The 6 Sandal Trends I Predict Will Define Summer 2021

sandal trends 2021

Photo:

Courtesy of Staud; Courtesy of Acne Studios; Courtesy of Givenchy

Six months ago, the S/S 21 collections wowed us with their fresh batch of shoe trends, and now that the season's deliveries have finally hit the market, the wait to wear all the new-season newness is over. While in certain parts of the country, sandal season is still wishful thinking, we're of the mind that it's never too soon to start discussing, planning, and shopping for the season ahead. This is why we've turned our attention to the biggest sandal trends to emerge from the runways.

Whether it be intricate details like toe-ring ties or throwback silhouettes like cushy padded thongs, we studied the spring collections and discovered the following six overarching sandal styles that we're predicting will make a big impact during the warmer months ahead. To see and shop each trend, keep scrolling.

sandal trends 2021: cushy thongs

Photo:

Courtesy of Coperni; Courtesy of Jacquemus; Courtesy of Kenzo

Who else remembers those platform flip-flops from the early 2000s? These are like the elevated version of those retro sandals with cushy soles and extra-wide straps.

Coperni s/s 2021 runway

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Courtesy of Coperni
Jacquemus S/S 2021 runway

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Courtesy of Jacquemus
Kenzo S/S 2021 runway

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Courtesy of Kenzo
sandal trends 2021: flatforms

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Courtesy of Ulla Johnson; Courtesy of Gabriela Hearst; Courtesy of Altuzarra

Ready to get lifted? Flatform sandals—especially those with lace-up ties and espadrille soles—are soaring into the spotlight with notable versions from Ulla Johnson and Altuzarra that will pair perfectly with all your floaty summertime frocks.

Altuzarra s/s 2021 runway

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Courtesy of Altuzarra
Ulla Johnson s/s 2021

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Courtesy of Ulla Johnson
sandal trends 2021: tricky toes

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Courtesy of Staud; Courtesy of ACNE Studios; Courtesy of Givenchy

We spotted this trend on the S/S 2021 runways at ACNE Studios, Khaite, and plenty of others, which tells me that it's one to watch. With elements like complicated straps and asymmetrical cutouts, no one will be able to take their eyes off of these.

Sportmax s/s 2021 runway

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Courtesy of Sportmax
Givenchy s/s 2021 runway

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Courtesy of Givenchy
sandal trends 2021: sporty straps

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Courtesy of Sea; Courtesy of Staud; Courtesy of Jason Wu

It's confirmed: Chunky sandals are here to stay. The spring runways were littered with sporty Velcro sandals (fashion's take on elevated Tevas) with updates like colorful fabrics and whimsical embellishments.

Jason Wu S/S 2021 runway

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Courtesy of Jason Wu
Sea S/S 2021 runway

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Courtesy of Sea
sandal trends 2021

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Courtesy of Staud
sandal trends 2021: squared-off

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Courtesy of Versace; Courtesy of Dion Lee

Exaggerated square-toe sandals were another consistent theme we noticed throughout the spring/summer collections and seeing as this trend isn't necessarily new, this your official notice that it's not time to phase out the silhouette just yet.

Versace S/S 2021 runway

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Courtesy of Versace
Dion Lee S/S 2021 runway

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Courtesy of Dion Lee
sandal trends 2021: easy slides

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Courtesy of Rosetta Getty; Courtesy of Michael Kors Collection; Courtesy of Simon Miller

How could we forget house slippers? These cozy flats are what kept us the most comfortable last year, and they’re about to serve their purpose all the way through 2021 as well with luxurious updates like faux fur and pretty pastel tones.

Rosetta Getty S/S 2021 collection

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Courtesy of Rosetta Getty
Michael Kors Collection S/S 2021 collection

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Courtesy of Michael Kors Collection
Simon Miller S/S 2021 collection

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Courtesy of Simon Miller