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The Spring Shoe Trends to Invest In Before Everyone Discovers Them

Name: Trekky Chic Faux Pearl-Embellished Sandals
Brand: Arizona Love
Price: 220.00 USD

The ~~shows~~ shoes must go on!

By Julia Gall

Feb 8, 2021

BRIDGET BURNS

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.

COURTESY OF ANNA SUI & GETTY

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.

Trekky Chic Faux Pearl-Embellished Sandals

Arizona Love net-a-porter.com

$220.00

SHOP IT

Arizona Love gained a cult following with their bandanna-wrapped Velcro sandals, but these pearl-encrusted ones are next-level.

Teva x Anna Sui Indio Jewell

Teva x Anna Sui annasui.com

$220.00

SHOP IT

The Anna Sui and Teva collab is back and girlier than ever for Spring 2021. Before they hit stores, check out this pair from their current offering.

Ruth Crystal Buckle Sandal

Schutz Nordstrom

$117.95

SHOP IT

The crystal buckles on these give the green light to wear this pair as a comfortable evening shoe.

Maisie Sporty Sandals

Loeffler Randall shopbop.com

$195.00

SHOP IT

Nothing like a delicate floral to make an otherwise sporty sandal a bit more versatile.

COURTESY OF TOM FORD AND GETTY

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.

Soft Clarita Tie-Dye Flat Sandal

Alexandre Birman alexandrebirman.com

$395.00

SHOP IT

These puffy flip flops in a trendy tie-dye will be your new faves all summer long.

Twinkle Toes

Feteish myfeteish.com

$76.00

SHOP IT

These thong sandals forego the traditional two straps of a "flip-flop" for a star and an elegant band around the top of the foot and the results are...wow.

Norshie Thong Sandal

Vince Camuto vincecamuto.com

$69.00

SHOP IT

The puffy thong detail guarantees comfort while the leopard print guarantees style.

Tavin Sandal

Steven New York dsw.com

$59.99

SHOP IT

Yes, heeled flip-flops are here to stay for another summer and we're not mad about it!

COURTESY OF DOLCE & GABBANA, SIMONE ROCHA

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).

Embellished Leather Ballet Flats

Simone Rocha mytheresa.com

$441.00

SHOP IT

Simone Rocha loves to play with the juxtaposition of very edgy and very girly. These flats are no exception.

The Pointe in Blue Toile

Margaux margauxny.com

$258.00

SHOP IT

Nothing like a bit of toile print to give ya a fancy pep in your step.

Arissa Flat

Schutz schutz-shoes.com

$68.00

SHOPT IT

For under $100, these squared-toe flats in a crackled gold play into the antique vibe of this trend.

Callie Ballet Flat

Cole Haan amazon.com

SHOP IT

These laser-cut beauties have enough detail to distract everyone from the fact you’re not wearing heels.

COURTESY OF ERDEM, ULLA JOHNSON

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.