The description of this footwear trend might sound odd, but it makes sense when you look at the examples. The toe box of the shoe is square but the edges are rounded off to create a softer effect. Not as severe and angular as the square toe styles of the ‘90s.
The round square toe trend has been fringe for a while, leaving room for almond toes, round toes and pointy toes to take centre stage. You’ll find most round square toe shoe styles in designer footwear collections. For some designers the round square toe has become a signature silhouette associated with the brand. Here are a few examples from Gucci, Prada and Miu Miu.
Despite the exclusive and fringe nature of the trend, the round square toe has filtered down to more affordable price points of mainstream retailers. Here are some examples from Clarks, Topshop, Sam Edelman and Zara.
The beauty of the round square toe is that it’s a naturally good fit for your feet, making it a more comfortable shape to wear than pointy designs that squish your toes. Round square toes tend to shorten the foot visually, which can be good or bad depending on how you want to accentuate the shape of your foot. They can also make your outfit look stumpy, especially when they’re flat, in comparison with the way that pointy toes elongate the foot and the outfit overall.
I’m a diehard lover of pointy toes, but I did get two pairs of round square toes this year, and they have become wardrobe workhorses. A pair of snakeskin ankle strap pumps for Summer, and rust patent high shaft booties for Autumn & Winter. Although I have small feet for my height — making my foot look even smaller — I LOVE these shoes. They are more comfortable than most of my pointy toes, and have refreshed my footwear assortment. Both styles have low block heels that help to offset the stump factor.
What’s your verdict on the round square toe trend?
