Do you know how stiletto got its name?
The term “stiletto” comes from the Italian word for a small dagger. Stiletto heels were designed to resemble the sharp, slender blade of a dagger.
Often we ponder so much about our clothes but shoes plays an equally important role to complete our ensemble. Let’s check out some of the 2023 most fashionable footwear and see if you have these styles in your cabinet.
Evolution Over Time: Footwear has evolved significantly over time. In ancient civilisations, shoes were simple and utilitarian. However, in the modern era, footwear has become a significant fashion statement. High heels, for example, have evolved from practical riding shoes in the 16th century to iconic fashion pieces today. Sneakers, initially designed for sports, are now everyday fashion items. The introduction of new materials, manufacturing techniques, and the influence of famous designers have shaped the ever-changing world of women’s shoes.
We are well aware of the various shapes of shoes that we wear or see around.
- Flats: Comfortable and versatile for everyday wear.
- Mules: Backless shoes sometimes comes in peep toe or in pointy toes.
- Heels: Ranging from stilettos to wedges, offering height and elegance.
- Boots: Available in ankle, knee-high, and thigh-high styles for different occasions.
- Sneakers: Casual and athletic shoes, popular for comfort and style.
- Sandals: Ideal for warm weather, with various designs from flip-flops to gladiators.
- Oxfords and Brogues: Classic lace-up shoes with various embellishments.
- Pumps: Closed-toe, low-cut shoes with various heel heights, suitable for formal occasions.
- Espadrilles: They are casual, rope-soled, flat but sometimes high-heeled shoes. They usually have a canvas or cotton fabric upper and a flexible sole made of esparto rope.
- Loafers: In the 1930s, the term “loafer” emerged to describe a slip-on shoe that gained popularity among both men and women as a relaxed, casual footwear option. These shoes featured a straightforward design, characterised by their absence of laces or buckles and a low, flat heel.
Now let’s see what is in and what is out in the year 2023.
Flats: If you are comfortable wearing flats then a few flats are quite trending in this year…The choice of flat footwear depends on your personal style and the occasion. Whether you’re going for a casual, formal, or ethnic look, there’s likely a flat shoe option that suits your needs. The studded and braided soft flats are totally in…Fashion calls for comfort.
Many flat shoes, especially inexpensive ones, lack proper arch support. This can lead to foot discomfort, especially if you have flat feet or other foot conditions. Flats often have minimal cushioning compared to athletic or orthopedic shoes, which can make them less comfortable for extended periods of walking or standing. Flat shoes may not provide adequate shock absorption, which can result in increased impact on your joints and feet, potentially causing pain and discomfort .So before selecting this style make sure that you don’t need to walk on uneven terrain for very long time. Or else try to buy atleast a little cushioned sole for better longevity .
The Birkenstock– Yes, it is not a shoe category but a well-known German footwear brand that specialises in comfortable, orthopedic sandals and shoes. The company was founded in 1774 by Johann Adam Birkenstock and has a long history of crafting high-quality, ergonomic footwear. Birkenstock is perhaps most famous for its contoured cork footbed, which is designed to provide excellent arch support and cushioning. This footbed is a hallmark of the brand and is a key feature in many of their shoe designs. Over the years there are many companies who have copied them and have come up with their own versions. Though it is extremely comfortable and sturdy but in terms of looks I find it stocky and manly. Not a great fashionable style for me. But it is a great alternative to do your everyday chores. They are a little pricey but are long lasting. So if you decide to invest in a pair then I must say its a good solution for your knee and back pain.
Sling back Pumps– Slingback heels for women are a timeless and sophisticated choice of footwear. These heels feature a strap that wraps around the back of the heel, leaving the front of the foot open, creating an elegant and chic look. Sling backs come in a variety of styles, heel heights, and materials, making them versatile for various occasions and are absolutely trending for 2023 .These pumps are stylish and comes in all sorts of heels. Starting from blocks, to kitten to stilettos. They are versatile and goes with anything whether it’s a dress, skirt or kurtis.Many slingback heels are designed with comfort in mind, often featuring cushioned insoles and adjustable straps for a secure fit. This makes them a practical choice for events that require long hours of standing or dancing. Whether you’re attending a wedding, a business meeting, or a cocktail party, these heels can effortlessly elevate your outfit, making you feel confident and stylish. Their timeless appeal and adaptability make them a wardrobe essential for fashion-conscious women.
