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 favorite 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 [9] in July 2018.
Our Pick: Jacquemus Les Mules Andao Mule
Jacquemus Les Mules Andao Mule [10] ($690)
Alternative: Zara Round Heeled Leather Mules
Zara Round Heeled Leather Mules [11] ($90)
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 [12] while in LA in March 2018. Meanwhile, Gigi Hadid rocks her own, more affordable Ash iteration [13].
Our Pick: Stella McCartney Loop Lock Eclypse Sneakers
Stella McCartney Loop Lock Eclypse Sneakers [14] ($685)
Alternative: Steve Madden Memory Platform Wedge Sneaker
Steve Madden Memory Platform Wedge Sneaker [15] ($100)
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.
Our Pick: Tibi Adrian Boots
Tibi Adrian Boots [16] ($850)
Alternative: Nasty Gal Another String to Your Bow Faux Leather Boot
Nasty Gal Another String to Your Bow Faux Leather Boot [17] ($35, originally $70)
Slingbacks
The Dior slingback certainly had its moment (Selena is even a fan! [18]) but the style extends beyond the iconic French fashion house. Selena wore a classic black version in New York.
Our Pick: COS Suede Slingback Heels
COS Suede Slingback Heels [19] ($190)
Alternative: Zara Heeled Pump With Bow
Zara Heeled Pump With Bow [20] ($46)
PVC
Kim Kardashian's PVC mules [21] 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.
Our Pick: Yeezy Clear & Tan PVC Sandals
Yeezy Clear & Tan PVC Sandals [22] ($650)
Alternative: Kendall + Kylie Leila Leather and PVC Strap Sandals
Kendall + Kylie Leila Leather and PVC Strap Sandals [23] ($130)
Quirky Mules
Mindy's pink Malone Souliers heels [24], which she wore in May 2018, are one of the most popular versions (Jennifer Lawrence has a pair [25] 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.
Our Pick: Malone Souliers Maureen Mules
Malone Souliers Maureen Mules [26] ($595)
Alternative: Topshop Glow Two Tone Mules
Topshop Glow Two Tone Mules [27] ($120)
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.
Our Pick: Zara Snake Print Leather Sandals
Zara Snake Print Leather Sandals [28] ($90)
Alternative: J.Crew Buckled High Heel Sandals in Faux Snakeskin
J.Crew Buckled High Heel Sandals in Faux Snakeskin [29] ($248)
Flat Leather Sandals
Victoria Beckham [30] showed off the ultimate "Summer 2018 vacation shoe" in Paris in July 2018 when she stepped out in all white [31]. The designer's toe loop sandal and slight platform is exactly what makes this look so cool and sophisticated.
Our Pick: The Row Giada Leather Slingback Sandals
The Row Giada Leather Slingback Sandals [32] ($820)
Alternative: Jeffrey Campbell Teclado Slide Sandal
Jeffrey Campbell Teclado Slide Sandal [33] ($125)
Superstrappy Around the Ankle
Ashley Graham let her T-strap, ankle-wrap heels take center 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?
Our Pick: Paul Andrew Myer Block Heel Espadrilles
Paul Andrew Myer Block Heel Espadrilles [34] ($695)
Alternative: Missguided Black Clear Strap Lace Up Heeled Sandals
Missguided Black Clear Strap Lace Up Heeled Sandals [35] ($42)
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 [36] modeled a more elevated version at the Dior show during Paris Haute Couture Week in July 2018.
Our Pick: Proenza Schouler Curved-Heel Lace-Up Leather Ankle Boots
Proenza Schouler Curved-Heel Lace-Up Leather Ankle Boots [37] ($462, originally $660)
Alternative: Dolce Vita Elon Sock Boots
Dolce Vita Elon Sock Boots [38] ($143, originally $190)
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 [39] showed her sign of support in these Aquazzura slingbacks [40]? It's a subtle, superfeminine detail that we're all about.
Our Pick: Attico Bow Strap Heel Sandals
Attico Bow Strap Heel Sandals [41] ($277, originally $925)
Alternative: Ganni Sabine Suede Slingback Pumps
Ganni Sabine Suede Slingback Pumps [42] ($270)
Logomania
Logomania is everywhere [43], 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.
Our Pick: Fendi FF Motif Ankle Boots
Fendi FF Motif Ankle Boots [44] ($1,100)
Alternative: Vetements Logo-Print High Top Canvas Trainers
Vetements Logo-Print High Top Canvas Trainers [45] ($237, originally $790)
The '80s Boot
Kendall Jenner has been wearing a boot with a thin-pin '80s heel [46] for what feels like forever. She even got in on the sportswear trend [47] by letting her footwear take center stage and completing the outfit with a nylon Prada bag, striped sweatshirt, and biker shorts [48] when she stepped out in NYC in June 2018.
Our Pick: Kendall + Kylie Pointy Toe Bootie
Kendall + Kylie Pointy Toe Bootie [49] ($160)
Alternative: Zara Leather Stiletto Heeled Ankle Boots
Zara Leather Stiletto Heeled Ankle Boots [50] ($129)
Velvet
Jennifer Aniston [51]'s velvet shoes came in the perfect shade for 2018: dusty rose [52]. Jen's particular stilettos are Aquazzura [53], but you can rock the texture on everything from backless loafers to square toe block heels.
Our Pick: Ted Baker London Torabel Velvet Bow Stiletto Heel
Ted Baker London Torabel Velvet Bow Stiletto Heel [54] ($130, originally $210)
Alternative: Leith Nik Block Heel Pump
Leith Nik Block Heel Pump [55] ($80)
Thigh-High Boots
Ariana Grande isn't the only one keeping the trend alive [56]. Yara Shahidi [57]'s cobalt Le Silla thigh-highs [58] 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.
Our Pick: Boohoo Stretch Thigh High Boots
Boohoo Stretch Thigh High Boots [59] ($38, originally $92)
Alternative: Stuart Weitzman The Tieland Boot
Stuart Weitzman The Tieland Boot [60] ($798)
