With New York Fashion Week officially wrapped, FN’s fashion team ranks the season’s best shoe moments—from Victorian-inspired heels to sporty, flatform pool slides. While the styles were vast and definitely varied, the season was all about unifying the same message: new takes on classic styles. But the footwear was anything but basic.
Take a look at our top 22 picks below:
1. Givenchy
The brogue is one of the most quintessential styles. Here it was torn apart, reworked and completely rethought — for her and for him. Both made a strong point, quite literally. For women, a heeled bootie with sheer paneling picked up on the reveal-and-conceal of designer Riccardo Tisci’s apparel collection. The tongue of these Victorian-laced shoes formed an exaggerated square — though the style was anything but.
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2. Oscar de la Renta
Designer Peter Copping had Spain on the brain. Footwear lead Daniel Lawler responded with a spirited bevy of exquisite embellished espadrilles and tango-ready pumps. Ole!
3. Altuzarra
Referencing his father’s Basque heritage, Joseph Altuzarra showed a winning new take on the espadrille upper, fusing it with a single-sole stiletto.
4. Brother Vellies
CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner Aurora James showed modern riffs on traditional African shoes — all made in South Africa, Kenya and Morocco.
5. Marc Jacobs
Festivity was in the air with Jacobs’ marching band-inspired collection. Star-spangled shoes were done in pointy, lace-up silhouettes.
6. Tommy Hilfiger
Hilfiger amped up the sport sandal with a mixed-media spin that sent an Out of Office alert.
7. Alexander Wang
The label celebrated its 10th anniversary with a look forward, not back, featuring chunky sandals with hard-edged, experimental extras.
8. Michael Kors
Buckle up. The belt-strap wedge sandal is sure to become a spring ’16 essential.
9. Coach
Patchwork boots, in both floral-printed and solid leathers, added a feminine touch to the quirky style.
10. Rodarte
Paired with Commando’s lacey hosiery, the brand’s graphic metallic boots and retro T-bars channeled fierce rock ’n’ roll frontwomen.
11. Anna Sui
Sheer sockettes added a cool trick to draped suede sandals and slingbacks.
12. Prabal Gurung
Clean shapes and swooping cutouts let vibrant colors and shimmering trims shine on mules and pointed pumps.
13. Thakoon
Woven sandals combined huarache and gladiator vibes in one.
14. Proenza Schouler
A strong circular motif and thick straps gave kitten heels unexpected seduction.
15. Calvin Klein
Klein’s signature sporty, minimal aesthetic was reworked. Sneakers were done in satin with frayed edging.
16. Derek Lam
The unexpected élan of white, witchy booties subverted Lam’s Americana sportswear and breezy dresses.
17. Marchesa
The label’s first signature shoe collection offered an assortment of decorative stilettos and booties.
18. Ralph Lauren
Stepping up his shoe game considerably, Lauren showed chic cork slides with serious lift.
19. 3.1 Phillip Lim
The designer fêted his 10th anniversary with a spashly show that was rife with hybrid boots.
20. Hood by Air
Statement platform sandals (worn by both male and female models) came splayed with “Air,” while white Nike sneakers were crisp.
21. Rag & Bone
Sporty high-tops channeled ’90s Reeboks and Air Jordans, albeit with an elevated verve.
22. Lacoste
The pool slide is ready for lift-off. With a flatform sneaker sole, this normcore favorite made quite a splash.
Click through the gallery below to explore all the styles.
