These 9 Spring/Summer 2021 Shoe Trends Will Dominate This Year

Sure, you're closet may be overrun by a mountain of chic designer shoes, but some of the latest styles and trends featured during the Spring/Summer 2021 season are impossible to resist. As fashion sets its eyes on what will define this year, to maintain your trendsetter status, it's important to stay ahead of the curve. To prepare you for 2021 (and the future warmer months), L'OFFICIEL offers a guide to all the must-have designer shoe trends from the Spring/Summer 2021 collections.

Love them or hate them, clogs are slipping into our closets this year. The catwalks of high-end brands such as Hermès and Louis Vuitton were inundated with versions of the chunky shoe in various shapes and colors.

Ever tried accessorizing your accessory with more accessories? Chain necklaces have made a resurgence in recent years, and not just for jewelry purposes. Metal detailling on footwear was all over the runway last season. Next year, plan on attaching this shiny accoutrement to your favorite pair of heels. Think of it as another piece of gold or silver to add an extra cachet to your kicks. Runway examples of this include Victoria Beckham and Versace.

If you thought flip-flops were hip last season, prepare yourself for a true inundation of flip-flops this year. In a time where comfort is key, it's no surprise to see a beach favorite on the catwalks. However, many designers gave the classic shape a chic upgrade with leather and thick rubber soles.

In the same vein as TV and film, fashion designers have found no shortage of '90s trends to revive, including the platform shoe. At Versace, we saw the lifted sandal in bright colors, while Erdem opted for a more neutral version. One thing is certain: platforms are high on the trend list this year.

The boundaries between dress codes for men and women seem to be increasingly blurred. This spring, choose a traditional men's shoe like slip-on loafers to try something more gender neutral or simply pull off your most comfortable business look. Chanel provides a simple design with a small block heel and a subtle addition of its logo. Combine with a classic nylon stocking and you're ready to go.

There's something sweet, delicate, and feminine about the low baby heel that has been spotted on the catwalks this season, either in a block heel or as a variation on the kitten heel. Versace's lavender pair were especially fun and colorful, while at Acne Studios, they look sleek and simple.

Last summer, the street scene was flooded by fishnet pieces. After the success of Jacquemus' netted grocery bag, designers found use for the style in other places besides bags. Last season, Italian house Fendi introduced ultra-chic and feminine footwear made from perforated material in various pastel colors, while Dior sent netted flats down the runway.

As a striking detail for both heels and sandals, ankle straps that wrap around the leg are a more elevated version of the 2000s gladiator shoe trend. This style emphasizes your legs in an elegant way to add a sophisticated air to any outfit. 

Another trend that seems to have been plucked from the men's runway is the Oxford. Spotted on the catwalk at Louis Vuitton, among others, these two-toned leather shoes are the casual flats you'll love to wear when you need a break from your pumps. Expect to spot them on the runway again next year, with or without a heel.