I’ve been thinking a lot about shoes lately—probably more than usual. It’s not that I’m suddenly in the market for a dozen new pairs (though, let’s be honest, when am I not tempted?), but rather that I’ve been feeling uncharacteristically picky about what I bring home. Shoe design, in recent years, has seemed to stall in a kind of uninspired limbo. Rows of near-identical pumps, endless slip-on sneakers, and minimal sandals: all perfectly fine, but none stirring the kind of excitement that makes your heart skip when you spot them on a shelf.
That said, the tides seem to be shifting. There are hints—glimmers—of innovation again. I’ve noticed pieces that feel fresh, thoughtful, and in some cases, delightfully bold. And it’s reminded me just how much joy the right shoe can spark.
The Allure of Minimal Heels
One category that has been consistently catching my eye is the return of the strappy, barely-there heel. There’s something undeniably elegant about a shoe that whispers instead of shouts. These delicate designs flatter the foot, elongating the leg without overwhelming the outfit. They’re versatile, too—able to slip seamlessly from denim to dresses, from casual evenings out to formal events.
I love how these shoes act as a kind of quiet backdrop. They don’t compete with the drama of a bold print or structured tailoring; they simply let the rest of your look breathe. In a fashion landscape that has lately leaned into excess (oversized sneakers, massive boots, statement everything), a minimalist heel feels refreshing—like a pause, a deep breath.
The Thrill of Chunky Footwear
Of course, I also have to confess my weakness for the opposite end of the spectrum: the monster shoe. Chunky platform boots and heavy sneakers have been dominating for several seasons now, and I am very much on board. There’s a certain power that comes from stepping into something exaggerated and a little outrageous.
A platform boot, for example, instantly shifts your posture. You feel taller, yes, but also tougher—like you can take up more space in the world. It’s part fashion statement, part armor. I get the same charge from spotting others in them: a stranger on the street with thick-soled combat boots, a friend styling oversized sneakers with a breezy dress. There’s joy in watching people embrace footwear that is unapologetically bold, almost cartoonish in scale.
I suppose that’s the real magic of chunky shoes—they make you feel playful. They remind us that fashion doesn’t have to be serious to be impactful.
Where We’re Headed
So here we are, caught between the poles of restraint and excess: on one hand, the whisper of delicate strappy heels, and on the other, the shout of clunky platforms. Both feel right, depending on the moment. Both reflect different moods, different ways of moving through the world.
What excites me most is that shoe design seems to be waking up again. After years of stagnation, we’re seeing designers experiment, offering pieces that are not only functional but inspiring. Some are reinterpreting classics with sharper lines or unexpected materials. Others are pushing proportions, challenging what we expect from everyday footwear.
And maybe that’s what I’ve been waiting for—not necessarily the next “it shoe” or trend-of-the-season, but rather the sense that shoes can still surprise us.
A Few Favorites Right Now
While I won’t turn this into a shopping list (though the temptation is real), I can’t resist sharing a few silhouettes I find especially appealing at the moment:
- Sculptural strappy heels – Think minimal, but with a twist: an unexpected angle to the straps, or a heel shaped like art.
- Heavy-duty platform boots – The chunkier, the better. Perfect with oversized knits or to balance out a feminine dress.
- Statement sneakers – Not your basic white pair, but something oversized, color-blocked, or with exaggerated details.
- Playful mules – From sleek and simple to bold and textured, these strike the perfect middle ground.
Shoes may not save the world, but they do have the power to shift how we carry ourselves through it. Whether you lean toward barely-there elegance or stomping statement soles, the right pair can set the tone for your entire day. And right now, as trends lean both minimalist and maximalist, there’s room for all of it—for quiet, for drama, and for everything in between.
Because in the end, the best shoes are the ones that make you want to get up and move, even if it’s just down the block.
