We’re getting to that point in winter when we’re just over boots and thick socks. And to be honest, we’re also getting pretty tired of our fluffy sandals and go-to house shoes. Luckily, it looks like we might actually be able to get outside a bit more this spring as members of our quarantine pods continue to get vaccinated. These six spring shoe trends will help you live your most stylish (and also comfortable) life, whether you’re strolling the halls of a museum, meeting friends for rooftop drinks or simply strutting around your living room. Now all you need is a fresh pedicure and you’ll be all set to hit the ground running...or walking, more likely.
Chunky Sandals, Chain Details and 4 Other Spring Shoe Trends We Can't Get Enough Of
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Published Mar 4, 2021
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1. Clogs
Yep, everyone’s favorite ’70s-inspired Scandinavian shoe is back, baby, as proved by spring collections from the likes of Hermès, Sandy Liang and Stella McCartney. Wear these uber-comfy kicks with everything from high-waist mom jeans to tailored separates to nap dresses. And don’t be afraid to get funky with it, trying out bright colors or animal-inspired patterns, like Coterie member Jessie Loeffler Randall above.
Shop similar styles: J.Crew ($178; $125); Dansko ($145); Swedish Hasbeens ($280); Loeffler Randall ($350)
2. Chain Details
Whether it’s part of a slide, espadrille or mule, chain links—thick or thin—are a gorgeous way to add a touch of glam to any outfit. They could be over the front of some easy slides á la JW Anderson, draped around the ankle like Bottega Veneta or even as part of an ankle boot. Pro tip: If the links are on the chunkier side, stick to sleeker silhouettes, like silk slip dresses or classic tailoring to prevent your ’fit from looking too busy.
Shop similar styles: Vince Camuto ($130; $52); ASOS ($64); Staud ($350); Stuart Weitzman ($595); JW Anderson ($640)
3. Chunky Sandals
The past few years have seen a resurgence of practical footwear, including the OG Velcro-strapped watershoe, Teva. Other brands have since released their own versions of the chunky sandal, including Chanel, Anna Sui and Boss. Keep the rest of your look light and breezy but learn toward dressier fabrics and luxe detailing, like Coterie member Monroe Steele’s sexy knit dress with a gold chain belt.
Shop similar styles: Dr. Martens ($90); Loeffler Randall ($195); Vince ($250); Ancient Greek Sandals ($275); Chanel ($1,325)
Christian Vierig/Getty Image
4. Retro Sneakers
Think more along the lines of Onitsuka Tiger, rather than chunky ’90s styles. Folks are upgrading their WFH sweatsuits and thick-soled comfy sneakers for more streamlined trackpants, sleek anoraks and sporty kicks with a vintage vibe. Lacoste and Gucci both showcased styles paired with oversize dresses in a multitude of colors (a look we absolutely stand by), but these styles will look equally good with some raw-hem cropped jeans and an oversize blouse for a more casual vibe.
Shop similar styles: Onitsuka Tiger ($95); New Balance ($150); Rag & Bone ($225)
5. Flatforms
This style is fab for a number of reasons: It has the polish and lift of other heeled sandals, with all the comfort of more casual iterations (ahem, flip-flops). We love how the models at Simone Rocha and Erdem wore flatforms with tiered floral maxi dresses. We’ll probably do the same from April through September.
Shop similar styles: Franco Sarto ($60); ASOS ($64); Teva ($75); See by Chloé ($215); Prada ($750)
6. Flip Flops
We’re not going to lie to you, we have majorly mixed feelings about this trend. But we can’t deny that cushy thongs and kitten-heel flip flops were featured in multiple runway collections for spring/summer 2021, and many of our favorite influencers have already been spotted wearing them. To avoid looking too casual or like you just stepped out from a pedicure in your salon slides, look for styles with more structure or oomph to them by way of a luxe materials like leather and thicker soles or straps. Pair them with skirts or dresses rather than sweats, shorts or jeans to keep things elevated.
Shop similar styles: UGG ($65); OluKai ($85); Rag & Bone ($195); K. Jacques ($270); ATP Atelier ($350)
