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    1. Fashion
    2. Spring Fashion

    The Spring Shoe Trends to Invest In Before Everyone Discovers Them

    The shows shoes must go on!

    Julia Gall's avatar
    By Julia Gall
    Published 8 February 2021 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Spring Shoe Trends
    (Image credit: BRIDGET BURNS)
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    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.

    Latest Videos FromMarie Claire
    Watch full video here:
    Va-Va-Voom Velcro Sandals
    (Image credit: 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.

    Arizona Love Trekky Chic Faux Pearl-Embellished Sandals
    (Image credit: net-a-porter)

    Arizona Love Trekky Chic Faux Pearl-Embellished Sandals

    $220.00 at net-a-porter.com

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

    Teva x Anna Sui Teva x Anna Sui Indio Jewell
    (Image credit: Annasui)

    Teva x Anna Sui Teva x Anna Sui Indio Jewell

    $220.00 at annasui.com

    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.

    Schutz Ruth Crystal Buckle Sandal
    (Image credit: Nordstrom)

    Schutz Ruth Crystal Buckle Sandal

    $117.95 at nordstrom.com

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

    Loeffler Randall Maisie Sporty Sandals
    (Image credit: Shop Bop)

    Loeffler Randall Maisie Sporty Sandals

    $195.00 at shopbop.com

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

    Fancy Flip-Flops
    (Image credit: 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.

    Alexandre Birman Soft Clarita Tie-Dye Flat Sandal
    (Image credit: Alexandre Birman)

    Alexandre Birman Soft Clarita Tie-Dye Flat Sandal

    $276.50 at alexandrebirman.com

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

    Feteish Twinkle Toes
    (Image credit: My Feteish)

    Feteish Twinkle Toes

    $76.00 at myfeteish.com

    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.

    Vince Camuto Norshie Thong Sandal
    (Image credit: Vince Camuto)

    Vince Camuto Norshie Thong Sandal

    $69.00 at vincecamuto.com

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

    Steven New York Tavin Sandal
    (Image credit: dsw)

    Steven New York Tavin Sandal

    $59.99 at dsw.com

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

    Baroque Ballet Flats
    (Image credit: 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).

    Simone Rocha Embellished Leather Ballet Flats
    (Image credit: My Theresa)

    Simone Rocha Embellished Leather Ballet Flats

    $441.00 at mytheresa.com

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

    Margaux The Pointe in Blue Toile
    (Image credit: Margaux)

    Margaux The Pointe in Blue Toile

    $219.00 at margauxny.com

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

    Schutz Arissa Flat
    (Image credit: schutz-shoes)

    Schutz Arissa Flat

    $68.00 at schutz-shoes.com

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

    Cole Haan Callie Ballet FlatThese laser-cut beauties have enough detail to distract everyone from the fact you’re not wearing heels.
    (Image credit: Amazon)

    Cole Haan Callie Ballet FlatThese laser-cut beauties have enough detail to distract everyone from the fact you’re not wearing heels.

    $36.60 - $73.28 at amazon.com

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

    Pared-Down Platforms
    (Image credit: 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.

    Seychelles Forward, Cognac
    (Image credit: Amazon)

    Seychelles Forward, Cognac

    $17 at Doordash
    $63 at Doordash
    $120 at Gary's Wine & Marketplace
    $57.44 - $95.88 at amazon.com

    This simple suede pair with a sensible wooden platform are a no-brainer addition to your spring wardrobe.

    Cecelia New York Lily Platform Wedge Sandal
    (Image credit: Nordstrom)

    Cecelia New York Lily Platform Wedge Sandal

    $244.95 at nordstrom.com

    The stunning floral detail on these espadrilles basically just told any other espadrille, "Don't bother."

    Free People Chelsea Platform Sandal
    (Image credit: Nordstrom Rack)

    Free People Chelsea Platform Sandal

    $59.97 at nordstromrack.com

    These very strappy and very snake-y platforms are an edgy yet comfortable way to get some height.

    Clergerie Dara Sandals
    (Image credit: Shop Bop)

    Clergerie Dara Sandals

    $327.00 at shopbop.com

    The crochet detail on this sandal will look effortlessly cool with cropped jeans or a breezy sundress.

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    Marie Claire Newsletter

    The ultimate daily digest for women of power, purpose, and style.

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
    Julia Gall
    Julia Gall
    Social Links Navigation
    Creative Consultant, Stylist, and Writer

    Julia Gall is a creative consultant, stylist, and writer. She is the former Style Director at Marie Claire where she covered all things fashion, as well as styling tips, wardrobe upkeep and sustainability.

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