Deck the Soles

To try on the latest and greatest footwear of the season, adverse outdoor conditions played no part in the decision-making process, with pony hair uppers, open-toed sandals, and high-heeled mules leading the charge. Our choices suggest that—at the end of another year and the beginning of another holiday season—we’ve earned the right to prioritize having fun and looking excellent over being sensible.

Ballet flats were a standout trend of 2023, bringing back a taste of the early ’00s that was too strong for some millennials to stomach. Simone Rocha leans into maximalism, adding a chunky sole and pearl detailing to add some punch to the style. KHAITE, though, took on the style elegantly with sheer uppers that call for a bold sock choice.

Fidan Novruzova’s unmissable silver boots are the loud antidote to KHAITE’s barely there flats, brandishing a square toe almost sharp enough to be a legitimate danger on the office party dance floor. Elsewhere in the boot department, Eckhaus Latta’s furry Chelsea boots are clearly inspired by the Grinch.

From glamorous heels by The Attico to metallic Birkenstock Arizonas, there’s a touch of sparkle in every pair modeled by SSENSE employees. As we bid farewell to 2023, we do so with shoes bright enough to light the way through 2024.