Summer 2024 Footwear Trends: What Stylists Say is In and Out

Fashion industry experts report a shift toward minimalist silhouettes and tactile materials for summer 2024, with suede textures and metallic hardware replacing chunky, high-volume footwear. While classic espadrilles and traditional rubber flip-flops are losing market share, designers are pivoting toward woven leather and “barely-there” strap configurations to align with a broader industry move toward understated, versatile aesthetics.

The Rise of Suede and Metallic Accents

Texture has become the primary focal point for summer footwear, according to New York-based stylist Molly West Coe. Suede, typically reserved for cooler months, is now a dominant material for warm-weather sandals, including strappy designs and elevated flip-flops. This trend reflects a broader consumer preference for tactile, premium materials that transition easily from casual settings to more formal environments. Simultaneously, personal stylist Letam “Ley” Duson notes that “jewelry for your feet”—specifically gold-tone rings, bands, and decorative hardware—is replacing plain, unadorned thong sandals. This shift toward ornamentation allows consumers to accessorize simple monochromatic outfits without adding additional layers of clothing.

Why Minimalist Wedges and Woven Leather are Trending

Two distinct styles are currently defining the summer market: the minimalist thong wedge and the traditional huarache. Designer Laura Unruh, founder of the luxury footwear label LOU.EARL, attributes the resurgence of the thong wedge to a renewed cultural interest in the minimalist aesthetic of the 1990s, often exemplified by the late Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. These sandals rely on clean lines and neutral palettes, providing a streamlined alternative to bulky footwear. Meanwhile, Patrick Kenger, lead stylist at Pivot, reports that huarache-style woven leather sandals are capturing significant interest due to their durability and breathability. Unlike mass-produced synthetic options, these woven designs—which trace their origins to indigenous Mexican craftsmanship—offer a structured, “dressed-up” look that functions well in both professional and leisure contexts.

Shifting Away from Chunky Gladiators and Espadrilles

Stylists are observing a decline in the popularity of “heavy” sandal designs, specifically knee-high gladiator styles and chunky, raffia-wrapped espadrilles. Unruh suggests that high-reaching gladiator sandals have become difficult to style in a contemporary landscape that favors simplicity. Similarly, Duson argues that traditional espadrilles are beginning to feel dated, prompting a move toward sleeker platform sandals or leather wedges that offer height without the bulky, rustic aesthetic of traditional rope soles. For consumers seeking a modern update to the classic summer shoe, the industry is favoring “barely-there” designs with thin straps that emphasize a clean, minimalist silhouette.

Quick Comparison: Summer 2024 Trends

What to Expect Next in Footwear

As the season progresses, the move toward color is expected to accelerate. Duson observes that while neutral tones remain a staple, consumers are increasingly using footwear as a primary point of interest. Neon oranges, hot pinks, and vibrant blues are replacing muted colorways, particularly for those wearing monochromatic clothing. This emphasis on bold color, paired with the movement toward refined materials like suede and leather, signals a departure from the purely utilitarian approach to summer footwear that dominated previous years. Investors and consumers should expect a continued focus on “quiet luxury” silhouettes that prioritize material quality over complex, oversized construction.