Picture this: you're running late for your 8AM lecture and getting dressed in a hurry, when you realize that you don't have any shoes that match your super cute outfit. Sigh. You try on every pair you own (now running even later than before, whoops) before throwing on your everyday sneakers in defeat and head out the door.

Sound familiar? While we love the good ol' faithful dad sneaks we've had for years, your shoe wardrobe deserves the same love that you show the rest of your closet. Don't throw out your trusty sandals and comfy flip-flops (they're the backbone of society, TBH) but do buckle in, because we're about to inject some fabulousness into your warm-weather wardrobe — these spring shoe trends are almost too cute to ignore.

Bold neon girlies and preppy plaid lovers alike will find plenty of inspo, because we're giving your footwear lineup a major glow-up thanks to our favorite 2023 spring shoe trends, below.

Ballet Flats

No need for years of formal dance training — you'll be plié-ing and dégagé-ing your way to the cafeteria in this style that was big in the early 2010s and is now coming back with full force. Spice up a pair of delicate ballet flats with a little bow detailing or lace-up ribbon, if you're feeling fancy.

The Point
Rothys The Point
Now 17% Off
Maguire Prato
Madewell Maguire Prato
Red Square Toe Flats
C.Paravano Red Square Toe Flats

Multi-Colored Crochet

The crochet trend blew up around 2020 (TikTok taught us all how to crochet during quarantine, right?) and it's been lingering in subtle ways. Maybe a headband, a bag charm, or a little crochet detail on your shoes to add a handmade touch to your 'fit.

Catch Me If You Can Sneakers
FP Collection Catch Me If You Can Sneakers
Crochet & Leather Mary Janes
Charles & Keith Crochet & Leather Mary Janes
Now 34% Off
Granny Square Slippers
French Knot Granny Square Slippers

Wedge Heels

This trend sparks joy in us mainly because it's significantly easier to walk in wedges than it is to walk in thin stiletto heels. You'll still get that height boost, along with even more surface area on your shoes to show off a funky pattern or bright color.

Damazy Platform Wedge in Pink Zebra
Jessica Simpson Damazy Platform Wedge in Pink Zebra
Now 39% Off
Larahana Wedge Sandal
Vince Camuto  Larahana Wedge Sandal
Ankle Strap Buckle 4 Inch Heels
ROSERWISH Ankle Strap Buckle 4 Inch Heels

Cork Details

Each time the weather warms up again, a few things inevitably happen: flowers bloom, moods improve, and straw, linen, or cork sandals start to trend again. Switch things up with a splash of color or some stud detailing for ~texture~.

Dosia Platform Sandal in Natural
Jessica Simpson Dosia Platform Sandal in Natural
Now 41% Off
Carmac Heels
Dolce Vita Carmac Heels
Now 57% Off
Steve Madden Canary Platform Sandal
Steve Madden Steve Madden Canary Platform Sandal

Super Chunky Heels

These whimsical, larger-than-life heels are pure joy. Basically, the more the shoes look like plastic Barbie or Polly Pocket heels, the more on-trend they are. Think bubble shoes, major platforms, or geometric angles.

Feshania Platform Mule
Vince Camuto  Feshania Platform Mule
Coconuts by Matisse Bubble Clogs
Matisse Coconuts by Matisse Bubble Clogs
Reine 2 Platform Pump
Jeffrey Campbell Reine 2 Platform Pump
Now 25% Off

'70s Clogs

Your mom's sick vintage pantsuit that's been sitting in the back of your closet is dyingggg to be paired with a wooden clog. These babies give off groovy boho vibes that'll match your flare jeans (or flare yoga pants, if we're being real) to perfection.

Abba Mule
MIA Abba Mule
Slingback Platform Chunky Beige Sandals
Allegra K Slingback Platform Chunky Beige Sandals
Gabine Floral Denim Studded Clogs
Charles & Keith Gabine Floral Denim Studded Clogs

Pointy Toes

Every small-shirt-baggy-pants combination needs the perfect pointed-toe shoe to balance it out. If you're going for a super fierce prom look, keep an eye out for a pointy (yet comfy) heel and a matching clutch to seal the deal.

Drea Lilac
Betsey Johnson Drea Lilac
Now 50% Off
Patent Pointed Toe Ankle Strap Stilettos
WAYDERNS Patent Pointed Toe Ankle Strap Stilettos
Vala Pump
Steve Madden Vala Pump

Bright Plaids & Prints

Plaid has traditionally been a fall/winter print (y'know, because of flannels and lumberjacks and all that). However, for Spring 2023, runways and stores alike are coming out with the most cheerful plaid prints, like, ever. You'll be totally picnic-ready in these statement shoes.

Miso Clog Heels
Larroudé Miso Clog Heels
Zorba Clog
Cordani Zorba Clog
Kelly & Katie Cataliya Mule
DSW Kelly & Katie Cataliya Mule
Now 10% Off

Neon Shades

If you've been noticing bright '80s colors and silhouettes trending for prom, you're right on the money. Score a pair of matching shoes to go with your neon puffed-sleeve dress and it'll look like you stepped right out of a ridiculously stylish time machine.

Zilla Citrus Satin
Billini Zilla Citrus Satin
Now 78% Off
Harlin Heeled Sandal
Steve Madden Harlin Heeled Sandal
Chunky Heel Square Open Toe Heels
LISHAN Chunky Heel Square Open Toe Heels

Cowboy Boots

It's time to put on your stompin' shoes! You don't have to be wearing cow print and dusty leather to tap into the Western vibe — there are plenty of colorful, metallic, and whimsical printed versions of cowboy boots that work for everyone from country music fans to city girls.

Embroidered Mid-Calf Western Cowboy Boots
Bieosnli Embroidered Mid-Calf Western Cowboy Boots
Mid Calf Cute Heart Cowgirl Boots
AOSPHIRAYLIAN Mid Calf Cute Heart Cowgirl Boots
Butterfly Embroidery Western Cowboy Boots
CYNLLIO Butterfly Embroidery Western Cowboy Boots
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Headshot of Hannah Oh
Hannah Oh
Shopping Editor

Hannah is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from chic home decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and pictures of her office outfits that nobody asked for.