Six months ago, the S/S 20 collections wowed us with their fresh batch of shoe trends, and now that the season's deliveries have finally hit the market, the wait to wear all the new-season newness is over. While in certain parts of the country, sandal season is still wishful thinking, we're of the mind that it's never too soon to start discussing, planning, and shopping for the season ahead. Which is why we've turned our attention on the biggest sandal trends to emerge from the runways.
Whether it be fanciful details like chain embellishments or overarching silhouettes like tried-and-true gladiators, we studied the spring collections and discovered the following six overarching sandal styles that we're predicting will make a big impact during the warmer months ahead. To see and shop each trend, keep scrolling.
Good old gladiators cooled off in previous seasons, but this spring, they made a definitive return in notably free-spirited bohemian styles. Unlike the to-the-knee versions of the past, 2020's gladiators are more grounded—which we'd argue makes them more wearable. At JW Anderson, they were tied over loose trousers, a styling trick that will surely catch on among the street style set.
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If the runways offer any indication, heeled thong sandals aren't going anywhere. Instead, designers doubled down on their commitment to the glorified flip-flops and continued to elevate them. Behold utterly polished thong sandals that speak to the refined minimalist in us all.
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Serious platforms and sporty soles are the defining characteristics of this year's latest "ugly" sandals. And when say "ugly," we actually mean super cool. Wear these to ground a sweet floral dress or with a slouchy suit like on the Ganni runway.
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Lovely chain embellishments adorned the models' ankles on some of our favorite spring runways, notably Proenza Schouler and Bottega Veneta. Consider skipping your anklet this summer and buying right into this jewelry-inspired look.
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If we had to guess which of these trends will be the most worn, we'd place our bets that the most stylish ankles of summer 2020 will be tied up in one of these wraparound sandals with dainty, barely there straps.
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Whether it was an off-center take on strappy sandals like at A.W.A.K.E. Mode or a minimalist approach as at Givenchy, asymmetry is a leading motif to look out for this season.
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Speaking of shoe trends, these are the outdated trends our editors have stopped buying (and the fresh ones we're in the market for).
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