An Australian stylist shares the top footwear trends of the season

Footwear fetish.

Shoes have a little more responsibility than the rest of the items in our wardrobes. First off, they have to be functional. As a wise woman at the op shop once told me while she watched me try to cram my feet into a cheap pair of Louboutins, “Uncomfortable shoes show on your face”. The pain is never worth it. 

But the shoes we spend our hard-earned money on also have to be versatile enough that they’ll get a good amount of wear and comfortable and cute enough that they’ll give us that extra confidence boost when we walk out the door. 

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The formula isn’t a simple one, but Midas Shoes, the official footwear partner of this year’s Melbourne Fashion Week, seems to have it figured out. We’re choosing wedges over teetering stilettos and leaning into cosiness with easy-going slip-ons. Below, Melbourne Fashion Week stylist Karinda Mutabazi has shared her top trends from this year’s runways.

Clogs

“Clogs are back in a big way,” she tells me. What was once only the shoe of choice for your patchouli-drenched almond mum has now found itself returned to the fashion lexicon. Consider the clog to be the chunkier, kitschier cousin of the mule. Traditionally made in part or entirely from wood, the age-old shoes have been given a modern makeover and can now be found crafted from leather and suede, in bold, eye-catching hues with thick platform soles. 

“The ’70s silhouette pairs well with the palazzo wider style pants or dresses for the season ahead. If you have to be pushed out of your Crocs into something more stylish for summer this is a way to up the aesthetic but still keep the comfort factor.”

Ballet and barre

Arguably the most coveted shoe of the past year, the ballet flat isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Channelling elegance, femininity and grace, the silhouette is simple and streamlined and works with a surprisingly wide array of outfits. 

“The ’90s/early noughties trend has doubled down this season and has been given a sophisticated edge. The Mary Jane style multi-strap is a way of making this rehearsal room shoe look more chic. The ultimate pairing is with a pastel or patterned tight or delicate knee-high sock. It really takes this look to the next level.”

Embellished metallic hardware

When Florence Pugh teamed up with Valentino earlier this year to revamp its iconic Rockstud collection, we knew we were going to see a lot more footwear bedazzling on the runway.

“If you are looking for something a bit more fancy on the foot than the standard sandal, look for embellished metallic hardware. Key styles to look for are the double strap slides and velcro sandals adorned with eyelets studs and chains. The little bit of sparkle takes the styles to a whole new level,” says Karinda.

Androgynous

Once again this year the runways are full of genderless looks and sharp, powerful tailoring. According to Karinda, the best shoe for this is the leather sandal. Bringing together comfort, high-quality materials and effortless wearability (especially during the smoking-hot Australian summer), they’re a true staple.

“Oversized androgynous tailoring in neutral tones are key items this season. Look to Bec + Bridge, Arndsorf and Camilla and Marc for great examples. The shoe to match this style for ultimate class and comfort is a chunky leather sandal. Minimal is key for this look, the focus is on the chunky sole and the strap detail.”

Browse Midas’ full range of footwear here.