The Key Summer 2021 Shoe Trends Everyone's Losing It Over

Instead of filling this story with the kitschy micro-shoe trends of summer 2021 (which just so happens to be my favorite kind of stories to write), I am filling you in on the summer shoe trends everyone is actually wearing right now. After researching both what fashion girls have been wearing as of late and what's currently highly saturated in the market, I landed on the five summer shoe trends ahead. You won't be surprised to see a couple of familiar, more practical styles, but in true Who What Wear fashion, there are a few sartorial surprises as well. 

Coming off of a pretty long period of neglecting the more forward pieces in our wardrobes, it feels good to start embracing fresh styles again whether that be dusting off your favorite pair of colorful heels or adding a few new ones to your cart. With an exciting summer ahead, there's no better way to celebrate and prep for what's to come than via a little shopping, especially when it involves shoes. Ahead, find out which summer 2021 shoe trends fashion girls are losing it over and shop my favorite versions of each. 

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(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

No surprise here, but flip-flops are proving to be the summer shoe trend that keeps on giving. From subtle platform soles to '90s-inspired heeled versions, this classic is here to make all your summertime shoe qualms disappear as it proves time and time again to be the style that pretty much pairs perfectly with everything. 

Shop the trend:

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(Image credit: @himichelleli)

Fisherman sandals have slowly crept their way up to the top of the trend chain, and we couldn't be happier about it. This shoe style is practical and stylish, which is probably why it's been successful for so long. Whether you pair with socks or wear without, this shoe style is definitely one to add to your arsenal this summer season. 

Shop the trend:

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(Image credit: @venswifestyle)

While high heels have slowly started creeping their way back into our lives, overall, practical footwear still reigns supreme, especially in the sandal department. Secure straps and heftier soles are key when shopping for this shoe trend, but that doesn't mean extremely elevated versions don't exist. Designers have been churning out chic versions of this once casual shoe trend left and right, but don't fret, we're still keen on the Teva's and Birkenstocks of the world. 

Shop the trend:

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(Image credit: @tamumcpherson)

Puffy and padded footwear has been the shoe trend we've been keeping an eye on for quite some time and this summer is shaping up to be its most successful season yet. From flat slides to heeled sandals, this trend is one that reads forward but feels oh so comfortable. The best of both worlds, no? 

Shop the trend:

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(Image credit: @pernilleteisbaek)

As someone who loves colorful footwear, this trend could not make me happier. Saturated hues of all sorts are popping up on mules, strappy heels, and flat sandals of all kinds and we couldn't think of a better way to emerge into a slightly more social summer than with boldly colored shoes on our feet. 

Shop the trend:

Next up, shop 33 pairs of summer pants that are just as pretty as dresses

Editorial Director

Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over eight years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Kristen Stewart.

She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.