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And Just Like That, I Want to Wear This Expensive-Looking Shoe Color Instead of Black

By Kevin Harson

And Just Like That, I Want to Wear This Expensive-Looking Shoe Color Instead of Black
Zara model wearing navy sandals.

When it comes to handbags and shoes, black has always been the default choice. It's a foolproof color and will almost always look refined. However, there's been a recent shift in navy as the preferred neutral, a change WWW editors and writers have been wanting for quite some time. Navy is not too drastically different in terms of hue and saturation but offers an additional touch of color that can take your outfit from boring to interesting in seconds.

Senior editor Eliza Huber has already made the case for navy handbags (her navy Alaïa Le Teckel is enough reason to be influenced), but I'm here now to convince you that navy shoes should also be on your spring checklist. There's no doubt that your black loafers and sandals will always be wardrobe staples, but a navy pair just might be the slight change you've been looking for during your spring closet refresh.

There aren't as many navy options on the market as there are black, but I scrolled for hours to find the pairs worth adding to your cart. Brands like The Row and Prada have already released their best-selling styles in navy, so I'm guessing the rest of the industry will start catching up soon. Keep scrolling to find an elegant navy pick that'll make your spring shoe collection feel extra luxe this season.

Shop My Favorite Navy Shoes for Spring

Kyla Boat Shoe

Reformation

Kyla Boat Shoe

These are giving preppy Ralph Lauren in the best way possible. If you're going to hop on board the boat-shoe trend, I suggest trying it in navy for something fresher than a tan or black pair.

Combo Satin Mules

The Row

Combo Satin Mules

Sometimes, you just need no-fuss, simple kitten heels.

Whitney Leather Loafer

G.H.Bass

Whitney Leather Loafer

You just might end up reaching for these way more than your black loafers.

Grosgrain-Trimmed Velvet Mary Jane Slippers

Vibi Venezia

Grosgrain-Trimmed Velvet Mary Jane Slippers

The slightly lighter lining just scratches an itch in my brain in the best way possible.

+ Clot Gazelle Suede-Trimmed Beaded Leather Sneakers

Adidas x Clot

Gazelle Suede-Trimmed Beaded Leather Sneakers

The sporty look has never looked so chic.

MW, The April Ballet Flat

Madewell

The April Ballet Flat

How to style these for spring: Pair them with an all-white base and black accessories. We love mixing navy and black here!

Wedge Sandals

It's not too early to start preparing your summer wardrobe.

Tinsley Square Toe Mary Jane Flat

Franco Sarto

Tinsley Square Toe Mary Jane Flat

These shoes are the kind that will attract multiple compliments.

Meadow Navy

Mesh and navy just go so well together.

Womens Collapse Re-Nylon and Suede Sneakers

Prada

Collapse Re-Nylon and Suede Sneakers

If anyone can convince you to make navy your go-to neutral, it will be Miuccia Prada.

Rec Sneakers in Suede

J.Crew

Rec Sneakers in Suede

But if Prada isn't in your budget, these suede J.Crew sneakers will also do the trick.

Larroudé Amal Mules

These are the right pair of shoes to wear with an LBD.

Yachting Day Boat Shoes

Jeffrey Campbell

Yachting Day Boat Shoes

I think the boat-shoe trend is growing on me (but only if they're in navy)!

Infradito Rope Sandals

Miu Miu

Infradito Rope Sandals

If boat shoes still aren't your thing, sandals like these are another way to put a little prep in your step.

Uma Embellished Grosgrain Mary Jane Ballet Flats

Aeyde

Uma Embellished Grosgrain Mary Jane Ballet Flats

These shoes exude luxury with a tiny bit of edge—just how I like it.

Mesh Sneakers

I never thought I'd see the words "mesh" and "sneakers" in the same sentence, but I have to say I'm very into it.

Emme Parsons Veneto Pumps

Emme Parsons

Veneto Pumps

This silhouette feels a whole lot cooler than regular mules.

Marith Navy Snake Courts

Miista

Marith Navy Snake Courts

Not to play favorites, but these are really speaking to me. Just look at that texture!

Sam Edelman Loraine Loafers

Sam Edelman

Loraine Loafers

Another great navy-loafer contender.

Eden Woven Leather Ballet Flats

Simkhai

Eden Woven Leather Ballet Flats

As someone who's intrigued by mesh shoes but would prefer not to bare it all, these are perfect.

Madewell Greta Velvet Mary Janes

Madewell

Greta Velvet Mary Janes

How to feel festive all the time? Wearing velvet, of course.

Maysale 50 Buckled Suede Mules

Manolo Blahnik

Maysale 50 Buckled Suede Mules

Manolos will always be a good idea. There's nothing more classic.

Denim Buckle Ballet Flats

Zara

Denim Buckle Ballet Flats

Dark denim being the preferred wash of 2025 just proves the styling potential that navy holds.

Embellished Suede Ballet Flats

Alaïa

Embellished Suede Ballet Flats

When you wear these, you'll always feel special.

Elaine Ballet Mules

Jeffrey Campbell

Elaine Ballet Mules

These easy slip-on mules will complete any outfit when you're in a rush.

Suede Mary Jane Flats

Le Monde Béryl

Suede Mary Jane Flats

I can envision these on every French fashion person I follow.

Vagabond Troy Loafer in Navy

Vagabond makes the most comfortable loafers that feel and look like designer options triple the price.

Leonie Leather Ballet Flats

Loeffler Randall

Leonie Leather Ballet Flats

I own these in baby blue, but I think these are next on my wish list.

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