I Live in NYC, and These Are the 5 Summer Shoe Trends It Girls Are Wearing

Ruby McAuliffe
·4 min read

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Including kitten heels and flats from Tory Burch and Steve Madden.

<p>Free People / Steve Madden</p>

Free People / Steve Madden

Growing up in Southern California, summer shoes meant Birkenstocks and Rainbow flip-flops. While I love a good sandal moment, NYC has taught me that that’s not the only way to dress for the season—especially when you want to protect your feet from subway floors and crowded streets. One quick glance around the city and you’ll spot some recurring footwear styles, and I’m breaking them down for you, below.

NYC Summer Shoe Trends

Mary Janes

<p>Free People</p>

Free People

If you don’t own a pair of Mary Janes yet, what are you doing? Sarah Jessica Parker, Kelly Ripa, and Katie Holmes (all NYC habitants, BTW) have all proved that this isn’t your grade-school kind of shoe, especially when you opt for bold, funky details.

Free People offers a disco ball-like metallic pair featuring a ruched front, Madewell brings edgy hardware to the party, and Sam Edelman opts for a square toe and chunky buckle. Style them like a true New Yorker with baggy denim and a boxy tee.

Kitten Heels

<p>Amazon</p>

Amazon

The Big Apple is a commuter city, so soaring tall heels just don’t cut it (unless you’re hailing a yellow cab, of course). That’s why tons of girlies rely on kitten heels, a shorter yet just as chic alternative.

Vince Camuto has an open-toe version that’s perfect for sunshine-filled days, while Open Edit offers a sandal ideal for those Aperol Spritz happy hours. For something more sophisticated, consider the Steve Madden Syrie Kitten Heel, including a slingback strap, pointed toe, and cinched front.

Mesh Flats

<p>Steve Madden</p>

Steve Madden

Almost each time I ride the subway, I spot the mesh shoe trend—and to my surprise, it’s not overrated. The ventilated silhouette offers a breezy solution to sweaty, hot feet, all while looking elegant. (Just take a look at Jennifer Lawrence for proof.)

I snagged these Steve Madden flats and am obsessed with the glitzy rhinestones. This Jeffrey Campbell style is another great find thanks to the super girly lace material, while the Coconuts by Matisse shoes offer a traditional mesh design.

White Sneakers

<p>Cariuma</p>

Cariuma

I wasn’t allowed to wear light-colored kicks growing up for fear of dirtying them. Now, I wear white tennis shoes in one of the busiest cities like it’s my job. Who wouldn’t when they pair with nearly everything, including sundresses, cut-off shorts, and airy trousers?

The canvas Cariuma Oca Low Sneaker is an all-time fave thanks to the washable design, while the Løci Origin tennis shoe is perfect for dressier events. You can also never go wrong with the classic Reebok Vintage Walking Shoe to top off all of your casual ‘fits.

Cap-Toe Flats

<p>Nordstrom</p>

Nordstrom

Cap-toe flats will never go out of style due to their timeless allure, beloved by stars like Meghan Markle. During the warm seasons, they easily dress up linen shorts and sleek tank tops as well, so snag the Tory Burch Claire version for an elegant take on the style, the Aldo slingback flat for a pillow-like alternative, or the Vivaia almond-toe shoe for an option you can wear all day.

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