As we head into the tail-end of 2024, it's the perfect time to take stock of the trends that took over our wardrobes this year. And when it comes to designer shoes, our feet were treated to some pretty distinct styles.

Yes, the enthusiasm for ballet-core flats and gorp-core sneakers carried over from last year with just as much vigour, but we saw those trends evolve (with the exception of the Margiela Tabi, which has had unmatched staying power). In 2024, ballet flats are coming studded, buckled and sheer; we’re channelling our school girl days with a pair of Mary-Janes; and Dad sneakers are flirting with coquette sensibilities – embellished in flower appliqués or diamantes.

This year, humble loafers were updated to platform iterations thanks to Gucci, while boots remained knee-skimming and oversized, still riding out the biker boot trend that picked up pace in 2022. Similarly, mules rose through the ranks in full force, thanks to houses like Loewe, Lemaire, Miu Miu, and Prada, who each made their mark on this once-overlooked silhouette.

As we edge towards warmer weather, we're pre-booking our pedicures in preparation for sandal styles, with The Row's fisherman sandals and nostalgic jelly flats planted firmly at the top of our wish lists. For when beach days turn into balmy evenings, heeled flip flops — or thongs, as we so lovingly call the here in Australia — have been given the stamp of approval by the likes of Coperni, Loewe, and Dries Van Noten.

There were also plenty of sneaker collaborations to covet in 2024, with the ever-popular Samba sneaker collaborations between adidas and British designer Grace Wales Bonner still topping the wish list of many. Similarly, the Miu Miu x New Balance capsule, and Maison Margiela's collab with Salomon have both, understandably, been sell-outs.

Whether you’re looking for a modern twist on a classic shoe, or just want to get your paws on one of the year's most covetable footwear accessories, we've rounded up a list of 18 of the most popular designer shoes of 2024 so far...

1. PRADA Leopard-Print Mules

2. WALES BONNER X ADIDAS Sambas 

3. MAISON MARGIELA Tabi Ballerina Flats

4. SANDY LIANG Blue MJ Double Strap Ballerina Flats

5. GANNI Buckle Ballerinas

6. BOTTEGA VENETA Lug Mary-Jane

7. BURBERRY Leather Tall Saddle Boots

8. GUCCI Ilde Horsebit Platform Loafers

9. CHANEL Velvet Ballet Flats

10. LOEWE Toy Mule

11. LEMAIRE Square Ballerina Heels

12. NEW BALANCE x MIU MIU 530 SL Leather Sneakers

13. SIMONE ROCHA Black Crystal Buckle Tracker Ballerina Flats

14. XT-4 Mule MM6 Maison Margiela x SALOMON Sneakers

15. THE ROW Fisherman Leather Sandals

16. MIU MIU Buckled Ballet Pumps

17. BOTTEGA VENETA Blink Mule

18. Loewe Toy Panta Heels