The 5 footwear trends dominating this season
They might have taken a back seat over the past year, but scene-stealing shoes have officially returned. Whether you’re keen to make 2020’s relaxed aesthetic a permanent feature of your closet or, on the contrary, you’re excited to embrace drama dressing once again, a covetable new addition to your footwear arsenal will update your look in an instant. Read on to discover the five key styles set to dominate this season
Retro sneakers
Chances are your sneakers have been on heavy rotation in recent months, which is why it’s never been more important to ensure your selection is up to scratch. Deftly blending the avant-garde design that has become a calling card of high-fashion trainers with the simplicity of more minimal styles, retro-inspired sneakers promise to add directional edge to any outfit – from oversized tailoring to pretty summer dresses. For this season’s most covetable styles, look to sportswear titans Adidas and Nike, whose remastered styles strike the perfect balance between nostalgic and cutting edge.
Luxe slippers
It’s not difficult to see where this season’s craze for elevated slip-ons came from, not least because they bear more than a fleeting resemblance to traditional house slippers. Over the past year, many women have seen their personal style evolve, as comfort and versatility have become increasingly important sartorial factors – and shoes are no exception. As a result, we’ve seen utilitarian styles such as mules, clogs and slippers soar in popularity. Porte & Paire’s sumptuous leather designs, created in collaboration with cult brand Frankie Shop, are top of our wish list.
BIRKENSTOCKBoston suede clogs$279.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size35 - out of stock36 - out of stock37 - out of stock38 - out of stock39 - out of stock40 - out of stock41 - out of stock42 - out of stock43 - out of stock
MANOLO BLAHNIKBallerimu bow-detailed suede mules$1,250.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size34.5 - out of stock3535.536 - out of stock36.537 - low stock37.5 - out of stock38 - low stock38.5 - out of stock39 - out of stock39.540 - out of stock40.5 - out of stock41 - out of stock41.5 - out of stock42
Streamlined sandals
When it comes to summer-style staples, they don’t get much more quintessential than a pair of leather sandals. A fail-safe complement to everything from denim cut-offs to kaftans and wrap skirts, they’re unparalleled in terms of versatility, making them the vacation shoe par excellence. Whether you’re preparing for your first post-pandemic getaway, still dreaming about it or wrapping your head around dressing for summer in the city, The Row’s chunky flip flops, Jimmy Choo’s pearl-embellished designs and Manolo Blahnik’s gladiator sandals are enduring styles you’ll reach for time and time again.
THE ROWGinza leather platform flip flops$1,333.33View Product DetailsSelect a Size35.5 - out of stock36 - out of stock36.5 - out of stock37 - out of stock37.5 - out of stock38 - out of stock38.5 - out of stock39 - out of stock39.5 - out of stock40 - out of stock40.5 - out of stock41 - out of stock41.5 - out of stock42 - out of stock
EMME PARSONSErnest leather sandals$700.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size3536 - out of stock37 - low stock37.5 - out of stock38 - low stock38.5 - out of stock3939.5 - out of stock40 - low stock41 - out of stock42 - out of stock
Cinderella shoes
Of course, there’s also a case to be made for using fashion as a means for inspiration and escapism. Enter, the Cinderella shoe. Whether your diary is once again filling up with previously postponed weddings, parties and date nights or you’re manifesting better days by donning more extravagant pieces, a beautifully crafted pair of high heels will never fail to put a smile on your face. Manolo Blahnik’s exquisite designs are utterly timeless, while Amina Muaddi’s modern take on fantasy footwear has made her a favorite with everyone from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to Rihanna.
MANOLO BLAHNIKLurum 90 crystal-embellished satin mules$1,747.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size34 - out of stock34.5 - out of stock35 - low stock35.5 - out of stock36 - low stock36.5 - low stock37 - low stock37.5 - low stock3838.5 - low stock39 - low stock39.5 - out of stock40 - out of stock40.541 - out of stock41.542 - low stock42.5 - out of stock43 - out of stock
GIANVITO ROSSIBIJOUX 105 metallic leather sandals$868.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size3435 - out of stock35.536 - out of stock36.5 - out of stock37 - out of stock37.5 - out of stock38 - out of stock38.5 - out of stock39 - out of stock39.5 - out of stock40 - out of stock40.5 - out of stock41 - out of stock41.5 - out of stock42 - out of stock
Penny loafers
A closet essential of the highest order, the classic penny loafer has captivated emerging and established designers alike, with covetable new iterations debuted this season. These chic shoes exude an effortless elegance that makes them the perfect post-pandemic investment if you’ve spent the past year living in loungewear and slippers. It should come as no surprise that Khaite – the revered New York label that has become a go-to for industry insiders – has remastered this preppy classic to sublime effect. The brand’s streamlined suede designs promise to slot seamlessly into your everyday look.