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The Spring Shoe Trends to Invest In Before Everyone Discovers Them

The shows shoes must go on!

By Julia Gall
spring shoe trends
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.

anna sui teva arizona love jason wu
COURTESY OF ANNA SUI & GETTY
1 of 20
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.

2 of 20
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.

3 of 20
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.

4 of 20
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.

5 of 20
Maisie Sporty Sandals
Loeffler Randall shopbop.com
$140.01
SHOP IT

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

best spring shoe trends
COURTESY OF TOM FORD AND GETTY
6 of 20
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.

7 of 20
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.

8 of 20
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.

9 of 20
Norshie Thong Sandal
Vince Camuto vincecamuto.com
$69.00
SHOP IT

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

10 of 20
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!

ballet flat
COURTESY OF DOLCE & GABBANA, SIMONE ROCHA
11 of 20
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).

12 of 20
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.

13 of 20
The Pointe in Blue Toile
Margaux margauxny.com
$149.00
SHOP IT

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

14 of 20
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.

15 of 20
Callie Ballet Flat
Cole Haan amazon.com
$64.00
SHOP IT

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

spring shoe trends 2021
COURTESY OF ERDEM, ULLA JOHNSON
16 of 20
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.

17 of 20
Forward, Cognac
Seychelles amazon.com
$39.99
SHOP IT

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

18 of 20
Lily Platform Wedge Sandal
Cecelia New York nordstrom.com
$244.95
SHOP IT

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

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Chelsea Platform Sandal
Free People Nordstrom Rack
$59.97
SHOP IT

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

20 of 20
Dara Sandals
Clergerie shopbop.com
$545.00
SHOP IT

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

Next
Spring 2021 Handbag Trends You'll Wanna Grab Now
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