If there’s one thing about New Yorkers you can count on, it’s that we always think of our footwear first. When our step count is in the thousands and comfortable, chic styles often take us through the whole day on the subway. Not only do we prioritize the way shoes feel, though, but also the way they look: hundreds of stylish New Yorkers are stepping our this spring and summer wearing the best shoe trends and frankly, as a New Yorker myself, I’m here for it.
Scroll on to see (and shop!) all of the shoe trends New Yorkers are buying and trying this year, from Insta-viral ballet flats to in-office-approved styles.
Almond-Toe Shoes
This expensive-looking Swan-esque shoe trend has been making the rounds amongst the fashion crowd in the city recently. While The Row and Loro Piana have perfected the style, a few of our favorite retailers are popping up with similar-looking shoes.
The Row
Leather Almond Toe Pumps
Jeffrey Campbell
Trustee Pump
Zara
Mini Heeled Black Leather Flats
Loro Piana
Rebecca Ballerinas
Ballet Flats
The importance of a good ballet flat in New York City can’t be understated. While there’s plenty of practical shoe trends New Yorkers can get behind, ballet flats may be some of our favorites thanks to their versatility.
Steve Madden
Ellison Black Leather Ballet Flat
Jimmy Choo
Elme Embellished Leather Ballet Flats
Massimo Dutti
Soft Leather Ballet Flats
Aeyde
Gabriella Satin Ballet Flats
Dream Paris
Pointed-Toe Eco-Friendly Flats
Sporty Sneakers
This wouldn’t be a shoe trend list without mentioning sporty sneakers, in particular, the Adidas Sambas and SL 72 shoes everyone has been wearing as of late. New Yorkers often pair the style with anything in their wardrobe for their walking commutes around the city—dresses, jeans, skirts, and pants all fit the occasion when you’re wearing a pair.
adidas
Samba “Black/White” Sneakers
New Balance
550 Basketball Sneaker
New Balance
New Balance U574V2
Clogs
For the IYKYK fashion person, clogs are the shoe of the spring and summer weather ahead. Chunky, platform styles are gaining speed along with interesting accents like studs and ponyhair.
Jeffrey Campbell
Harley 2 Clog
Gianvito Rossi
Lyss 55mm Suede Clogs
Steve Madden
Glimmer Rhinestones Slip-On Mule
Mesh Flats
If you aren’t wearing mesh flats, what are you doing? New Yorkers have been baring the controversial shoe trend for the last few months, but it’s especially heating up during the warmer months.
Steve Madden
Viv Natural Multi Mesh Rhinestone Ballet Flat
Anthropologie
Mesh Ballet Flats
Jeffrey Campbell
Mesh Mary Jane Flat
Khaite
Marcy Crystal-Embellished Mesh Ballet Flats
Loeffler Randall
Leonie Crystal-Embellished Mesh Ballet Flats
Loafers
While New Yorkers are known for their career-first attitude, that doesn’t just apply to their in-office ‘fits. This spring, dozens of loafers—both sleek and chunky styles—can be spotted on the streets.
Steve Madden
Kingston White Leather Loafers
G.H.Bass
Whitney Leather Loafer
Dream Paris
Chunky Slip-On Loafers
Kitten Mules
A sleek, kitten mule is an incredibly chic, sexy option to stomp around the West Village on your way to the trendiest restaurant in town. Opt for a leather, minimalistic pair.
Steve Madden
Mariano Mule
Reformation
Waldorf Kitten Heeled Mule
Jeffrey Campbell
Esmerelda Square Toe Mule
Toteme
Leather Mules & Clogs
Slingback Shoes
What New Yorker doesn’t love slingbacks? Whether you’re wearing them as flats or with a bit of a heel, this luxury-looking, understated style is a no-brainer for the stylish New York set.
Tory Burch
Pierced Slingback
Dream Pairs
Ankle Strap Slingback Cap Toe Pumps
Sam Edelman
Bianka Slingback Pump
Jenn Ardor
Jenn Ardor Slingback Heels for Women, Classic Low Block Heel Pumps Square Closed Toe Dress Pumps Ankle Strap Splicing Color Chunky Heels Comfort Wedding Shoes 2.5 Inch
Steve Madden
Legaci Slingback
