My full-blown shoe obsession might pose a good few issues for me at home, but at work, it’s a veritable blessing in disguise. It has meant that I’ve gladly spent hours nosying through stylish women’s shoe-drobes in my quest to hunt down the best footwear collections in the world, dedicated much of my free time to scouting out cool new shoe brands, and delighted in interviewing icons of the industry like Kristina Blahnik.
But best of all, is the fact that all my scrolling through the new-in shoe sections online actually has some practical use. Namely: notifying me to trends before they even hit the streets. Which is why I’m here today to tell you that the next big thing in footwear is going to be square-toe heels.
While the internet is still going mad over the Saint Laurent razor-sharp, super-pointy stilettos currently favoured by the likes of Hailey Bieber and Teyana Taylor, I’ve noticed that some of the coolest fashion brands out there have quietly been dropping their own takes on a decidedly (and quite literally) edgier style.
In the past week alone, I’ve spotted fresh new square-toe shoe designs from the likes of Khaite, Alaïa, Victoria Beckham, Givenchy, Stella McCartney, Phoebe Philo and The Row—and if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that wherever these brands go, the rest tend to follow.
Little wonder, then, that said designs have already started cropping up on the feet of some of the most stylish women in the know—particularly those who favour a more pared-back, modern minimalist aesthetic over the high-octane glamour of a pointy stiletto.
Currently, it seems that simple black square-toe heeled pumps with a certain Nineties workwear vibe are dominating above all, with Khaite, The Row and Bottega Veneta leading the charge. Meanwhile, Alaïa has the widest selection, from the colour pop blue and yellow calf-hair styles, to the leather knee-high boots giving your usual everyday pair a run for their money.
Victoria Beckham’s elegant designs take a more “squoval” approach that’s ideal for those who prefer a slightly less harsh silhouette, while Sarah Burton has made the square-toe her footwear signature in this new Givenchy era, across ballet flats, loafers and heels to boot. And naturally, more affordable square-toe heels are beginning to crop up on the high street now too, so you don’t have to commit to a sizeable investment if you’re curious to dip your toe into the trend.
Given the versatility of the square-toe heel—that can quite literally be swapped in to replace any other style in your repertoire and instantly add modern edge to an outfit—I predict it’s going to be a major hit in the coming months. So why not get ahead of the masses and secure your perfect pair now? Keep scrolling to shop my edit of the very best.
Shop The Best Square Toe Heels
ZARA
Limited Edition Leather High Heel Shoes
Zara’s simple square-toe pumps are a dead ringer for a certain designer pair—minus the massive price-tag.
H&M
Cone-Heel Satin Mules
These mules would make an excellent option come party season.
ALAÏA
90 Calf Hair Pumps
Alaïa’s calf-hair colour-pop pumps are a cult must-have in the making. The blue colourway is practically sold out already.
ARKET
Block Heel Leather Pumps
The chunkier heel adds to the minimalist vibes, while also offering added comfort and practicality.
For a more fashion-forward take on the trend, why not try Alaïa’s exquisite mushroom-brown mules?
The Row
Penelope Leather Pumps
The Row can always be relied upon to make the most effortless yet refined shoes, and these are no different.
Victoria Beckham
100 Leather Pumps
Of course Victoria Beckham is the woman behind the sexiest square-toe heels around, featuring an almost impossibly-thin stiletto heel and deep burgundy leather.
Phoebe Philo
Soft Pump 90
Phoebe Philo nails the vibe every single time, so if she’s put her name behind these white square-toe heels, you know they’re going to be big.
Secure these now while they’re 30% off. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Alaïa
Square Leather Pumps
I’m firmly of the opinion that sometimes, simple is best—and these pumps are proof.
Givenchy
Sliced Square 95 Patent Leather Pumps
Sarah Burton is the brains behind this season’s coolest party shoe: a square-toed pump in metallic gold. Simply divine.
Lean all the way into the Rachel Green vibes by pairing these with a check midi skirt and thick grey tights.
Bottega Veneta
Patent Leather Mary Jane Pumps
For a more elegant, elongated square toe, look no further than Bottega Veneta.
Alaïa
Leather Knee-High Boots
Looking to invest in a pair of smart, sturdy and stylish knee-high boots this season? I’d recommend this fabulous Alaïa pair.
Stella McCartney
Eve Faux Leather Pumps
Stella McCartney’s square-toe pumps offer a chic, sock-like design.
Ok, they’re not strictly new, but Prada’s satin square-toe mules were clearly ahead of their time—and they’ll never fail to add a pop of colourful fun to an outfit.