Despite unconventional settings, fashion designers marched on with their Spring 2021 collections and continued to put their best footwear forward. Given that WFH life continues for many, the overarching need for comfort in footwear was certainly met, with flat sandals taking top billing at most collections. We also got the answer to the question we've all been waiting for: Will we want to wear heels again? Yes—but in the form of stable platforms.
For spring 2021, it was clear that practicality was top of mind for designers and in the demand from consumers. During this time at home, we've all taken inventory of our wardrobes, and the tightening of our footwear collection was reflected in the shows. Even if we can't predict what our next six months will look like, we can find relief in the fact that most designers are leaning into familiar styles that should hold up for a couple of seasons still.
So whether you're dusting off a pair from last year or switching up your favorite throw-on-and-go style, we've broken down the trends that we think are worth investing in. Because temperatures are still chilly and spring dressing feels still far away, many of these styles are super transitional when paired with socks and knit hosiery, or can be worn in the comfort of your home and the heat blasting—pedicures optional. In other words, your feet can relax. We've got them covered.
Va-Va-Voom Velcro Sandals
Say hello to the camp counselor’s signature shoe silhouette. These fresh takes on tech-y Velcro sandals are less granola and more girly than they have ever been. Anna Sui (left) paired lacy versions with equally feminine socks while Jason Wu (right) showed ones with pearl embellishments.
Fancy Flip-Flops
Let’s be clear: These are not your rubber shower shoes. Shown at Tom Ford (left) and Jacquemus (right), thong sandals have never looked more chic. The new iterations play with heights, proportion, elevated materials, and extra details like ankle wraps to give the classic summer staple a much-needed makeover.
Baroque Ballet Flats
The ballet flat is kind of the perfect shoe for 2020. The form-fitting shape is comfortable enough for long indoor wear but also keeps you nimble and able to keep moving while on the go. The Spring runways showed a flashier take, no doubt inspired by decadent interiors, with brocade patchwork (at Dolce & Gabbana, left) and burnished gold (at Simone Rocha, right).
Pared-Down Platforms
For those craving a bit of elevation but who aren't really to get back in the stiletto saddle, platforms will be your new shoe go-to come spring. Natural elements like wood (shown at Ulla Johnson, right) and snakeskin (at Erdem, left) ground the otherwise disco-era shoe for more everyday wear.
