Top 7 Spring/Summer 2022 Shoe Trends to Stay Ahead of the Curve

February brought us some of the most important fashion events: once again, we were keeping an eye out for the latest collections from designers on the catwalks in New York, London, Milan and Paris, where we were looking not only at the latest developments in the clothing segment, but also in footwear.

After two seasons in which designers were almost exclusively concerned with our home comforts, the main trends for active spring 2022 are ready to make a big comeback in the outdoor world. While chunky sandals and fur slides remain a “must have” thanks to Hermès, Max Mara, Fendi and Loewe, heels full of glitter, stones and other embellishments are making a comeback to celebrate the return to life. The clogs and platforms that made a big come-back last year are not going away either: Acne, Saint Laurent, Valentino and Versace, with their variations in a myriad of colors and materials, have joined in the re-emergence of the trend, while also presenting a hybrid between the loafer and the platform that is sure to result in many derivatives from other fashion houses. 

Below, we present our favorite footwear trends for Spring 2022. While we celebrate the innovation of new (or revived) designs, in the name of sustainability, we seek a balance between “popular at the moment” and “timeless” that is beneficial not only for our society but also for the environment.

Trend #1: Chunky Sandals

Whether your fashion style is sporty, chic, minimalist, bold or something in between, chunky sandals with their thick soles and strappy silhouettes are a great choice that stays comfortable. Brands such as Hermès, Chanel, Jil Sanders, Valentino and others offer the most covetable pairs that are hard to resist.

Trend #2: Platform

You’ll remember the style of the 70s that’s making a comeback a few decades later: the platform! Its revival has been signed by Acne, Saint Laurent, Ganni, Valentino and Versace, among others:

Trend #3: Clogs

“Everything old is becoming new” or clogs are trending again! Chloe, Ganni, Magda Butrym, Brunello Cucinelli and others have dressed up this season’s leather, suede, rubber and other versions in earthy tones, adorned with silver or gold nets. There are also many shearling-trimmed ones, which still follow last year’s comfort guidelines:

Trend #4: Femininity is IN!

Highly feminine accents such as embellished shoes, crystal bows and exaggerated pointed toes are a counterbalance to the trends of past seasons, which were all about comfort. Why not celebrate your femininity with every step? We’re particularly impressed by the gorgeous pairs from Aquazzura, Amina Muaddi, Jimmy Choo, Mach & Mach and, of course, the eternal Manolo Blahnik. 

Trend #5: Unique Heels

In the upcoming weeks spring will be heralded by innovative heel shapes in different heights and colours, reserved for the most daring fashion enthusiasts. The Attico, Bottega Veneta or Nodaleto – which pair would you choose?

Trend #5: Round-Toe

Although there is no shortage of square-toe shoes on the runway, there is something both refreshing and nostalgic about the return to rounder, less harsh styles as seen in new collections from brands like Valentino, Gianvito Rossi, Miu Miu and Prada:

Trend #7: Urban Sneakers

This spring’s sneakers are experimental in both shape and color. Platform models will become the easiest, most comfortable and chicest way to enhance your outfit. Try Chloé’s colorful + sustainable ‘Nama’ sneakers, Off White’s high top sneakers or stay true to classic models that will look great with cropped jeans, a wide knit or an oversized jacket: