Only the brave wear square-toe shoes.
The box-edged kickers are a booming sartorial statement, donned by those unafraid to push conventional footwear's boundaries.
Available in boot, heel and most recently ballet pump form, square-toe designs teeter on the edge of fashion, not yet fully mainstream thereby radiating high fashion appeal.
A glance at the inventory of fashion houses that have sent square-toes stomping down the runway supports our theory. Daniel Lee at Bottega Veneta saw a slew of chiseled-toe cowboy boots take to the floor. Demna Gvasalia at Balenciaga whipped up square-edged, lace-up numbers. Prada never fails to champion a geek-chic box-toe mule under Miuccia’s direction.
On the more accessible end of the style scale, It-girl brands with cult followings such as Miista, Eytys and Reformation have incorporated square-to designs into their collections.
The gender-bending look of the solid, square toe is the perfect antidote for the overwhelming influx of girlish mesh flats and barely-there heels. Square-toes elongate the foot, adding an almost animalistic, hoof-like look to any summer outfit. Paired with a contrasting summer dress or straight-leg jeans, the silhouette automatically establishes the wearer as a seasoned fashionista.
Fans of the square-toe shoe include Elsa Hosk, Mia Regan and Nicola Peltz Beckham, all of whom are well-versed in the art of shoe style. From towering brogues courtesy of Versace to cubical flats by Miu Miu, square-toe shoes are taking over in time for summer.
Want to join the gang? Discover the best square-toe shoes and elevate your seasonal shoewear archive.
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Bottega Veneta Knot Mule
Luxury lovers beware: Bottega Veneta’s lambskin mules are hard to resist. A midnight black design is propped up by a metallic gold knot that captures attention with ease.
Buy now £1210.00, Bottega Veneta
Gucci Demi Mesh Ballet Flats
It comes as little surprise that Gucci’s crystal-embellished flats are a celebrity favourite. The designer slip-ons come in a classic black hue and are bedazzled with the house’s sparkling monogram insignia.
Buy now £700.00, Gucci
Prada Fern Green Satin Mules
Invest in a pair of statement shoes to stand the test of time. Prada’s exquisite lime green satin mules are set to turn heads. A low heel is elevated by a chic square-toe and a minimalist design that will surely hog the limelight.
Buy now £820.00, Harrods
Versace Medusa-Head 120 Metallic-Leather Platform Mules
Versace reigns supreme when it comes to partywear. The Italian label’s Medusa-head mules are front and centre of our mood board, thanks to their pale pink colourway and punkish platform heel.
Buy now £355.99, Farfetch
Reformation Megan Flat Mule
Calling all ballet flat enthusiasts. Reformation’s Megan Flat Mules are up for grabs for those wanting a new take on the trendy silhouette. A stark square toe is coupled with a backless design, offering a welcome alternative to the classic fuller silhouette.
Buy now £248.00, Reformation
Topshop Honey Premium Leather Block Heel Ankle Boot
Topshop is still with us in spirit and online via ASOS. The brand never sleeps on cute boots for all ages, and these snakeskin shoes with a smart square toe are an affordable, uber-wearable way to step into the trend.
Buy now £42.50, ASOS
Miista Black Malene Boots
We have one word of advice when it comes to Miista - grab ‘em before they are gone. The brand’s coveted shoes sell like hotcakes and Miista’s Malene boots are one of their most popular silhouettes, featuring pipping throughout, contrast stitching and a stomp-tastic square toe. One for gigs and nights out.
Buy now £225.00, SSENSE
Arket Square-Toe Leather Pumps
Sashay in silver thanks to Arket’s Square-Toe Leather Pumps. Showcasing kitsch kitten heels, a futuristic metallic finish and a subtle square-toe, the easy-wear pumps will take you from day to night in a flash.
Buy now £95.00, Arket
Vagabond Delia Shoes
Inspired by the timeless design of the modest Mary Jane, Vagabond’s Delia Shoes are an elegant pick for the warmer climate. Team yours with some relaxed 501s and a classic white tee.
Buy now £90.00, Vagabond
Whistles Adella Diamante Slip On Mule
A sprinkle of diamante will elevate your evening look to new heights. Step out in Whistles' glimmering mules and spark disco fever wherever you step.
Buy now £103.20, Whistles
Stradivarius Flat Cowboy Boots
Slip into a white mini dress and let these cherry red Westerns take centre stage. Both affordable and covetable in equal measure, these puppies are set to sell out. Trust us, it’s not our first rodeo.
Buy now £69.99, Stradivarius
Steve Madden Trixie-R Sandals
Take your sartorial status to new heights with a helping hand from Steve Madden. The brand’s Trixie-R pumps boast a towering platform, a block heel and a generous swathe of twinkling rhinestones. Now, where’s the dancefloor?
Buy now £79.99, Schuh
rag & bone Astra Slingback Denim Pumps
Tap into the ongoing captivation with studded pumps. Available in a Y2K denim material complete with a slingback heel and over-arch strap, rag & bone’s Astra pumps have landed at the top of our summer shoe wishlist.
Buy now £280.00, John Lewis
IZIE Highbury Boots
A London-based brand founded in 2024 by ex-Parsons alumni Isabella Bowie, IZIE is one to watch. The label’s denim-clad Highbury Boots come in a range of tempting tones and promise cushioning comfort to see you through to the early hours.
Buy now £695.00, IZIE
Bobbies Anya Shoes
Dance the night away in a pair of Bobbbies’ Anya heels. The party-ready pumps feature a stylish square toe, elevated by a midnight hue and delicate strap detailing.
Buy now £205.00, Bobbies
