A shoe last is a three-dimensional mold used to shape the interior of a shoe. In other words, the last is the “skeleton” of the shoe, determining its shape and fit when you wear it. Besides the sneakers that are dominating street fashion, Summer 2024 witnesses a stylish journey with four essential shoe lasts. Prioritizing comfort while still being eye-catching, these shoe styles have quickly made their way into the favorite wardrobes of renowned fashionistas.
The “kitten heels” craze hasn’t cooled down yet
Kitten heels—those slender high heels with a moderate height—continue to assert their “queen” status in Summer 2024. The allure of these “kitten” shoes lies in their design, which prioritizes comfort while still delivering the distinctive sensuality of a chic pointed toe. When paired with summer outfits, this shoe style creates a stylish look with a subtle and refined polish. Leading fashion houses have introduced impressive color and style variations of the kitten heel on the Spring-Summer runways, igniting the vibrant spirit of sunny days.
Pairing the “pop of red” from kitten heels with a monochrome outfit is an intriguing formula that will help you become the center of attention.
The arrival of mules.
Spring-Summer 2024 witnesses the impressive comeback of mules (backless shoes). Once considered “prematurely aging,” these shoes have now become a favored fashion icon. The backless design not only adds an elegant and refined touch to any outfit but also offers comfort and freedom in style. Leading brands have quickly embraced mules, elevating the design to new heights with a variety of styles. Prada and Loewe focus on subtlety and luxury with minimalist designs, while Alexander McQueen introduces a bolder fashion perspective with trendy metallic colorways for the backless silhouette.
A great suggestion that’s being actively promoted by fashionistas is the pairing of mules with capri pants. The combination of cropped pants and comfortable backless shoes creates a stylish and effortlessly chic look for sunny summer strolls.
Ballet Flats Undergo an Impressive Transformation
Following the rise of the “balletcore” trend from 2023, ballet flats continue to dominate the fashion scene across Asia and Europe, showing no signs of cooling down. From the runway to street style, these ballet shoes have become symbols of softness and femininity, yet remain modern and stylish. Unlike the previous year’s simple designs that favored neutral colors, the ballet flats of Summer 2024 have undergone a striking transformation, emerging in more impressive and bold versions. Luxury fashion houses have made these ballet flats the focal point of their shows, featuring dazzling embellishments and standout metallic accents.
A key highlight of this season’s ballet flats is the variety of colors and designs, ranging from vibrant tones to innovative, unconventional details. Balancing comfort with a feminine touch across different styles, it’s no surprise that ballet flats are highly favored by fashion enthusiasts.
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The “Height-Boosting” Effect of Wedge Heels
Amid the craze for flats and kitten heels, wedge heels have quietly made their mark with bold designs and an impressive ability to “hack” height. These “oversized” shoes are shaking up the fashion race of Summer 2024 with innovative styles and unique materials, catering to every aesthetic need of fashion enthusiasts. From feminine, soft designs to sleek and elegant styles, fashion brands have quickly introduced wedge heels with their own distinctive flair.
Bella Hadid couldn’t resist the wedge heel craze either, as she was spotted strolling the streets of New York in a design from Gucci. The “IT-Girl” opted for a loafer style featuring the iconic monogram of the Italian fashion house, paired with an all-Gucci outfit that perfectly embodies modern, elegant taste.