Ballet flats- Ballet flats are a classic and enduring style of women’s footwear known for their simplicity, comfort, and timeless elegance. These versatile shoes are inspired by the graceful design of ballet slippers, featuring a flat sole and a close-fitting, slip-on silhouette. Whether you have to rush to get your child or board a bus or go for shopping with your friends…for any occasion this style is perfect and hassle free . They typically lack heels and have a sleek, streamlined appearance, making them a perfect choice for achieving an understated yet chic look. Ballet flats can have different toe shapes, such as rounded, pointed, or almond-shaped. The toe shape can impact the overall look and feel of the shoes. Ballet flats draw inspiration from ballet dance shoes, emphasising the importance of grace and comfort in footwear design.
Fashion Sneakers- Fashion sneakers, often referred to simply as “sneakers” or “athletic-inspired footwear,” have become a significant trend in the fashion industry. These sneakers combine the comfort and functionality of athletic shoes with stylish design elements, making them a popular choice for both casual and athleisure wear. Im not talking about complete sports performance wear. Over time we have started pairing these style with jeans , skirts, dresses and practically with everything. Even Indian brides have started wearing embroidered sneakers(check out details in my other blog: Footwear for indian occasion). Below are some of the hottest trends of 2023.
Fashion sneakers come in various materials, including leather, suede, canvas, mesh, and synthetic fabrics. The choice of material influences the shoe’s overall style and suitability for different seasons. Sneakers from popular fashion brands often feature distinctive logos and branding elements, adding to their desirability and style. Many high-end fashion designers collaborate with athletic brands to create limited-edition fashion sneakers, blending luxury fashion with sportswear aesthetics. You can opt for colored sneakers if you already have your whites in place. I prefer platform sneakers because they not only provide me with the desired height but also offer comfort in footwear.
Tie up Sandals: This refers to a style of footwear that features straps or laces that need to be fastened by tying them around the ankle or leg. These shoes are known for their distinctive and fashionable look.These shoes are often favoured for warm-weather seasons, such as spring and summer, due to their open and breathable design. However, they can also be styled for transitional and mild autumn weather. These shoes come in a wide range of colors and materials, making it easy to find a pair that complements your style and outfit.
Loafers: Loafers are a classic and versatile style of slip-on shoes known for their timeless design and comfortable fit. Loafers typically have a low, flat heel or a slight heel, which adds a touch of elevation without compromising on comfort. Loafers have a timeless and classic appeal that has made them a wardrobe staple for both men and women. They have remained in style for decades and continue to be a popular choice.Tassel loafers are another popular style characterized by decorative tassels or fringes on the front of the shoe. Some options have too much chunky gold plated chains. Personally I avoid them or anything that is too big and overpowering . Whether its trousers, skirts or formal wear or jeans loafers are versatile and can be combined differently.
Shoes that have lost its charm in 2023.
Fashion trends can change rapidly, and what’s considered “charming” or fashionable can vary from year to year. While it’s essential to remember that personal style is subjective, certain shoe styles may have lost popularity or faded from the fashion scene in 2023 due to evolving tastes and trends.
If you have a flat foot you should be careful with gladiators or any multi strap shoes and its generally comes in flats. Your foot need a good support that it doesn’t provide. Crocs on the other hand can be a choice of many but personally I find it too blocky and chunky and absolutely unfashionable. It’s better to wear a simple sandal than a peep toe since they are too uncomfortable for the finger positions . Shoes should be aesthetically pleasing while giving comfort but some shoes are too big for our overall look.
Maintenance of the shoes:
Initiate a routine of consistent shoe maintenance by gently cleaning your footwear with a soft brush or cloth and storing them in a cool, dry environment. Employ shoe trees to preserve their shape and steer clear of wearing them in adverse weather conditions. Contemplate the use of a protective spray to shield against stains and moisture harm, and seek professional polishing or repairs as necessary. By adhering to these uncomplicated recommendations, your shoes will retain their sharp appearance and remain dependable companions for many years to come.
