Almond Shoes: A Classic Revival on the Fashion Scene

They're known as "almond shoes," or "chaussures à bout amande" in French. Disfavored in recent decades, they've taken over the runways at the last two Fashion Weeks.

The almond shoe is somewhat of an autocratic compromise in the world of footwear. Neither truly pointed nor rounded (somewhat like an almond, actually). Available in every heel height, the pair embodies classic style par excellence. The front of the shoe offers more space for the toes, without compromising the elegance of its wearer. These qualities of harmony and discretion have made it a choice accessory for women with a conventional, almost measured style, such as diplomats, first ladies, and members of the royal family. Princess Diana, in particular, was a faithful adherent of almond shoes.

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The wife of Prince Charles sported them both in her everyday life and at official engagements, from India to Japan, from Kensington to Sandringham. Some of her most iconic looks are themselves completed by these rounded shoes. The revenge dress, the red and black houndstooth suit, and all her looks from the Royal Ascot... In her time, Lady Diana did not make a public appearance without almond shoes.

From Dowdy to Desired

Their traditional aspect often gave almond shoes a somewhat dowdy, even old-fashioned air, as if it were impossible to be trendy with this pair on one's feet. And yet, there's no need to rub your eyes in astonishment, it is indeed these classic models that have invaded the runways of the latest Fashion Weeks. While some brands are already projecting them for winter 2024-2025, like Givenchy, Gauchère, Blumarine, MM6 Maison Margiela, and Moschino, we can expect to see them everywhere by this summer, judging by the spring-summer 2024 shows presented last September. Fendi and Tod's offer them in several colors, Balmain reinvents the heel, and Tory Burch makes it transparent.

Undoubtedly carried by an ever-growing quiet luxury and benefiting from the current ambiance of sartorial sobriety - as evidenced by the offerings from The Row and Loro Piana, flagships of the trend - almond shoes have made their way into the collections of the next two seasons. Just like capris, those tight-fitting cropped pants currently worn by celebrities, they are rejuvenating, far from prejudices. Brands, however, are updating the pair, preferring leather to suede, monochrome models to those with a beige sole, and designing a more modern cut.