Fashion is weirdly cyclical, but nobody really saw the "pierced" trend coming until Tory Burch basically forced the issue. It started with a singular, somewhat polarizing vision: taking a classic mule or pump and literally putting a hole through it. Not just any hole, though. We’re talking about a meticulously placed, metallic-ringed aperture that makes the shoe look like it just walked out of a high-end piercing parlor.
Tory Burch pierced shoes aren't just a random design fluke. They represent a massive shift in how the brand is perceived by younger, more "edgy" demographics who used to think of Tory as just the "Reva ballet flat" lady.
Honestly, if you’ve spent any time on fashion TikTok or browsing the aisles of Nordstrom lately, you’ve seen them. The Jessa. The Eleanor. They’ve got these chunky, gold-tone rings—often referred to as "piercing" details—that somehow manage to look both punk rock and incredibly expensive at the same time. It’s a vibe.
The Anatomy of the Pierced Aesthetic
What actually makes a shoe "pierced"? In the context of the current Tory Burch collection, it’s usually a metal ring—often brass or gold-finished—that loops through a leather tab or a specific cutout in the upper.
You’ll see this most prominently on the Jessa Pierced Loafer. Unlike the traditional Jessa, which features the double-horsehead link, the pierced version feels more deconstructed. It’s a bit more aggressive. The leather is often a brushed calfskin or a patent, providing a stiff, high-quality backdrop for the hardware.
The magic is in the contrast. You have this very traditional, almost "old money" silhouette—the loafer or the pointed-toe mule—and then you disrupt it with hardware that feels industrial. It’s the sartorial equivalent of a girl in a Chanel suit with a septum piercing. It shouldn't work, but it absolutely does.
Why the "Pierced" Trend Is Winning in 2026
We’ve moved past the era of quiet luxury. People are bored. The "Old Money" aesthetic had its run, but now shoppers are looking for something that has a bit more "bite." Tory Burch pierced shoes hit that sweet spot. They are recognizable but not in a "logo-mania" kind of way.
Most people recognize the brand by the T-Logo. But with the pierced line, the branding is often more subtle. You might find a tiny embossed logo on the heel or the footbed, but the ring itself is the statement. It’s a "if you know, you know" situation.
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- The Gen Z Factor: Younger shoppers are reclaiming Tory Burch. By leaning into these hardware-heavy designs, the brand has successfully shed its "suburban mom" reputation.
- Versatility: You can wear these to a board meeting. You can also wear them to a dive bar in Brooklyn. That's a rare feat for a luxury shoe.
Real Talk: Are They Actually Comfortable?
Let’s be real for a second. High-end shoes are notorious for being "sitting shoes." You know the ones—they look great in a photo, but five minutes into a walk, your heels are bleeding.
The Tory Burch pierced loafers are surprisingly forgiving, mostly because they are built on the same lasts as their classic counterparts. The leather is sturdy. It requires a break-in period. Don't expect to go on a five-mile hike in these on day one. The "piercing" hardware is usually decorative and doesn't actually touch your foot, so you don't have to worry about metal rubbing against your skin.
However, the mules are a different story. If you have a narrow foot, that heavy hardware can sometimes cause the shoe to flop a bit more than a standard leather mule. It’s physics. You've got more weight on the top of the foot.
The Evolution of the Hardware
Tory Burch didn't just wake up and decide to start piercing shoes. This was an evolution. If you look back at the Fall/Winter 2023 and Spring 2024 runways, you can see the brand experimenting with more "found object" jewelry and hardware.
They moved from the iconic Double T logo to "broken" logos and eventually to the oversized rings we see now. It’s a deconstruction of the brand's own history.
Designers like Daniel Roseberry at Schiaparelli have been doing "body part" hardware for a while, but Tory Burch brought it to the masses. She made it wearable. She made it something you could wear with a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt without looking like you’re wearing a costume.
