Spring racing is here. The fascinators are out, the colour palettes are bold and the calendar is filling fast, all the way through to Melbourne Cup Day on the first Tuesday in November. The outfit tends to come together first. The shoes are where the day is won or lost.
You will be standing, walking and dancing on grass for hours. So your race day shoes need to look the part in the photos and still feel good by the last race. Every Naked Sole style comes in women's sizes 10 to 15, so this is simply about choosing the pair that suits your look and your day.
What the racing season is wearing
This year's spring racing trends lean into colour. The Victoria Racing Club's spring edit names butter yellow as the signature shade of the season, alongside pairings like cobalt with cream, pistachio with lemon, and sunset orange with blush. Polka dots are back. Creamy white is still kept for Derby Day.
On footwear, the advice is practical. Block heels, mules, kitten heels and chic flats all get a nod, and thicker heels are recommended if the grass is wet. That shift towards wearable heights suits the way most of us actually spend a race day, which is on our feet from the first race to the last.
Butter yellow, the colour of the season
If you want one pair that feels completely current, start here. The Camellia Strappy Heel in Butter Yellow has crossover straps that sweep over the toe, a slim slingback with an adjustable buckle and a sculpted flared heel with a soft square toe.
Butter yellow is warm without being loud, which makes it easy to style. Wear it with a cream or white midi for a tonal look. Pair it with cobalt or Klein blue for contrast. Or let it lift a simple black dress so the shoe becomes the colour moment.
Prefer something softer? The same shape comes in Ballet Pink, which sits beautifully with blush, sunset orange and floral prints. Both colours are in The Camellia Collection.
The slingback, for a polished race day
A slingback is one of the easiest race day shoes to wear. It looks dressed, it stays put and it works with almost every hemline.
For Derby Day's crisp black and white dress code, the Alexandra Mid Heel Slingback in White Patent is the one. Glossy white patent, a pointed toe and a delicate buckle slingback strap on a 6cm heel. High enough to feel dressed, low enough to stay in all day. Wear it with a black and white column dress, a sharp white suit or a monochrome polka dot.
For a softer colour story, the Gigi Slingback from The Rudi Edit comes in cloud blue suede with a hand finished brown bow on the vamp and rich brown leather trim through the heel and strap. It sits on a low kitten heel and pairs beautifully with cream, white and the season's blue tones.
Block heels for the lawn
Stilettos and grass have never been friends. If you know you will spend most of the day on the lawn, a block heel spreads your weight and keeps you steady, so you are not sinking with every step.
The Jennifer Low Block Heel Mule is soft black leather with a double strap design, a square toe and a slim block heel you can stand in all day. It is the pair for the racegoer who wants to stay comfortable from gates open to the last dance. Style it with a bright midi so the colour does the talking, or with wide leg tailoring for a modern take on race day dressing.
Styling tips for race day
A few small choices make a big difference over a long day.
Match the heel to the forecast. On dry days, suede and satin come into their own. If rain is likely or the track is soft, choose patent or leather and a sturdier heel.
Think about the full outfit. A strappy heel shows more of the foot and suits a midi or a dress that falls just above the ankle. A pointed slingback lengthens the line under wide leg trousers and longer hemlines.
Carry a backup. A flat that folds into a tote is worth its place in your bag for the walk to the car or the train home.
Wear them in. Give new shoes a few hours around the house first. It helps them settle to your foot before a full day out.
Getting the fit right
Every style is available in whole sizes 10 to 15. Check the size guide and measure your foot later in the day, when it is at its longest. If a pair is not quite right, exchanges are free within Australia.
If you are between sizes, half sizes are available through our Bespoke made to order service, with each pair handmade for you.
Shipping is free on Australian orders over $200, and Afterpay is available at checkout, so you can sort your race day shoes now and pay over time.
Ready for the races
The season moves quickly, so it pays to plan your shoes early. Whether you want the butter yellow of the moment, a crisp white slingback for Derby Day or a block heel built for a full day on the grass, there is a pair waiting in your size.
Shop the Camellia, Alexandra, Gigi and Jennifer, or browse all heels in sizes 10 to 15.
