Since we wanted to be completely sure we've filled all the buckets when it comes to shoes [1] this year, we scanned the streets, along with our favourite retailers, to round up the most prominent trends [2]. Ahead, you won't just find the artsy styles on the runways [3], which may seem daunting, but the most popular selection of kicks. You know, the footwear you spot on models or editors that you follow on the 'gram [4], and then go searching for, dedicated to finding similar options. From quirky mules or sculptural wooden heels that suddenly sprouted up everywhere to the designs we've become more familiar with (think the '80s [5] pin heel bootie and thigh highs [6]), here are the 15 shoes of 2018 [7], and we definitely won't forget them.
Sculptural Heels
Gigi Hadid stepped out in Jacquemus's signature shape [8] in July 2018.
Chunky Dad Sneakers
The trend has made its way to virtually every brand — high and low end. Kendall Jenner rocked her Adidas and Hailey Baldwin stood by her side in her Louis Vuitton pair [9] while in LA in March 2018. Meanwhile, Gigi Hadid rocks her own, more affordable Ash iteration [10].
Victorian Lace-Up Boots
Tracee Ellis Ross paired her ivory leather boots with white denim, a dusty rose blazer, and a Balenciaga crossbody bag in New York in May 2018.
Slingbacks
The Dior slingback certainly had its moment (Selena is even a fan! [11]) but the style extends beyond the iconic French fashion house. Selena wore a classic black version in New York.
PVC
Kim Kardashian's PVC mules [12] are not the only ones we've spotted on the street. Lucite heels are equally as popular, but mules like the ones Kim wore in LA in February 2018 are on the rise.
Quirky Mules
Mindy's pink Malone Souliers heels [13], which she wore in May 2018, are one of the most popular versions (Jennifer Lawrence has a pair [14] from the label too!). Backless heels that pack a punch and make everyone stare in wonder at the work of art that is your footwear — that's a fine investment for 2018.
Animal Print
Iskra Lawrence combined two trends when she stepped out in these superstrappy snakeskin embellished heels in Paris in March 2018. Whether you're a classicist who prefers leopard or snakeskin is your go-to, wild patterns are everywhere.
Flat Leather Sandals
Victoria Beckham [15] showed off the ultimate "Summer 2018 holiday shoe" in Paris in July 2018 when she stepped out in all white [16]. The designer's toe loop sandal and slight platform is exactly what makes this look so cool and sophisticated.
Superstrappy Around the Ankle
Ashley Graham let her T-strap, ankle-wrap heels take centre stage when she stepped out for an NYC event in March 2018. Her wiry, spindly stilettos are everywhere this year. Do you own a pair yet?
Sock Style Boots
While Cardi B is still singing about Balenciaga's sock sneakers, the fitted, ankle-rise sock boot can be with or without a heel. Mandy Moore [17] modelled a more elevated version at the Dior show during Paris Haute Couture Week in July 2018.
Bow-Adorned Heels
Olivia Palermo rocked one of the year's biggest trends on what you thought was a simple pair of black Christian Louboutins on her way to the Fendi show in July 2018. Remember when Meghan Markle [18] showed her sign of support in these Aquazzura slingbacks [19]? It's a subtle, superfeminine detail that we're all about.
Logomania
Logomania is everywhere [20], and Priyanka Chopra executed the trend perfectly when she capped off a neutral top and straight leg jeans with a pair of iconic Fendi heels in NYC in June 2018.
The '80s Boot
Kendall Jenner has been wearing a boot with a thin-pin '80s heel [21] for what feels like forever. She even got in on the sportswear trend [22] by letting her footwear take centre stage and completing the outfit with a nylon Prada bag, striped sweatshirt, and biker shorts [23] when she stepped out in NYC in June 2018.
Velvet
Jennifer Aniston [24]'s velvet shoes came in the perfect shade for 2018: dusty rose [25]. Jen's particular stilettos are Aquazzura [26], but you can rock the texture on everything from backless loafers to square toe block heels.
Thigh-High Boots
Ariana Grande isn't the only one keeping the trend alive [27]. Yara Shahidi [28]'s cobalt Le Silla thigh-highs [29] made quite the statement when she stepped out in NYC in January 2018. Whether you like blue, pink, red, or something more neutral that goes with your entire wardrobe, you should make sure you've got some tall stunners this year.