As we continue to emerge from a pretty long period of neglecting much of our wardrobes, it feels good to start embracing our forgotten items once more. The moment lockdown began to ease, I automatically turned my attention to shoes. I've always been a shoe person, so it should come as no surprise that my first summer purchase was a new pair of sandals. That said, even I had almost forgotten how they have an innate ability to completely change the tone of an outfit. Like many others, I'm still relying heavily on comfy clothes right now, but even they feel energised and exciting when I wear them with my new shoes. The takeaway? Shoes are powerful.
Let's get down to it and start talking about summer's top shoe trends, shall we? I've spent a few days researching both what fashion types have been wearing as of late and what's currently highly saturated in the market, and I landed on the eight summer shoe trends that kept cropping back up. A mix of some very 2021 microtrends with a few shoe styles that are repeating from last summer (which, let's face it, feels like it never even happened), there's something for everyone in this eclectic shoe mix—I promise.
With an exciting few months ahead, there's no better way to celebrate and prep for what's to come than via a bit of shopping, especially when it involves shoes. So scroll on to find out which summer 2021 shoe trends you should buy into, and shop my favourites of each as you go.
1. CUTE CLOGS
Packed with nostalgia and It-girl appeal, clogs are a firm fixture on summer's style agenda. Classic colours of black and tan will always serve you well, but I can't help but swoon over Sleeper's daisy-decorated pair.
SHOP THE TREND
2. PUFFED STRAPS
If the thought of wearing heeled sandals fills you with dread, take the edge off and greatly reduce the risk of blisters with a pair with puffy, padded straps. In fact, this trend features heavy on flats, too, so you needn't opt for height to get in on it.
SHOP THE TREND
3. RETRO SNEAKERS
Picking up where platform, chunky kicks left off is another throwback trainer trend: retro styles boasting colourful hues. Take your cues from Lucy Williams, and wear yours with tailored trousers for an unexpected spin.
SHOP THE TREND
4. '90S FLIP-FLOPS
A huge hit from last summer, flip-flops are still going strong in both heel and flat forms. Make like Abi Omole and use a kitten-heel pair to elevate everything from knitted co-ords to wide-leg jeans.
SHOP THE TREND
5. ULTRA-BRIGHT
Joyful dressing is very much a thing right now with playful prints and acid hues flying off the shelves. Shoes, too, have taken a bright turn in shades of electric blue, grass green and hotter-than-hot pink.
SHOP THE TREND
6. FISHERMAN CAGES
This is another 2020 shoe trend that's sticking around for summer. Not a day goes by when we don't spot our favourite influencers wearing caged, fisherman sandals.
SHOP THE TREND
7. CRYSTAL-ADORNED
The antidote to the slippers I've been living in for the last 18 months, crystals have been smattered on a selection of heels to seriously chic avail. A pair of Amina Muaddi's is at the top of my wish list, but I'm also impressed by the styles found on the high street.
SHOP THE TREND
8. MADE FOR WALKING
Whether it's sensible straps or a cushioned footbed, fashion types have also been embracing practical shoes of late. Look to Birkenstock, Arizona Muse, and Jigsaw to get your fix.
SHOP THE TREND
Next Up: I Love Wearing Sandals, and These Are the 6 New Trends I'm Into
