Up to 230 fashion shows and presentations were held in London, Paris, New York, and Milan in 2024. Interestingly, designers showcased 9.584 looks, most of which included shoes. The good news is that women will want to wear these trends and add some fresh footwear to their everyday wear.
The best part is that even winter boots get some love, so women can have an incredible trans-seasonal wardrobe. Here are ten shoe trends for women to attract more sales in 2024.
Table of Contents
A brief look at the women’s shoe market
10 shoe trends to help businesses put their best foot forward in 2024
Grab these trends
A brief look at the women’s shoe market
According to Future Market Insights, the global women’s shoe market reached US $185.95 billion in value. The report suggests the market will grow to US $270 billion at a 3.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) by 2033. The increasing adoption of women’s footwear is the primary driver of this market’s growth. The rising demand for ethical and sustainable fashion is also positively impacting growth.
The same report says North America will remain one of the most profitable regions for women’s shoes, accounting for most of the market share. Sports shoes also emerged as the dominant product type, with experts predicting they will register the highest CAGR (3.9%) over the forecast period.
10 shoe trends to help businesses put their best foot forward in 2024
1. Slim sneakers
Chunky sneakers are officially out, as most women replaced them with slimmer models last summer. Hence, the slim and sporty silhouette is going strong into 2024. Interestingly, most of the fashion crowd earlier this year rocked endless pairs of Nike, Asics, and Adidas footwear, so retailers can expect similar runner sneakers to remain on-trend this year.
Don’t hesitate to stock brightly colored kicks. Consider off-the-wall colors like pink, silver, and green. These shoes help even the most casual outfits (like classic t-shirts and jeans) look more vibrant. Slim (or running) sneakers have a huge search volume based on keyword research. According to Wordstream, the keyword got 246,000 searches, while branded options (like Hoka shoes) attracted up to one million searches.
2. Cowboy boots
While boots are often reserved for winter, they still look amazing in other seasons. And guess what’s having a banner year in 2024? Western boots. Fashion retailers can stock classic hues like black or brown to offer something simple or go the more statement-making route with silver or bold red (red shoes are having a moment this year, thanks to Dakota Johnson).
Even better, cowboy boots open up multiple outfit possibilities. While they look jaw-dropping with fringe, ladies can enjoy more quirky outfits with long jorts, running shorts, or bagging jeans. Whether women are planning for a festival, casual brunch, or country concert, the cowgirl will be a major trend this spring. Based on keyword research, cowboy boots registered 301,000 searches, proving they are on-trend.
3. Kitten heels
Although some women aren’t ready to dump their six-inch heels, others like the idea of something shorter and more comfortable. What better way to help ladies stay on trend and save their feet than with kitten heels? These shoes have flooded the street style scene and made multiple appearances in spring shows from Valentino, Prada, Dior, and Gucci.
The season of comfortable heels is here, and fashion retailers can stock multiple variants. Whether ladies want the feel-good vibe of strappy pumps or kitten-heeled sandals with rosette embellishments, business buyers must get their inventory ready for the comfy season. The best part is that keyword research shows kitten heels have a 110,000 search volume in 2024.
4. Slingback heels
A quick look around major cities will show the most well-dressed women rocking slingback heels. This trend has also gained more popularity because of celebrities like Gigi Hadid and Kate Middleton. Slingback heels are a more sultry alternative to strappy sandals and classic pumps.
Slingback heels are a great way for ladies to add seductive vibes to any outfit. They look especially amazing with sturdy jeans and full skirts. Although they may not be as popular as other shoes, they still have an impressive search volume of 27,100 (based on keyword research from Wordstream).
5. Socks and shoes
Think socks and sandals are too controversial? Then, women are in for a wilder ride with socks and heels. Although it’s more daring than other trends, the results are too chic for some women to ignore. The socks and heels combo offers a more preppy and geeky-cool look. They are an easy sell for women in love with understated outfits like button-down shirts, shorts, and trench coats.
Fashion retailers can also take things further by offering socks for sweaty feet—it’s a better offer for women looking to continue the look into summer. Keyword research shows that socks and heels drew 3,600 searches in 2024.
6. Mary Jane ballet flats
Ballet flats were huge in 2023 and are here to stay in 2024. The best part? Many women are loving them. With ballet flats having a huge presence at Fashion Week, experts expect them to gain even more attention this year. Ladies can rock Mary Jane ballet flats with a classic blouse and skirt combo for a casual brunch.
Alternatively, they can pair these shoes with wide-leg jeans and tank tops for an effortlessly cute outfit. Based on keyword research from Wordstream, Mary Jane ballet flats have a 33,100 search volume.
7. Mesh footwear
Mesh has gone beyond breathable clothing to becoming one of the top materials for women’s shoes. Ever since Bottega Veneta, Alaia, and Khaite showcased mesh ballet flats on their runways a few seasons ago, the trend has been slowly gaining popularity and is now in full bloom.
Mesh Mary Jane flats (14,800 searches) and kitten heels (2,400 searches) appeal to ladies looking to show more skin for spring and summer (yes, some shoes combine a few trends at once and look stunning).
8. High-performance kicks
It’s time for those trusty white sneakers to take backstage. Women are now looking for something more technical. While the rest of the footwear scene embraces lower profiles, running and hiking shoes are still sporting those chunky and comfy designs.
Ladies can pair them with unexpected garments, like romantic dresses, sharp tailoring, and flowy skirts. High-performance kicks (chunky shoes) may not be hugging the top spot anymore, but they are still trending with an 18,100 search volume (based on research from Wordstream).
9. Cool-girl flip-flops
While almost every woman probably has a few pairs of thin flip-flops lying around somewhere, this season recommends they go for something more on-trend. Hence, 2024’s cool girl flip-flops have eye-catching details, like thick soles, leather straps, and wide thongs. Women can pair them with relaxed pants, statement tights, and long shorts to make these flip-flops the coolest shoes in the world—not just an afterthought. And research from Wordstream proves these shoes are on-trend, as flip-flops registered a 110,000 search volume in 2024.
10. Peep-toe sandals
Women do a lot of pedicures, so it’s about time they put their toes on full display. Luckily, peep-toe sandals have emerged as a fashionable way to do just that. When Victoria Beckham, Louis Vuitton, and Versace showed these beauties in their spring collections, women loved the playful, vacation-ready vibe. Ladies can pair peep-toe sandals with relaxed trousers, skirts, and spring dresses. Peep-toe sandals are also popping off this year, with 5,400 searches, based on reports from Wordstream.
Grab these trends
Updating shoe inventories with the top trends for 2024 will keep retailers stylish and on-point throughout the year. From versatile flats to mini heels, these trends offer women a mix of comfort and fashion. So, it’s time to stay ahead of the curve by adding these 10 women’s shoe trends to S/S collections—let female consumers rock 2024 with confidence and flair.
