Introducing 2024’s Most Elegant Footwear Trend: Court Shoes

Five years ago, had you brought me a pair of shoes that would, today, fit into the court-shoe footwear trend, I probably would have rolled my eyes before referencing the never-ending supply of taupe-colored Naturalizers at my local Housing Works. If I hadn’t seen the swan-like versions popping up in 2024, maybe I’d be reacting the same way right now. But I have—thanks to brands like The Row, Loro Piana, and Toteme—which is exactly why my perspective on the pragmatic, almond- and pointed-toe pumps and flats that fall under the court-shoe category has shifted so significantly.

Suddenly, court shoes are all I want to wear on my feet (no matter how often my mom tries to tell me that they look like shoes Ms. Geist would wear before her Clueless makeover). And I’m not the only one. All across fashion, the industry’s best dressed personalities are ditching their classic ballet flats, platforms, and super-high heels for the chic-yet-practical appeal of the court shoe, a comfortable and refined silhouette with an approachable heel, minimalist design, and versatile look that allows them to work with all of today’s top ready-to-wear trends, from column skirts and shift dresses to vintage denim and nipped-in blazers.

Scroll down to find out everything you need to know about court shoes ahead of spring, when I foresee an especially major spike in popularity for the already-buzzy trend.

The court-shoe trend began with The Row’s F/W 23 collection, which debuted last year in February and showcased the brand’s now-viral Almond Pump for the first time. Fit with an angled 50-millimeter heel, a rounded almond toe shape, and a curved vamp, the minimalist style quickly found success within The Row’s loyal customer base, with both the onyx and soft gray colorways selling at a rapid rate.