend that's been bubbling up for a while, so you find plenty of affordable options to buy right now.
Whilst not technically a shoe trend in itself, you won't be able to escape the fact that designers are very into socks for spring. They have been paired with each and every shoe style, and in every guise. One of our favourites comes from Fendi and its mix 'n' match approach both in the sporty-heel shoe and in the striped sock choice.
Related: These 11 High-Street Bridal Shoes Prove You Don't Have to Spend Much
In addition to the feathers you'll find elsewhere, there's also a great deal of embellishment (jewels, glitter, bows and such) across the runways for S/S 18. One of our favourite, and most kitsch, takes on the idea came from Versace. Your feet will attract magpies.
The industry's penchant for white shoes continues and this season there will be plenty of chic, Tipex-white sandals on offer. One particularly desirable pair were introduced by Michael Kors, but until you can grab those, see our other favourites that are available today…
Decisions, decisions.Opening Image: GettyThis post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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