Sunnier days are on the way, and those summer essentials hiding at the back of your wardrobe are about to have their chance to shine once again. It’ll soon be time to banish those boots and close-toe shoes as you embrace your summer style and soak up the heat in strappy sandals, fun flip-flops and lightweight shoes that pair perfectly with shorts and summer dresses.
If you’re hoping to update your shoe collection with some of the latest spring and summer shoe trends, look no further than our style guide to this year’s must-have summer shoes for both women and men.
Women's shoes trending for summer 2022
Strappy sandals
Sleek and sophisticated, you can rarely go wrong with a strappy pair of sandals – and as warmer weather approaches, strappy sandals are one of the top-rated fashion trends for 2022. Thin straps are incredibly versatile, so whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or keeping it casual in blue jeans and a t-shirt, slip a pair of these trending sandals on to complete your ensemble. If you’re after a super-striking look, choose knee-high strappy sandals and team with a floaty summer dress for an effortless contrast between structured and unstructured.
Architectural heels
Bold and charismatic with interesting shapes and designs, architectural heels are a work of art. Expect to see lots of geometric heels in blocky, triangular and round styles designed with the intention of turning heads. Given their show-stopping nature, architectural heels shouldn’t just be worn to any old event. Save yours for a formal work party or summer wedding to really give your outfit that va-va-voom.
Flatforms
A must-have in your summer shoe collection, flatforms are the perfect way to add subtle height to your look while keeping your feet nice and comfortable. Black or brown leather styles work well with loose white linen trousers and a floral blouse, while chunky sole flatforms provide a sportier vibe and look great with light blue jeans and a boxy t-shirt. If you’re looking for authentic, retro style, opt for some fun flatform trainers for the perfect balance of style and performance.
Office chic
Whether you’re off for brunch with the girls or heading to a formal event, flaunt the perfect tailored chic style with a cute pair of loafers – perfect with cropped trousers and a crisp white shirt. If you’re after a statement finish, add a touch of luxe to your look with loafers in sparking gold or silver, or alternatively, go bright with loafers in bold shades of blue, pink or red for a fresh approach to this classic style.
Linked-up ballet pumps
For sheer versatility and comfort, ballet pumps are sure to be a welcome addition to your 2022 summer shoe collection. And this year, the classic ballet shoe has had a modern makeover with the addition of delicate chain straps. Keep things simple with a black strappy pump teamed with leggings and a feminine blouse, or integrate a seasonal palette with shades of blue, pink and green and get ready to fall in love with flats all over again.
Clogs
Hot on the fashion trend forecast for spring/summer 2022 are clogs. Love them or hate them, these chunky-soled, unashamedly loud shoes are having their moment, having been featured on pretty much all the catwalks of this season. Reckon you could rock a pair? Team them with blue skinny jeans and a trench coat for a breezy spring look or dress up smart with straight-leg black trousers and a formal blouse.
All things orange
Bright and bold colours are a big hit this year, with orange stealing the style spotlight. Think of it as the colour of 2022. From orange sandals and mules to gorgeous heels and wedges in various sunset shades, you won’t be short of style options when it comes to finding an orange pair. Team your orange shoes with a dress in a similar shade for an all-out bold look or add them to a neutral-coloured outfit for a fun pop of colour.
Textures
Remember last year’s fluffy sandals and sliders? Well, they’re back, and they’re better than ever! As well as fluffy textures, expect to see lots of lace, fringe and straw to give your footwear that extra dimension. Tempted to try textures? These are sure to be some of the best summer shoes your wardrobe has seen. Wear your textured shoes with a simple bodycon midi dress in the summer, or pair with a cool denim jacket and jeans combo for those colder days.
Men's shoes trending for summer 2022
Cool and casual
A sleek and laid-back pair of trainers is an essential element of men’s summer style. Chunky white soles are on-trend, while sporty styles are perfect for a kick about at the park or a relaxed alfresco meal with friends. White leather can be worn with virtually any outfit, so you’ll be happy to know that white leather trainers aren’t stepping out of style any time soon!
Take a hike
Hiking boots have made their way into the mainstream thanks to the spring/summer 2022 catwalks. They’re the perfect combination of practicality and style, working well in a variety of settings. To add these into your everyday summer look, try pairing them with jeans or beige chinos and a plain t-shirt.
Colour pop
Spring and summer are the perfect opportunity to embrace colour. Be bold and add vibrant pops to your outfit with your shoes, choosing bright colours or prints that’ll complement neutral chinos and a white short-sleeved shirt nicely. Liven-up a laid-back outfit with trainers in shades of vivid red, blue and green, or choose pops of pastel for a toned-down take on colour.
Back to business
Loafers are a go-to shoe for formal occasions, and a great option for work events, dinners or blissful summer weddings. Investing in a pair of loafers is the perfect way to bring elegance and sophistication into your otherwise-casual summer wardrobe -- and with their popularity with high-end labels on both men’s and women’s catwalks, there’s never been a better time to invest in some for yourself.
Now you’ve learnt what shoes will be in style in 2022, it’s time to give your wardrobe a refresh! Sunnier days are coming, but if you aren’t ready to see the back of your boots just yet, explore our guide to styling boots in the summer.
