These Trending Shoe Styles Will Elevate Your Entire Summer Wardrobe (2024)

You don't need to splash out on a whole new wardrobe to nail the biggest trends of spring/summer 2024. In fact, that's something we actively discourage. A far more planet- and wallet-friendly way to upgrade your look for the season ahead is to invest in trend-led accessories that have the power to elevate even the simplest outfits. Be it the 'It' bag of the moment (that still has timeless appeal), a new sunglasses silhouette, statement earrings, shoes, or all of the above, the key to a bang-on-trend ensemble is all in the details.

As a lifelong shoe obsessive, I always start my seasonal switch-up from the feet up, and I recommend you do the same. For SS24, the runways have decreed that it's all about mesh flats, cowboy boots, minimalist thong sandals and ballerina styles – all of which, thankfully, are as comfortable as they are chic.

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Wedges are also having a moment thanks to the viral FROW at Chloé's show, and other brands have hopped on the trend with modern designs of their own. As for those requiring a pop of colour to brighten an otherwise-all-black summer goth ensemble (guilty!), red shoes are the way to go.

So, without further ado, these are the trending shoes to invest in for SS24.

The ELLE Guide To SS24's Trending Shoes

Mesh Flats

Now that the sun is finally out and the rain less frequent (fingers crossed), it's high time to embrace the mesh flats trend that's been dominating the fashion scene. The shoes' barely-there nature means they're super-breathable and perfect for the warm weather, while the sheer material makes them feel deliciously risqué. Alaïa's fishnet designs should be your first port of call, but if you want to dip your toe in with something more delicate first, try and nab a pair of Dear Frances' Ballas before they sell out yet again.

Thong Sandals

It's not always the loudest shoes that have the biggest impact. Case in point: this season's minimalist thong sandals – think flip flops, but fancy – that are the epitome of effortless cool. This is a shoe that works seriously hard, as stylish paired with an oversized shirt and capri pants for the day as it is are with a linen mini or something more formal come night.

Cowboy Boots

The Western trend has well and truly taken hold this season, with everyone from Beyoncé to Bella Hadid spearheading a Texan revival that extends all the way to our footwear. For a look that's more fashion than farmer, pair SS24's cowboy boots with long lace boho dresses à la Celine, style with a silky slip and oversized blazer, or tuck into baggy jeans for an off-duty cool-girl vibe.

A Pop Of Red

If red tights and socks provided your pop of colour in autumn, then allow a pair of red shoes to do the same this season – whether with Gucci's already-iconic deep-burgundy patent sling-backs, or Reformation's telephone-box-hued square-toe mules. A game-changer wardrobe addition for anyone looking to zhuzh up a tired palette of summer neutrals.

Ballerina Shoes

Not since the Noughties have ballet shoes been so ubiquitous, and the trend seems to be sticking this time around too. From high-end designers to the high-street, there are endless ballerina styles to choose from this season, whether classic satin slippers, bedazzled show-stoppers, or Margiela's edgy split-toe Tabis. The best part? They go with absolutely everything, so you can splash out on your favourites safe in the knowledge that cost-per-wear will be pretty much zero.

Mega Wedges

Now that wedding season is in full swing, you'll be glad to hear that wedges are officially back – just not quite as you know them. Forget the trusty canvas-tie espadrille styles of garden parties past: for SS24, we're coveting stacked shoes with a more sleek, minimal and modern aesthetic, as seen everywhere from Ferragamo and Rick Owens to Zara. The cult style of the season, however, is undoubtedly Chloé's viral, graffiti-ed mega wedge – if you've got the ankle strength to walk in them, that is.

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