Real edge: Square toe shoes are trending for summer

Ready to get a leg up on the next footwear trend? Square toe shoes are back and better than you might remember. They appeared on the runways at shows like Sies Marjan and Tom Ford, so it's been no surprise to see the style trending on Instagram in a big way. The '90s-inspired trend comes in many iterations for 2018, including slides, kitten heels and flats. Most importantly, they're the cool and comfy kind of shoes you'll want to live in all summer. Below, 10 options to step to now.

The Studded Ones

With every shoe trend comes an edgier version of said shoe trend. The supremely covetable shoes have the cool stud detailing to toughen up a pretty bow dress.

Studded Mules, $50, zara.com

The Everyday Staple

If you love the trend enough to wear it almost every day, then this patent pair of slingback kitten heels is for you. And since you can slip them on to elevate your favourite pair of jeans and puffy sleeve crop tops, we expect them to become the 'it' shoes of the summer.

Danielle Black Lizard Patent Leather, $553, byfarshoes.com

The Boots

Sure, flats are a great way to pull off the trend, but so are boots. Look for ones like these in a fresh summer white with a curved heel that feels modern. Then, wear them out with a black linen jumpsuit for nighttime.

Jeffrey Campbell Hiatus Square Toe Boots, $200, shopbop.com

The Feather Effect

While you'll never go wrong with classics, there are some more OTT square toe pairs worth considering. Case in point: these feather embellished sandals in cream and black by Helmut Lang. Is it just us, or would these not be next-level with cargo pants and a gauzy top in the same colour combo?

Feather Mid-Heel, $728, helmutlang.com

The Woven Ones

White footwear has been all the rage this season, and the trend is only going to get bigger in the warmer months ahead. Embrace the look with these open knit kitten heels and try pairing them with a matching white skirt and cropped top.

Topshop Joice Woven Block-Heel Shoes, $90, thebay.com

The Neutrals

Chances are these mule slides by Acne are about to blow up online for their ease and style. Plus, it's worth pointing out that this leather pair has the versatility to anchor the look of any smocked top and skirt combo you're already planning to wear.

Acne Studios Tessy Leather Slippers, $580, net-a-porter.com

The Embellished Pair

Finding a single pair of shoes that can pull together just about any outfit is no easy feat—and yet we did it. Behold, an affordable pair of pom pom embellished slides that easily team up with a summer suit or anything else you have in mind.

Pom Pom Loafer Slides, $134, bananarepublic.gapcanada.ca

The Espadrilles

Espadrilles are always big for summer, but a square toe puts a fresh spin on them for 2018. Tie these up, and try them on with a pair of ripped black jeans, white blouse and blazer for a chic office pairing.

Boohoo Studded Square Toe Espadrilles, $38, asos.com

Pretty in Pink

What says summer fun like a bright pop of colour? With statement shoes like these, think about matching your bag for an accessory pairing that's sure to turn heads.

Mel Sandal, $496, nicolesaldana.com