Our buyer’s guide to spring shoes

Be the main attraction

This season, designers proved that shoes could double up as wearable art, replacing heels with gravity-defying forms and shapes that were designed to be marvelled at. “Ferragamo’s horseshoe heels and Bottega Veneta’s double-knot mules went viral,” says Peter. As for how to style them? “Shoes like this need showcasing – wear them with minimalist tailoring or this season’s slip dresses.”

Heeled sandals by FERRAGAMO

Floor fillers

“After a long winter in trainers and heavy boots, we’re all ready to have fun and dress up again,” says Peter. “That means disco-ready platforms and high-voltage shoes that give us that dopamine hit,” he adds. “You won’t need Instagram filters for Amina Muaddi’s mules or D’Accori’s vivid green pumps – they make enough of a statement as they are.”

Platform courts by TOM FORD

Flats are back

“I love that flats are back in a big way,” says Peter. “They're comfy, and there’s a style to be found for every eventuality.” His top picks? “Mary Janes have become much more sophisticated than their school-uniform origins. Ballet flats are back, too – this time with square toes or ruching,” he adds. “My favourites are chunky-soled loafers – think Copenhagen cool-girl rather than 90s Sloane Ranger.”

Sandy Liang SS23

The sandals

Fact: the perfect pair of sandals is just as crucial as a white vest top when it comes to summer outfits. “Luckily, we’ve brought into styles that cover just about every occasion,” says Peter. “JW Anderson’s denim flats and Anine Bing’s leather sliders add clout to any look, and Christian Louboutin’s raffia collection is packed with the perfect plus-ones for summer weddings.”

Sandals by CHLOE

Comeback stars 

“We have the 90s and early-00s comeback to thank for all the throwback styles that have resurfaced this season,” says Peter. “The likes of Pamela Anderson and Gwyneth Paltrow are making a case for denim shoes, mules, slingbacks and kitten heels,” he adds. “Fashion has a habit of going full circle, but it’s the fact these shoes are all really easy to style that’s making them popular,” he adds. “The biggest comeback star is the Birkenstock – it’s going to have its biggest summer yet thanks to new styles and colourways.”

Denim boots by DIESEL

Go Westerns  

We have TikTok to thank for the cowboy boot comeback. “The style went viral two summers ago with the resurgence of Y2K fashion,” says Peter. “This season, there’s a version for everyone,” he adds. “Chloé’s versatile suede pair nods to the style with a slanted heel and western stitching. But to make a statement, go for Ganni’s teal-leather pair.”

Denim boots by GANNI