Experts at Lyst, a platform known for decoding consumer behavior in fashion, highlighted the most influential shoe trends of 2023. This analysis focuses on how the industry shaped the year and what shoppers in Canada and the United States were chasing online. The insights, drawn from global search activity, purchasing patterns, and runway to street style translations, provide a clear map of how footwear moved from a backstage accessory to a daytime staple for many trend followers.
If 2022 marked the era of the naked dress, 2023 tilted toward the naked shoe. Runways from premium houses to contemporary labels showcased silhouettes that embraced minimalism, translucence, and delicate construction. The phenomenon crossed luxury brands such as Loewe, The Row, Khaite, Bottega Veneta, Nensi Dojaka, Chanel, and Stella McCartney, with each house interpreting the idea through its own lens. The shared thread was shoes that reveal more foot than ornament, pairing with a wardrobe built on sleek lines, neutral tones, and an understated glow. This shift resonated with shoppers who value clothes that feel effortless yet considered, and it translated into strong online demand across North America.
From fashion week to everyday streets, the naked shoe moved beyond a mere runway moment. It became a street style symbol, a talking point among influencers, and a worthy subject for product hunters. One standout example was Alaïa’s mesh ballet flats, priced at $850. The style captured attention when it appeared on celebrities such as Jennifer Lawrence and Sofia Richie, quickly gaining cult status and selling out across several retailers throughout the year. By mid-2023, searches for this particular design surged, contributing to its position among the year’s top trending items in the Lyst Index. The pace of interest in this shoe category reflected a broader appetite for footwear that blends fashion-forward design with everyday wearability. In the Canadian and U.S. markets, the impulse was clear: shoppers wanted pieces that feel premium yet versatile enough for workdays, weekends, and everything in between.
Industry observers note that this period also redefined the role of the fashion stylist and the way trends evolve within corporate and social settings. Visionaries and commentators across the industry pointed to the rapid diffusion of what began as a catwalk concept into street-ready wardrobes. The transformation was aided by a blend of social media momentum, retail accessibility, and the consistent push from designers to create footwear that supports expression without shouting. Lisovets, a figure who rose from styling circles to broader public recognition, exemplifies how personal style and media presence can shape consumer conversations around footwear choices and trend propagation. The result is a footwear landscape that rewards bold choices, efficient silhouettes, and pieces that can cross from formal to casual with ease.