Once upon a time, the almond-toe heel was Princess Diana’s footwear of choice, styled with prim dresses and sensible hemlines for stuffy royal engagements. It was also a staple of ’80s office-goers, worn with obligatory power suits and a confident stride. Today, the style set are trotting around in the once-antiquated almond-toe shoe – and making a very convincing case for its return.
This granny’s-attic staple, the kind you might once have unearthed, dust-covered, in a vintage shop and promptly dismissed, has become the ever-so-slightly chicer alternative to the ballet flat. Less flimsy, surprisingly comfortable for everyday wear and infinitely more polished, the almond-toe shoe is one of those rare pieces that prioritises the practical yet still manages to look sleek.
So-called granny-chic has been bubbling away for a while now, think faux-fur coats, ladylike top-handled bags and floral silk scarves, but this latest shoe revival has hit particularly hard. Defined by its softly curved, smooth silhouette, the almond-toe shoe does exactly what its name suggests. Much like its culinary namesake, which works equally well in sweet and savoury dishes, the almond toe is remarkably versatile. Fashion-wise, it pairs seamlessly with everything from relaxed denim and tailoring to slip skirts and crisp shirting.
Structurally, the almond-toe shoe differs slightly from a traditional pump. Its upper sits a little higher on the bridge of the foot, lending a more substantial, grounded look. Designers have interpreted the shape across flats, kitten heels and stilettos, rendered in leather, mesh and suede. Our favourite iteration, however, is the sturdy block heel, which only enhances the shoe’s borrowed-from-your-grandmother appeal.
While the style may feel newly ubiquitous, it’s technically nothing new. As early as autumn 2024, the almond-toe shoe was already one of the most sought-after silhouettes, championed by brands including The Row, Maison Margiela, Blumarine and Alaïa. Now, it’s reached its peak, with luxury houses and high-street favourites offering their own takes.
At British Vogue HQ, Chioma Nnadi and Alice Newbold have both been spotted styling Ferragamo’s bow-detail almond heels with straight-leg jeans, A-line skirts, cashmere knits and crisp cotton shirts. Chanel’s two-tone pumps remain a classic, particularly under Matthieu Blazy’s new vision for the house (there are plenty of excellent vintage pairs to be found on resale sites). Elsewhere, The Row’s black almond-toe kitten heels have quietly become a modern classic, winning over Zoë Kravitz, Alexa Chung and Elsa Hosk.
On the contemporary brand front, Aeyde and Le Monde Beryl all offer standout versions in polished leathers and glossy patents. But for something more affordable, Vagabond, M&S, & Other Stories and COS also have excellent options.
Consider this your cue to embrace the new footwear shape that will see you through 2026 and beyond with Vogue’s pick of the best almond shoes to shop now.
