Of all the internet-diving shoe trends to grace us recently - heeled jelly shoes (à la Chloé), pony hair shoes, and mesh flats, to name a few - I personally struggle to see why the 'glove' shoe is getting so much backlash, and I'll tell you exactly why.
Without giving away too much unasked-for, unnecessary information about the architecture of my feet, I have long toes. And for me personally, toe cleavage is not the one.
Enter the glove shoe - or ‘high vamp’ silhouette. By design, the vamp (the front section of the shoe) sits higher on the foot, offering more coverage and skimming over the toes, rather than exposing them.
And if there’s one person never afraid to champion a so-called 'controversial' look both on and off the red carpet, it’s Katie Holmes (lest we forget when she single-handedly revived the Y2K dress-over-jeans combo back in 2022).
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© Getty ImagesFor her latest divisive fashion moment, the Dawson's Creek actress stepped out in one of the season’s defining shoe trends: a pair of slingback glove heels by Herbert Levine, styled with a tailored black tuxedo jacket and matching trousers from Gap Studio.
After appearing across the SS26 runways at Chanel, Balenciaga, Jil Sander, The Row and Stella McCartney, to name a few, the silhouette has steadily filtered down into the mainstream. Now, celebrities and content creators alike are embracing the look - styling glove heels, flats and everything in between with a wide range of outfits.
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© LaunchmetricsPersonally, I’m a fan. Sleek, contemporary and versatile, the silhouette feels like a refreshing shift away from overexposed styles (I'm looking at you, thong heels). If you’re ready to give your footwear rotation a subtle but fashion-forward update, these are the pairs worth adding to your wishlist now - from high-end to the high street.
The best glove shoes to shop now:
Slingback Leather Pumps
Arket
I love a slingback for added support when on my feet all day. This leather pair from Arket are the ultimate work shoe.
Clara Leather Pumps
Ayede
I love the kitten heel height and the luxe brown colourway. These pumps are completely cool-girl coded.
Khaki Lone Soft Ruched Pump
Whistles
These square-toed ballerinas are the perfect shade of soft green for summer, and they're on sale. Run, don't walk to the checkout...
Tee Leather Ballet Flats
Proenza Schouler
Proenza Schouler is the epitome of elevated minimalism, and these flats prove just that. With its slim sole and burgundy hue, they're effortlessly chic.
Ruched Ballerina
Mansur Gavriel
Mansur Gavriel has an incredible selection of glove shoes. These gorgeous flats come in black, silver and cream, plus the brand is offering 25% off selected purchases during spring - go go go!
Suede Flat Ballet Pumps
Marks & Spencer
Suede for spring? I love. It's hard to believe this pair is from the high street, and only £40...
Phillipa Square Toe High Heeled Court Shoes in Chocolate
ASOS
For a trend-led silhouette at a reasonable price, ASOS never lets us down. These heels are so 90s-coded thanks to the square-toe silhouette and deep brown colourway.
Angular Leather Heeled Ballerinas
Cos
Heeled ballerinas are the perfect middle-ground for those who want something a little more elevated than a flat shoe. These are perfect for pairing with a midi skirt in the summer.
Leather Slingback Stiletto Pumps
Calvin Klein
Right now, Calvin Klein makes me think of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy (if you know, you know), and I'm certain she'd approve of these effortlessly understated black vamp heels.
Cecilia Leather Pumps
Khaite
If you're looking for an investment pair of heels, look no further. Crafted from supple leather, these gorgeous Khaite heels have a narrow square toe and a slim block heel - perfect for standing the test of the trend cycles.
Llasada Leather Shoes
Hereu
These are contenders for my favourite glove flats of the season. I absolutely love the elasticated strap for comfort and the exaggerated knot detail for added interest.
Patent Leather Lou Heeled Mules 50
Le Monde Beryl
Cracked-effect patent leather, a vibrant red colourway, and a kitten heel - the perfect recipe for a statement summer shoe.
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