India, Sept. 6 -- Women are entirely done hauling backup sneakers in their tote bags. The towering stiletto has quietly bowed out, letting the ballet flat dominate city style. Today's shopper just wants footwear that survives the morning train commute and still looks incredibly sharp under a dinner table.

High fashion picked up on the mood fast. Miu Miu sparked a massive street-style obsession by sending models out in delicate satin slips shoved into thick, slouched knit socks. Chanel played to its strengths, keeping its iconic two-tone leather flats front and centre to prove heritage shapes never really leave. Meanwhile, edgy younger labels are tearing up the shoe's polite reputation altogether, trading dainty bows for blunt square toes...