The runway guide to styling metallic shoes

A new season is here, and with it, the eternal dilemma: which shoes to choose? This fall, metallic shoes take the spotlight. The whispers proclaiming the return of polka dots, shoulder pads ready to conquer every blazer, and an affinity for drama and glamour on the catwalks offer the perfect antidote to the minimalism that has dominated the last few months. It all finds its echo in a new protagonist: the metallic shoe, where techno-futuristic shine meets the unapologetic spirit of the ’80s to define a new kind of elegance.

The perfect fusion between glamour and the fascination for science fiction defined the decade of maximalism, pushing fashion into a more provocative and risky terrain. Genderless styling and chrome finishes explored the tensions between new technologies and humanity. On the runways, Thierry Mugler and Paco Rabanne revived the space age aesthetic of the 1960s, creating the ideal wardrobe for Marty McFly’s futuristic predictions. And while the fantasies of flying skateboards and hover cars didn’t quite come true, you’d probably be surprised to see that, in addition to everyone wearing Calvin Klein underwear, metallic shoe shine is still key according to Fall-Winter 2025 fashion.

The decade that danced to tunes like I Wanna Dance with Somebody and I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll is back. And although we never fail to include the synthesised sound in our most listened playlists, this time the shoes in trend for Winter 2025 invite you to move to the rhythm as it should be: with style.

Metallic high top shoes

Thierry Mugler Otoño-Invierno 1983Penske Media via Getty Images

Rabanne Otoño-Invierno 2025Umberto Fratini/Gorunway.

In the 80s, Thierry Mugler began to build a discourse on the female body, not as a delicate entity, but as a real armor. His silhouettes with sharp shoulders, wasp waists and metallic finishes looked like something out of another planet. A futuristic glamour twist that redefined sensuality on the catwalk. His vision transformed the infallible boots by presenting them in a metallic finish, making them the most avant-garde bet of the fall season. This model dares to elevate any outfit, a bet that Rabanne also shares , by pairing them with long, wrap-around coats to break out with style and attitude.

Sharp-toed metallic shoes

Emanuel Ungaru Otoño-Invierno 2025Sygma/Getty Images

Lutz Huelle Otoño-Invierno 2025Lutz Huelle/Gorunway.

Emanuel Ungaro, known for his vibrant colours and exuberant romanticism, went for metallic hues in looks that, from head to toe, expressed the power of the chrome finish. As for footwear, heels with a classic silhouette and pointed toe accompanied the drama of tight-fitting strapless dresses, emblematic of his refined sensuality. Their contemporary translation by Lutz Huelle is reflected in looser, more relaxed falls, intoning a more restrained elegance.

Metallic ankle strap pumps

Thierry Mugler Primavera-Verano 1986Penske Media via Getty Images

Conner Ives Otoño-Invierno 2025Daniele Oberrauch/Gorunway.

Their name reflects their distinctive silhouette: with a heel and a fit that wraps around the ankles. Thus, metallic shoes become the accessory that exudes an undeniable sensuality, evoking the references of the 80s and those catwalks that began to experiment with exposure and structure. A similar version reappeared this season at Conner Ives, with adjustable straps and an ankle buckle. Thus, this type of footwear is once again positioning itself as a key piece to achieve high-impact looks, with an avant-garde spirit and a dazzling sensuality.

Metallic heeled shoes

Dior Otoño-Invierno 1983Sygma/Getty Images

CPlus Series Otoño-Invierno 2025CPlus Series/Gorunway.

For decades, the classic pumps, with a slim heel and a solid colour, have been the ideal choice to dress elegantly for any occasion. Whether paired with sequinned or ruffled dresses, as in Dior’s 1980s collection, or paired with polka dot tights and leather skirts, their original mission remains intact: to go with everything.

Metallic slingback shoes

Yves Saint Laurent Primavera-Verano 1989Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images

Simkhai Otoño-Invierno 2025Umberto Fratini/Gorunway.

Meanwhile, Yves Saint Laurent‘s runway, in the heyday of structured shoulder pads, favoured the beauty of opulence in draping and flowing cuts, pairing ball gowns with dark tights and metallic shoes. In her modern version, Simkhai goes for a coordinated look with a pleated mini skirt layered over a below-the-hip jacket in earthy green tones that pair perfectly with silver slingback shoes, which balance the ensemble with the same timeless elegance.

This story first appeared on Vogue.mx.