As much as I hate to admit it, I know that my obsession with shoes can forge into the unhinged territory at times. Yes, I already own a collection of shoes I love (some from Black-owned brands and some designer pairs found on sale), but come fashion week, nothing will stop me from searching for the next big footwear trends. To me, there’s something so exciting about how designers can take basic shoe styles and add their flair to them. And while there are always quite a few noteworthy shoe trends, one, in particular, has caught my attention: strappy sandals. This style is nothing groundbreaking. Strappy sandals are the shoes most likely sitting in the back of your closet or the ones you continually invest in come springtime. But if you’re like me and want to move beyond basic nude sandals (no shade intended) to find the best strappy sandals, then you’ll want to keep reading.
Some of the most unique iterations of this style can be found in the spring/summer 2022 collections. We saw everything from faux-fur straps to strappy sandals with dramatic sculptural heels. The biggest sandal trends of the season showed us that strappy sandals are back and bolder than ever. Need proof? Ahead, I’ve rounded up five strappy-sandal trends I spotted on the runway that I’m predicting will be big this season along with the best strappy sandals to shop right now. If these don’t make you want to ditch your old shoes, I don’t know what will.
Wrap-Up Sandals
While the fashion set hasn’t been able to stop talking about the return of shrunken hemlines on the spring/summer 2022 runways, I can’t stop thinking about wrap-up sandals. It’s almost as if the return of miniskirts calls for a shoe style that can make up for the lack of coverage by wrapping up past the ankles. With Blumarine’s nostalgic butterfly-adorned sandals and Staud’s knee-high sandals, it seems that strappy sandals are reaching new heights this season.
Shop the trend:
These are so fire—I can’t deal.
Not all wrap-up sandals have to have a stiletto.
Euphoria’s students would likely wear these.
The studs on these sandals make them even more of a statement pair.
These give a whole new meaning to the term drip.
Flat Sandals
Strappy sandals didn’t just come in the form of high heels in a lot of new-season collections. In fact, flat sandals remained an ever-present force on the runway. But rather than the dated gladiator styles of the past, flat sandals typically came in more elevated forms, such as sandals with straps ending below the ankle (see: Chloé’s collection) and flatform sandals with straps (see: Jonathan Simaki’s collection). The result is sandals that are fresh and as functional as ever.
Shop the trend:
I’m dreaming of all the ways I can style these bad boys.
Zara never fails us.
I promise you’ll wear these all spring.
The chains? The black straps? The flatform? So about it.
These are so chic.
You’ll wear these with everything.
Tricky-Toe Sandals
Remember the spring 2021 sandal trend we dubbed as tricky-toe shoes that featured complicated straps and toe-rings straps? Well, they’re making a reappearance this season. From the minimalist strappy versions at Sportmax to more elaborate tie-up versions with embellishments at Ulla Johnson, the continuation of this shoe trend is a reminder that the best strappy sandals aren’t the simple ones.
Shop the trend:
We love sandals with a strap around the toe.
These sandals will make embracing this trend easier.
Not all tricky-toe sandals have to include a heel.
These sandals will last you for seasons to come.
These popped off.
The key to making these sandals more comfortable is by opting for a kitten heel.
Furry Sandals
The resurgence of all things furry came this past fall, but it seems designers have no desire to give up shearling, faux fur, or anything cozy this spring. As seen in Fendi’s furry sandals and Altuzarra’s sandals with fur soles, it seems our furry accents aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Shop the trend:
I’ve had my eyes on these sandals for a while now.
These have just the right amount of faux fur not to overdo it.
Are they slippers? Are they strappy flat sandals? How about both.
Now these are fun.
It’s giving Grinch energy, in a good way.
Perfect for keeping your feet warm on a brisk spring night.
Sculptural Sandals
And finally, this is the strappy-sandal trend I’m personally most excited about: sandals with sculptural and surrealist design elements. These sandals aren’t just about adding faux fur or a toe ring, but rather they’re incorporating details inspired by real-life things. Just look to Bottega Veneta’s phone wire-inspired wrap-up sandals and any of the strappy sandals featuring roses, nail polish bottles, and broken eggshells at Loewe’s S/S 22 runway show. These shoes are all about taking our beloved strappy sandals and adding a sculptural heel—bringing a whole new meaning to the term "wearable art.” And if that’s not enough to get you excited about strappy sandals this season, then nothing can get you to step into this trend.
Shop the trend:
You’ll clean the streets with these sandals.
The heel on these sandals looks like an actual sculpture.
I own these, and they’re one of my favorite pairs of sandals.
The heel on these is practical and downright pretty.
My jaw is on the floor.
I could stare at these sandals for the rest of my life.
Next: I Only Wear Heels, and These 50 Under-$150 Pairs Are Giving Me Life
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