Despite people going out less this year due to lockdown restrictions, the shoe trends for spring/summer 2021 are hotter than ever. This season’s footwear staples largely revolve around shapes. Whether it’s a pyramid heel or a triangular pointed toe, prominent shapes are big news for footwear fanatics right now. There’s also been an emphasis on comfort (no shock there) and adornments which, after what seems like endless months in slippers, should also come as no surprise.
From sneakers and flats, to decadent new heel trends, these are the styles which will make any shoe lover swoon.
In this post, I’m going to explore my favourite shoe trends for Spring/Summer 2021.
Platforms
Is something a trend if it’s a classic style omnipresent within fashion? For the sake of this list, it is. Platforms have always been a popular shoe choice.
credit - Courtesy of Bottega Veneta accessed via vogue.com
credit - Courtesy of Bottega Veneta accessed via vogue.com
The elevation they give to wearers, along with their striking look has made the style a shoe staple.
Platforms differ from the chunky heel trend because they raise the entire shoe and provide a thick elevated platform at the front as opposed to only the heel. Clogs are another trend which platforms have a close link to. Dubbed the most unlikely shoe of 2021, the Danish footwear may not be for everyone (myself included) so platforms are a great way to get the clunky look without actually having to wear clogs.
I’m currently crushing on Amina Muaddi’s Dalida Sandals which have a platform so high they will blow your mind AND make you so much taller.
Click below to shop
The Pyramid Heel
This shoe trend would make Queen Cleopatra proud. Pyramid-shaped heels are an edgy new take on this season’s chunky heel obsession.
The peculiar shaped heel is a bold choice and yet incredibly comfortable and provides maximum support. Trust me, your feet will love you if you opt for shoes reminiscent of an ancient Egyptian landmark –who knew?!
The Attico Devon Mules (THAT shoe every A-lister is rocking) are a more obvious take on the pyramid heel trend. Jacquemus, however, provides a more subtle interpretation of the pyramid shape with its Les Chaussures Valerie Slingback heels. Pyramid-shaped and spherical blocks make up the heel of the shoe. I was a chunky heel convert the moment I got wind of the trend.
Click below to shop
Strappy Sandals
Strappy sandals are that simple summer staple which somehow never go out of style.
Perfect for pairing with elegant summer maxi dresses and mini party frocks, strappy sandals are one of my go-tos this season. It seems like brands are competing with one another to create a sandal with the thinnest straps. The Attico is probably winning with its Mona Fuchsia Thong Sandals (the name sort of gives it away) and Lace-Up Leather Sandals.
Other strong contenders which I love are Amina Muaddi’s Gilda and Naima Sandals and Bottega Veneta’s square-toe leather variations.
Click below to shop
Over-Embellished Heels
I think (and have always thought) that heels were made to be over-embellished with sparkly adornments of glitter, bows, glittery bows and just about every other ostentatious decoration you can think of. And it seems that this season everyone else agrees with me. Amina Muaddi’s covetable Rosie Crystal-Bow Heels and the Begum Crystal-Embellished style caught my eye a while ago.
I’m also a fan of the Mach & Mach Crystal Bow Satin Pumps. But one bejewelled design in particular has captured my heart recently. The Dolce & Gabbana Cinderella Sandals with Sint Glass Heel in green are the stuff of my childhood dreams. Each shoe features a handmade floral detail which from afar looks like a great big twinkling jewel.
Click below to shop
Pointed Toes
Triangles have never looked so stylish until now. Pointed toe shoes were spotted on many of the spring/summer 2021 runways, most notably to me at Prada and Valentino. The prominent point of the shoes gives any outfit a touch of elegance and they are not always as uncomfortable as you would imagine.
Of course, a pointed toe pairs perfectly with a kitten heel however the style also works well on flats – case in point the new Valentino Garavani Roman Stud Leather Point-Toe Flats. Other favourite pointed toe shoes of mine include Prada’s new Pointed Slingback Pumps (the ones featuring Prada’s triangular insignia and kitten heels protruding at an angle are my favourite). Of course, I also adore the Dior J’adior Slingback Pumps.
Click below to shop
High-Top Sneakers
High-top sneakers are another classic style which has always been popular but recently is enjoying even more hype. To create the perfect cool girl look, pair some high-tops with baggy jeans, your favourite ‘It’ bag and shades and you have an effortlessly chic yet comfortable ensemble. When you love all things luxury but are also a certified sneakerhead like myself you can experiment with designs from both luxury fashion houses and streetwear brands.
Celine’s CT-01 High Top Sneakers and Louis Vuitton’s Boombox Trainer Boots are some of my favourites on the luxury side. However, Air Jordan 1s have become my go-to high-top sneakers recently. I’ve written a full blog post on my favourite sneakers for spring/summer 2021 so check that out if you haven’t already!
Click below to shop
Which shoe trend are you most excited to rock this season?