Having lived in New York for a few years after college and visiting the city every year since, I can say from experience that figuring out what shoes to wear in NYC is difficult, to say the least. It’s often quite hot or quite cold, there will likely be lots of walking involved throughout the day, and there are often puddles even when it hasn’t rained in days. The shoes you wear in NYC are basically your armor. Given all of this, I’m always intrigued by the shoes that people choose to wear in the city—especially celebrities like Gigi Hadid and Katie Holmes.
For the most part, the shoes celebs wear in New York are pretty practical—lots of sneakers and flats. But I also notice a fair share of impractical footwear, which can probably be attributed to the fact that celebrities often have drivers bringing them door to door. So just for fun, I rounded up a slew of examples of NYC-based celebrities’ shoes thus far this year. They’re all still in stock so you can shop them too, regardless of where you live.
Jennifer Lawrence’s Alaïa mesh flats are well-known for being wildly comfortable, making them a great choice for warm NYC days.
On Jennifer Lawrence: Jil Sander jacket; Celine belt; Bottega Veneta bag; Alaïa Mesh Mary Jane Ballerina Flats ($890)
Alaïa
Mesh Mary Jane Ballerina Flats in Black
Alaïa
Mesh Mary Jane Ballerina Flats
Alaïa
Metallic Net Mary Jane Ballerina Flats
Gigi Hadid’s Miu Miu loafers are a great option for NYC—they’re as substantial as they are chic.
On Gigi Hadid: Guest in Residence sweater; Miu Miu Arcadie Leather Bag ($3450) and Leather Penny Loafers ($1150)
Miu Miu
Leather Penny Loafers in Black
Miu Miu
Penny Loafers in Ivory
Miu Miu
20mm Distressed Leather Penny Loafers
Selena Gomez’s Christian Louboutin heels may not be great for hitting the NYC streets, but they sure are elegant.
On Selena Gomez: Oscar de la Renta dress; Saint Laurent Le Anne-Marie Bag ($3200); Christian Louboutin Condora Pointed Toe Slingback Pumps ($995)
Christian Louboutin
Condora Pointed Toe Slingback Pumps in Black
Christian Louboutin
Condora Pointed Toe Slingback Pumps in White
Always-stylish Elle Fanning was recently photographed walking around NYC in Miu Miu’s latest It shoes: the Riviere Cord & Leather Sandals. I predict these will be impossible to get your hands on once summer arrives.
On Elle Fanning: Bottega Veneta Bang Bang Vanity Case on Strap ($2200); Miu Miu Riviere Cord & Leather Sandals ($895)
Miu Miu
Riviere Cord & Leather Sandals in Red
Miu Miu
Riviere Cord & Leather Sandals in Tobacco
Ultimate NYC-girl Katie Holmes has an army of walkable shoes in her closet, but her classic Gucci loafers are one of the most-worn pairs.
On Katie Holmes: Isabel Marant skirt; Saint Laurent Le 5 À 7 Bea Tote ($3450); Gucci Jordaan Loafers ($990)
Gucci
Jordaan Loafers in Black
Gucci
Jordaan Leather Loafers in Dark Brown
Gucci
Jordaan Loafers in Light Brown Suede
Karlie Kloss’ casually elegant outfit was perfectly completed with a pair of timeless The Row loafers, which she’s been photographed wearing on repeat occasions.
On Karlie Kloss: Khaite shirt; Hermès bag; The Row Flynn Leather Loafers ($1190)
Bella Hadid was just photographed in NYC wearing a full Gucci look, including the platform loafers everyone is coveting. Warning: They’re far more Uber-friendly than sidewalk-friendly.
On Bella Hadid: Gucci jacket; tank, skort, belt, bag, and Horsebit Platform Loafers ($1350)
Gucci
Horsebit Platform Loafers in Beige and Ebony
Gucci
Horsebit Leather Platform Loafers in Sweet Chestnut
Just this week, Selena Gomez paired an ivory crinkled dress with a classic: Manolo Blahnik suede BB Pumps. (Proceed with caution when wearing these in NYC.)
On Selena Gomez: Maticevski Amber Gathered Metallic Cotton-Blend Midi Dress ($2595); Manolo Blahnik BB Pointed Toe Pumps in Nude Suede ($725)
Manolo Blahnik
BB Pointed Toe Pumps in Nude Suede
Manolo Blahnik
BB Pointed Toe Pumps in Black
Manolo Blahnik
BB 90mm Suede Stiletto Pumps
Driving loafers are one of the season’s biggest (and most comfortable) shoe trends, and Elle Fanning wisely opted for a Prada pair in a neutral hue.
On Elle Fanning: The Row top and pants; Prada Calfskin Leather Drivers in Natural ($975)
Prada
Leather Driving Shoes in Natural
Prada
Calfskin Leather Drivers in Avorio
Prada
Calfskin Leather Drivers
You know it’s almost summer when Katie Holmes starts wearing her Birkenstocks in the city again. Her latest go-to pair is a sleek style from its elevated 1774 line.
On Katie Holmes: Banana Republic Carmel Pleated Wide-Leg Pants ($130); Saint Laurent Le 5 À 7 Bea Tote ($3450); Birkenstock 1774 Arizona Sandals ($490)
Birkenstock 1774
Arizona Sandals in Black
Birkenstock 1774
Arizona Slides in Carafe
Birkenstock 1774
Arizona Sandals in Moss