From gladiator sandals to Birkenstocks, the summer season is one of our favourites when it comes to footwear, with a flurry of new trends gracing the catwalk each year and giving us the chance to take a more laid-back approach to the way shoes adorn our feet.
While there’s no denying that lofty heels and chic stilettos are the epitome of glamour and sophistication, the summer months are all about letting our feet breathe and giving them a little bit of much-needed TLC after spending the winter months housed in closed-in boots and courts. Nevertheless, this certainly doesn’t mean compromising on style, and this season’s hottest looks have managed to effortlessly combine it with comfort in one of the most exciting summer footwear lineups we’ve seen in a while.
We asked the experts at online New Zealand shoe store patmenziesshoes.co.nz, which stocks the latest models from some of the world’s top designers and fashion houses, to share their take on the biggest summer shoe trends for 2022. Get shopping now to get ahead of the style game.
The ballet pump
When it comes to dainty footwear choices, it doesn’t get much better than the ultra-feminine ballet pump, and your feet will thank you for giving them a break from those towering heels. Look out for this year’s twists on the trend, which feature everything from shearling detailing to lace-up straps for added style points.
The statement clog
We must admit, the clog is a footwear style we thought we’d seen the back of, but this 70s inspired shoe, which enjoyed renewed popularity throughout the 90s, is back once more. Flat, wooden and textured are the orders of the day, and paired with the right outfits, they look surprisingly chic.
The Mary Jane
The retro Mary Jane is a style that never falls out of favour for long, but still, it’s one we haven’t seen on the runways in quite some time, so we’re happy to see them making a welcome return once more. With heel heights to suit all tastes and occasions, only patent leather will do when it comes to the finish. The shiner, the better.
Neon brights
Of course, the new season brings with it not just new styles to embrace, but new colours, too – and if you haven’t noticed yet, neons are set to be one of the hottest looks for summer 2022. From highlighter yellows to fluorescent pinks and greens, it’s time to have fun with colour and let your shoes do the talking. Wear a bright pair of sandals with a simple white outfit for maximum style points.
The kitten heel
This summer might be all about comfort, but if you just can’t bring yourself to give up those heels, then opt for a low kitten style to enjoy the best of both worlds. Chic and sophisticated, as well as being easy enough to walk in, choose a simple open-toed pair with a bow-style strap – pastel hues are one of the cutest ways to nail the trend and pair as perfectly with a pair of relaxed ‘mom’ jeans and a simple t-shirt as they do a full-on 90s party look, mini skirt and all.
Faux fur everything
It might seem like an odd season in which to embrace faux fur, given that summer brings with it the warmest months of the year. But it seems that the world’s most famous fashion houses aren’t put off by a tiny detail such as this, and for 2022, we’re seeing sliders, shoes and slippers all comprising elements of this soft and fuzzy material. So, how to embrace the trend without getting overheated? Opt for an open pair of sliders or sandals for maximum air flow and you’ll barely notice the effects – but others will certainly note your style statement.
The flatform sandal
Flatforms – or flat platforms – have been having a moment over the past few summers, and this year, they’re back and chunkier than ever before. As the 90s continue to inspire fashion trends across the board this year, monochrome sandals with thick platforms are our favourite way to achieve added height whilst retaining maximum comfort, and will look good with just about everything as the temperature begins to rise.
