Square-Toe Shoes Are Back—but We Promise They’re Better Than They Sound
If you get easily spooked by surprising news, you might want to sit down before reading the next sentence.
OK, ready? Square-toe shoes are back—and they actually look cute this time around.
It’s shocking, I know. But I’m here to guide you through this moment. See, when Daniel Lee took over the helm as Bottega Veneta’s creative director, he introduced a slew of must-have bags and various other leather goods. Included in that veritable cornucopia of fine Italian-made designs were delicate strappy sandals with an exaggerated square toe. And soon that sandal was everywhere, or at least on the feet of every fashion influencer from New York to Tokyo (and Milan, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Paris, too).
This shoe trend has since infiltrated the market, opening up the toe box on boots, loafers and flats for at least a season to come.
But what makes this square toe better than the ones we last suffered through in the ’90s? Well, this 2019 version is a lot less severe. In fact, it’s merely one or two straight lines away from a pointed toe. That means it’s less of a rectangular ending to your foot and more of a tapered, rounded square finish, a shape that feels both more organic and more subtle.
Still wary about giving your toes some extra wiggle room? Consider these 11 squared styles that you can easily acclimate into your footwear wardrobe.
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Jeffrey Campbell Mule
This mule features a mock-croc detail, making it doubly trendy.
Topshop Leather Boot
Admit it, this looks way more walkable than a pointy toe.
Balenciaga Logo Mule
A luxe black-on-black slide takes logomania to a discreet new height.
Alexander Wang Snakeskin Boot
It’s all in the details for this Alexander Wang bootie, from the block heel to the infinite edge snakeskin effect.
Sarto by Franco Sarto Loafer
The unexpected Lucite heel on these work-apropos loafers will almost make you excited to commute to the office.
Mofri Ankle Bootie
Upgrade last season’s round-toe booties for this super-affordable Amazon find.
Rag & Bone Sandal
Yes, you should wear sandals until it’s too cold to let your toes bare. Especially if they’re these lace-ups from Rag & Bone.
Charles & Keith Stiletto
Classic and ladylike, these heels are guaranteed to impress your boss.
Diane von Furstenberg Croc Bootie
Plays well with straight-leg jeans and moody fall florals.
Bottega Veneta Knot Sandal
A sexy-but-trendy stiletto that will look good with Levi’s, a short suit or a slip dress.
Zara Cowboy Boot
Yep, even Western-style kicks are getting the square-toe treatment.
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