How to Spot a Fake (Because They Are Everywhere)
When a shoe gets this popular, the knockoffs follow immediately. If you’re hunting for Tory Burch pierced shoes on resale sites like Poshmark or The RealReal, you have to be careful.
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- The Weight of the Ring: On authentic pairs, the piercing ring is heavy. It’s solid metal. Fakes often use plastic painted to look like metal, which feels light and "clinky."
- The Leather Grain: Tory Burch uses high-grade calfskin. It should have a natural, subtle grain and smell like actual leather, not chemicals.
- The Stitching: Look at where the ring is attached. The stitching should be perfectly uniform. If you see a single loose thread or an uneven stitch line, it’s a red flag.
- The Box and Dust Bag: Authentic Tory Burch packaging is substantial. The dust bag should have a high-quality feel and a crisp logo print.
Styling Tips From the Pros
How do you actually wear these without looking like you’re trying too hard?
Keep the rest of the outfit simple. Since the shoes have a lot of "noise" with the hardware, you don't need a ton of jewelry.
Try pairing the pierced mules with cropped, wide-leg trousers. This allows the hardware to be the star of the show. If you’re going for the loafers, they look incredible with white socks and a pleated skirt—a sort of "dark academia" vibe but with a modern twist.
Some people even go full-on maximalist. We're talking patterned tights, layered coats, and the pierced shoes. It’s a lot, but if you have the confidence, it works.
Maintenance: Keeping the Shine
Because these shoes rely so heavily on that metallic hardware, you have to keep them clean.
Gold-tone hardware can tarnish over time if exposed to too much moisture or salt (looking at you, East Coast winters). A quick wipe with a soft, dry microfiber cloth after each wear does wonders. Don't use harsh chemicals on the metal; you’ll strip the finish.
For the leather, a standard conditioning cream is fine. Just be careful not to get the cream inside the "pierced" holes or on the hardware itself, as it can gunk up the crevices and attract dirt.
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The Misconception About "Pierced" Shoes
A lot of people think these are just a seasonal fad. They aren't.
While the "pierced" look is definitely having a moment, the silhouettes—the loafer, the pointed mule, the slingback—are timeless. Even if the piercing trend fades in five years, these shoes will still look like high-quality, intentional pieces of design. They aren't "ugly sneakers" that will look dated in six months.
They represent a permanent shift in Tory Burch’s design language toward something more sculptural and architectural.
What to Look for in the Upcoming Season
Word on the street (and from recent showroom previews) is that we’re going to see even more variations of the pierced theme. Think smaller, multiple piercings. Think silver-tone hardware for those who find the gold too "loud."
We might even see the piercing detail integrated into the heels themselves.
If you’re on the fence about buying a pair, honestly, go for the classic black leather with gold hardware. It’s the safest bet and has the highest resale value.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're ready to jump into the pierced shoe trend, here’s how to do it right:
- Size Up (Usually): Tory Burch shoes, especially the pointed-toe varieties, tend to run a bit small. If you’re between sizes, go up a half size to avoid that "heel hanging off the edge" look with the mules.
- Check the Sale Cycles: These shoes are popular, but they do go on sale during the major department store events (Saks Friends & Family, etc.). Keep an eye out.
- Invest in No-Show Socks: For the loafers, get high-quality no-show socks with silicone grips on the heel. The stiff leather of the pierced loafer can be rough on bare skin until it's broken in.
- Protect the Soles: If you plan on wearing these heavily, take them to a cobbler and have a thin rubber "sole saver" added. It preserves the leather sole and gives you better traction, especially since the hardware adds a bit of weight to your step.
- Store Properly: Don't just throw these in a pile. Use the dust bags. The metal rings on one shoe can easily scratch the leather of the other shoe if they are banging around in a closet.
The Tory Burch pierced shoes are a rare example of a brand successfully reinventing itself without losing its soul. They’re edgy, they’re elegant, and they’re definitely here to stay for the foreseeable future. Get a pair before the waitlists get even longer.