I Just Tried on the Best New Shoe Trends in Zara—These 5 Stood Out From the Rest

With so many options landing in our new-in sections daily, it takes a particularly keen eye (and a lot of patience) to uncover the very best pieces on the high street. Sure, we might not have to take the time to physically stalk around brick-and-mortar stores anymore, but it still requires some serious effort to look through the lists and lists of seasonal drops online. But, luckily for you, sorting through the sub-par to find the sublime is our specialty. And for me, there's no better place to find designer-looking pieces at high-street prices than Zara. 

I'll admit that it's a love/hate affair when it comes to embarking on a Zara haul—more often than not it's the store with the longest queue, and the website is so densely packed that you could spend a lifetime scrolling. But should you fancy tackling the challenge to find something truly special, it always ends up well worth it. After looking at the new-in section on the site (and in need of a new pair of shoes) I popped into Zara on my lunch break to see if what I loved online would look as good IRL. Suffice to say, I wasn't disappointed, and there's something in the mix for everyone. 

Whilst I always head to Zara first to top up the basics in my wardrobe, there's also something to be said about its fashion-forward footwear at particularly good prices. Looking for on-trend pairs? There are runway-fresh kitten heels. Something you'll still be wearing in a year? Loafers 

never go out of style. Affordable shoes that are comfortable too? Sorry, M&S; Zara should top your list as the high-street giant.

After spending my break trying on my favourite pairs (so you don't have to), I’ve picked out five shoe trends that I predict will fly off the shelves by the time spring blooms. From the classic flats that are enjoying a revival to the seasonal boot style that looks just as chic year in, year out, these are the best new Zara shoes in-store and online.

Keep scrolling to see and shop them. 

1. GRANDAD LOAFERS

Style Notes: If hashtags are to be believed, "grandpacore" and the "eclectic grandpa" are currently having a moment, and there's no better shoe to encapsulate this old-school approach to styling than the loafer. You might not be on board with argyle knits, sweater vests and corduroy, but there's a lot to love about a chunky-soled loafer with just enough distressed detail to look vintage—just ask Zara. Wear with grey socks, a miniskirt and a cosy knit to bring the look into 2024. 

SHOP LOAFERS:

2. "OFFICE SIREN" SLINGBACKS

Style Notes: What we're calling the "office siren" aesthetic in 2024, you may recognise as simple power dressing. It's Giselle in The Devil Wears Prada, it's blazers with cinched waists, and it's a heeled shoe (always a heel), with an equally powerful pointy toe. They're ultra-feminine, super glam, and though court shoes will also do the job, this year is all about the slingback, especially with a trending pencil skirt. Thank you, Zara design team, for giving us several pairs of slingbacks to choose from, but also for varying heel heights for the days you'd like a more comfortable pair.

SHOP SLINGBACKS:

3. KNEE-HIGH BOOTS

Style Notes: It feels wrong to call knee-high boots a "trend" as their appeal is eternal, but over the past few months, tall boots really have been everywhere. From glossy, block-heel styles to razor-sharp stilettos, these boots pair perfectly with every skirt and dress length possible. My personal favourites? This faux-snakeskin pair that are heavy on the noughties nostalgia. I can't think of better way to elevate an outfit than a pair of shoes that look like they cost four figures but don't even break three. 

SHOP KNEE-HIGH BOOTS:

4. MARY JANES

Style Notes: Thanks to the approval of certified shoe gals Alexa Chung and Sarah Jessica Parker, mary janes have transformed from childhood favourites to chic city staples. Whether you prefer buckled flats or a dressier heel, this cute shoe style makes for the perfect transitional footwear, as you can wear them with tights now and with bare legs come spring. Not bad for a pair you can pick up for under £45 in Zara. 

SHOP MARY JANES:

5. HEAVY-DUTY HARDWARE

Style Notes: For the time being, you're going to want something strong and sturdy to tackle the winter chill, and nothing says "tough" quite like a belt and braces (and buckles and straps) approach. On the runways and on socials, silver jewellery is having a moment, and silver hardware is now making its way south of our ankles too. Expect plenty of studs, buckles and zips in a nod to biker styling from Zara's new-season offerings. They work well now with leather and knits, but will also toughen up a pretty dress come spring. 

SHOP BUCKLES, STRAPS AND ZIPS:

Next Up: Suddenly, This Elegant Shoe Trend Is Everywhere—and Replacing My Flats