If you're a shoe person like I am, you probably pay close attention to footwear newness on the fashion scene. Right now is a particularly exciting time to be thinking about cool shoe trends because I've been living in sneakers for a year and finally feel ready to add some fresh, new pairs into my closet. Looking to fashion-girl Instagram, it seems I'm in good company. Recently, insiders have been debuting looks wearing the coolest shoes of the season.
So what are the biggest trends to know about right now? From directional takes on comfy shoes like puffy sandals to knife heels to "hot" saturated shades, there is so much sartorial goodness that I can't get enough of right now. Ahead, see the eight cool shoe trends every fashion person is into this season and shop my edit. I guarantee you'll find some pieces to add to your cart.
"Hot" Colors
Saturated shades were one of the biggest trends on the F/W 21 runways, but fashion insiders are getting a head start on some of these "hot" colors already. Standout hues include fuchsia and electric green—you'll be sure to spot them everywhere on Instagram.
I actually can't get enough of the hot-pink heels that are everywhere right now.
Can we all agree that this is the color of the season?
Puffy Shoes
All of the new shoes on the market that are puffy and cloudlike are giving a directional spin to comfy footwear. You probably won't ever want to take these off.
I can envision endless outfits to wear these with.
Puffy heels are the perfect style to wear while you ease your way back into taller shoes.
Knife Heels
One of my favorite heel shapes right now? Knife heels, which are named for their sharp, pointed toes. Consider this the fashion insider's update to the classic pump.
Amina Muaddi can do no wrong. There's a good reason why her designs are in high demand.
Knife heels instantly add a cool, sculptural element to any look.
Slides With Socks
This trend involves both the shoe shape and the way it's styled. Right now, I'm seeing so many outfits that pair a foam slide with tube socks. While it might not sound fashion-forward, these outfits will convince you otherwise.
This low-key outfit is the ultimate cool-girl take on loungewear.
Take a tip from the fashion set and match your socks to your shoe color.
Sleek Wedges
Wedges are back, everyone. This time around, you can leave standard espadrille styles behind. Instead, you'll find them in sleek shapes with sharp details like mid-century modern–inspired heels and radica wood, as spotted in Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's new shoe collaboration.
These are a work of art.
I've been on the fence about wedges in the past, but designers are really taking them to the next level.
Knee-High Boots With Short Hemlines
Yep, another shoe trend that's about more than just the shoe. Sleek knee-high boots are back in the fold. In the past few years, they've been a staple to style with jeans or slouchy trousers. This season, though, we're seeing fashion people style them with short hemlines and exposed legs.
The coolest way to style a minidress right now.
The ultimate transitional look.
Platform Slides
Elevated takes on flatform sandals are popping up everywhere. From The Attico's spongy slides with the brand's signature molded footbeds to flip-flops with a thick sole, these are the perfect piece to pair with jeans or relaxed cargo pants.
These were popular last summer but seem to be picking up even more steam.
And now, the shoe that's sitting at the top of my summer shopping list.
Utility Boots
I really love when shoes hit the sweet spot of practical and trendy—that's exactly what you'll find with the cool utility-boot trend. The boots are really taking off in beige shades this season.
Just add a cool sweatshort set.
For a cool styling idea, stick to a tonal look.
