Put your best foot forward with the sassiest shoes of 2022

Look beyond the ideals of comfort, its the year of fashion’s official return to drama, glam, and luxury – ushering in the minimal maximal aesthetic with a side of Y2K redux. While comfort-crusaders like Uggs, Birkenstocks, and Crocs continue to make an appearance, we have designers and brands embracing vivid palettes and reinterpreting silhouettes to give shoes a much-deserved high-octane treatment. Be it Instagrammable crystal-adorned pumps, towering platform sandals, strappy stilettoes, or a viral creative collaboration – designers are prepared to find a balance of classic and experimental with a host of colours, texture, shape, and dramatic flair.

With Y2K redux being the focal point of all things fashion, we sure are smitten by the nostalgic, yet fresh appeal of Fendi Shearling-Trim Sandals, The Attico Crocodile-Effect Leather Sandals, and Amina Muaddi Crystal-Embellished Tiger Stripe Satin Mules. And continuing down that nostalgic road, we believe the ultra-high Versace Medusa Platform Sandals, Simon Rocha Fringed Ivory Pearl Beaded Ballerinas (Ah! Breathtakingly gorgeous), preppy and polished Khaite The King Loafers, and awe-inspiring Dior Lace-up Gladiator Sandals would make the chicest walk partners ever. While the craze for Loewe Rose-Heel Leather Sandals (and other heel variations like nail polish, broken egg, and candle) and Mach Mach Double Bow Crystal Pumps isn’t ending anytime soon, we are placing our bets on Jimmy Choo X Mugler boots and Gucci X Adidas Gazelle to be the next cult stars of Instagram. And yes, wedges are back in the realms of fashion. If you don’t believe us, check out Bottega Veneta F/W’22 Wedge-Heeled Pumps and Prada Brushed-Effect Leather Slingback Pumps – and you’ll be reveling in the magnificence of the sculptural, modernist designs.

Well, a great pair of shoes definitely make a lasting impression in real and reel life alike. So, are you ready to strut down the Instagram runway in Mach Mach? Dance the night away in Valentino? Or just admire the beauty of Simone Rocha? In either case, scroll through our edit of 2022’s most striking shoes, and start preparing your splurges for the ultimate shoe gala that this year is.

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