The Silver Shoe Trend Is the Answer to All Your Summer Footwear Woes

Did you know that in the original Wizard of Oz book, Dorothy’s shoes are actually silver? They were changed to the more familiar glittering ruby red for the 1939 film because the color popped much more beautifully in Technicolor. As an Oz-obsessed kid who watched the movie on repeat for years, reading about Dorothy in silver shoes was pretty much the disappointment of my life. Why wear silver when you could wear sparkles?

I’m pleased to share that I’ve come all the way around on silver shoes since then. A metallic shoe is classic and oh-so-versatile, but still feels unique and special in a way a black or brown shoe doesn’t. They can feel futuristic and edgy or delicate and sweet. They’re more laid-back and chill than gold and feel more modern than rose gold. And I’m not the only one feeling the trend, as it’s quickly becoming the It Girl shoe of the summer.

Ahead, everything you need to know about the trend, plus how to wear it. Because why not cool down on a hot, steamy summer day with a touch of icy-cold silver on your feet?

The Trend

While Dorothy’s silver shoes may have been replaced with flashy red for the big screen, the silver shoe has never fully faded from the spotlight. Silver had a moment in the 1960s, when all things mod dominated the trend cycle, including Andy Warhol’s all-silver Factory and Paco Rabanne’s spangled metal dresses. The color had a massive presence during the Y2K era; it seemed like everyone was wearing silver from head-to-toe, including their eyeshadow. 

However, we’re not talking about silver heels or boots. The 2024 silver shoe trend is all about casual cool flats, sneakers, loafers (or, in the case of New Balance’s new viral shoe, sneaker-loafers), and sandals. On TikTok, users are showing off how they incorporate the metallic color into their warm-weather wardrobes—and we’re paying attention.

How to Get the Look

Sure, the Ruby Slippers may have complemented Dorothy’s iconic blue gingham dress better than silver, but silver shoes really do go with everything, from work outfits—think sleek sneakers or a metallic Mary Jane—to weekend fun. They’re as cool and crisp as bright summer white, are a natural fit to offset an all-black look, and give summery colors like bright red, yellow, turquoise, and lilac an extra zing. 

When incorporating a silver shoe into your rotation, simply treat it like a basic black or brown shoe and don’t overthink it. It also works well with the viral “wrong shoe theory” to mix things up in a more unexpected way; for example, while a strappy silver sandal will always be a go-to with a summer glow and a sweet white sundress, a sneaker or chunky loafer feels fresh. Silver shoes work with jeans, miniskirts, socks, linen pants, you name it.

TikTokers are loving the metallic silver Onitsuka Tiger sneakers and Wales Bonner Adidas Sambas in particular—which is probably why both are frequently sold out or going for a high price on resale sites. Flats-wise, a square or rounded square versus full-on round toe keeps the look modern and less like you’re throwing it back to the ‘00s. A silver Mary Jane looks adorable with a breezy summer dress or skirt and feels less expected than gold; yes, even a “gold girl” can fall in love with silver! Jeffrey Campbell’s Romp Flats ($134) are the ideal blend of space age-y and minimalistic for 2024, especially in shiny silver, while Madewell’s Greta Ballet Flat ($98) is a more classic vibe. If you love a loafer, get two trends in one with Coach’s chunky platform Leah Loafer ($112).

And if you’re wondering—yes, you can mix your metals! You don’t have to wear all-gold everything or all-silver anything anymore. The silver shoe trend isn’t a “one shoe fits all” kinda thing—it’s about experimenting with your personal style and doing summer footwear your way.