5 Ultra-Wearable Shoe Styles You Need to Have in Your Closet This Spring

Remember when I gave you an edited list of the spring trends to actually buy into? Well, it’s time to dive a little bit more into the shoe game. This is one of my favorite footwear seasons in some time, primarily because it’s given back to us the deliciously chunky ’70s platform (hallelujah!), but also because it’s ushered in a new era of supremely stylish flats (both demure and aggressively sporty). We’ve also got gladiators — this trend isn’t for the meek! — and a block heel for those who aren’t feeling the whole vertiginous platform thing.

Here, the five best (and most wearable) spring shoe trends, along with my top picks for each — in all price points! How to shop it: Choose one or two styles you love, invest in one and go inexpensive on the other. Then step into your chicest spring ever. 

1. FLATS.
Pack away your rounded ballet flats. This season’s low-riders are more structured and sophisticated. Look for ones with a slightly pointed toe and a refined silhouette (i.e. a slingback, feminine loafer or ones with a thin ankle strap).

Our picks: 1. Saint Laurent studded flats, $995 at Nordstrom. 2. Fabric d’Orsay flats, $148 at J.Crew. 3. Mirror d’Orsay flats, $158 at J.Crew. 4. Sam Edelman slingback flats, $120 at Bloomingdale’s.

2. SPORTY SANDALS.
Wear these with jeans, sure, but also try with a skirt (yes, really!) for a totally of-the-moment look. Go here for inspiration. And here!

Our picks: 1. Marni Fussbett embellished sandal, $905 at Moda Operandi. 2. Dolce Vita Felyx slide, $140 at Shopbop. 3. Olivia metallic leather slide, $195 at Vince.

3. BLOCK HEEL.
Needle-thin stilettos are taking a backseat to a chunky square heel. The boxy heel can get as sky-high or short-and-sweet as you wish, but I love them best in a mid-heel height for a thoroughly retro look.

Our picks: Mika mules, $395 at Tory Burch. 2. 3.1 Phillip Lim Bee sandals, $247.50 at The Outnet. 3. Charlotte Olympia Ranchera woven sandals, $895 at Neiman Marcus.

4. PLATFORMS.
My love for platforms runs deep, mostly because they let you have maximum height with minimal pitch (that’s the angle of the heel of a shoe to the toe — the steeper the pitch, the more likely your feet will kill you). Remember: The modern platform is not hidden (like these, which have always looked weirdly swollen to me), and the heel is chunky.

Our picks: 1. Prada clog-bottom sandals, $890 at Neiman Marcus. 2. Lilith chunky suede sandals, $135 at Topshop. 3. Christian Louboutin Bella Tige laser-cut floral sandals, $995 at Neiman Marcus.

5. GLADIATORS.
Styles range from bold (laces all the way up to your knee!) to simple (a few criss-crossed laces at the ankle). For knee-high gladiators, try ones that lace up instead of strap up your calf. The overall look is less severe.

Our picks: 1. Aldo Zeanna sandal, $63 at Asos. 2. Chloé suede gladiator wedges, $764 at Farfetch. 3. Valentino Rockstud knee-high gladiator sandals, $1,405 at Saks Fifth Avenue.