Introducing the Key Shoe Trends the Fashion Crowd Is Losing It Over

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.

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See the trend:
(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

I actually can't get enough of the hot-pink heels that are everywhere right now.

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(Image credit: @handinfire)

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.

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See the trend:
(Image credit: @pernilleteisbaek)

I can envision endless outfits to wear these with.

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(Image credit: @ashleygraham)

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.

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See the trend:
(Image credit: @aminamuaddi)

Amina Muaddi can do no wrong. There's a good reason why her designs are in high demand.

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(Image credit: @jennymwalton)

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.

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See the trend:
(Image credit: @josefinehj)

This low-key outfit is the ultimate cool-girl take on loungewear.

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(Image credit: @discodaydream)

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.

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See the trend:
(Image credit: @rosiehw)

These are a work of art.

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(Image credit: @christopher_esber)

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.

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See the trend:
(Image credit: @discodaydream)

The coolest way to style a minidress right now.

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

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.

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See the trend:
(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

These were popular last summer but seem to be picking up even more steam.

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(Image credit: @the_attico)

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.

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See the trend:
(Image credit: @meccajw)

Just add a cool sweatshort set.

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(Image credit: @giorgiatordini)

For a cool styling idea, stick to a tonal look.

Next, 25 Cool Fashion Finds I'm Obsessing Over Right Now

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.