8 Cute Sandal Trends to Shop For Spring and Summer 2021
8 Sandal Trends So Good, You're Bound to Collect Them All by Summer's End

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There's nothing like stepping outside in a fresh, statement-worthy pair of sandals that instantly bring in the compliments — and allow your toes to breathe. Once the sun feels warm enough to grace our feet, let these be the very first things we shop for! This season, we're seeing more popular styles at retailers and on our Instagram feeds than ever before.
When it comes to collecting new pairs, you probably want to cater to all of your moods. There could be days you're feeling more minimalist and days when you'd rather reach for something kitschy — perhaps with prints or embellishments. We were sure to provide a little bit of both in the following categories, which include some old favorite silhouettes reinterpreted with 2021 attitude.
The T-strap is back and better than ever, and wrap-up stilettos no longer feel so yesterday when it comes to jazzing up your going-out looks. The must haves we assume you'll want to slip into first are the padded and puffed leather slides (some braided à la Bottega Veneta) that remind us of an elevated take on the old Floaties of yesteryear. Either jump ahead to the trend you know you want to shop, or scroll through each group and slowly fill up that cart.
1 Puffed or Padded Leather
Whether you want to go for the flashy version of this trend, opting for a stiletto with a standout, voluminous upper, or you'd like to slide right into the more elevated take on a flat Floatie (remember those?!), you're going to get noticed in this next-level style. It's perhaps the biggest conversation starter of the bunch. Shop our favorites ahead, and friendly tip, go for the faux or vegan leather!
The Frankie Shop Criss-Cross Knotted Leather Slides in Black ($175)
Zara Chunky Crossed Strap Printed Sandals
Alohas Twist Strap Heels
Staud Rita Sandals
Gia x Pernille Padded Thong Sandals in Nude Brown
Valentino Garavani 03 Rose Edition Atelier Leather Sandals
H&M Braided Slides
Studio Amelia Tubular Pretzel 70 Heel
Simon Miller Vegan Tee Heel Sandals
Sinobi Velcro Double Sole Sandal in Beige
Alexandre Birman Soft Clarita Flat Sandals
APL Women's Lusso Slide in Black
2 Chain Link
Chain links come as small or oversize embellishments this season, enmeshing with the overall vibe of the shoe or adding an element of surprise, the way a dainty anklet would. Heels, flats, and platforms are all getting the upgrade with chain link, whereas last season, we saw more braided details and woven appliqués. We welcome the edge with open arms!
Zara Leather High Heel Strappy Sandals With Buckles
Reformation Gigi Strappy Mid Heel Sandal
Maria Luca Bella Lace Up Sandals
3.1 Phillip Lim Georgia Chain Padded Mule
Stella McCartney Falabella Sandals
Stuart Weitzman Roxanna 100mm Sandals
ASOS Design Wide Fit Heidi Premium Leather Chain Detail Platform Mid Heel Sandals
Anine Bing Tony Sandals
JW Anderson Chain Slides
3 Wrap-Up
Wrap-up sandals are back and allow you to play up the opulence on a night out in a stiletto version (perhaps with some added detail, like feathers or metallic shine) or keep it casual in a flat gladiator style. If you want something in between, you'll find plenty of wrap-up sandals on the market with a chunky wooden heel that will still give you a touch of height. Try these with a breezy summer minidress.
Miista Leslie Wrap Up Sandals
Zara Metallic Tied Heeled Sandals
Reformation Carina Lace Up Mid Heel Sandal
Bydose Walnut Ankle Wrap 100M Knotted Sandals
Alohas Element Leather Sandals
Castañer Lea Heel Sandal
Madewell The Brigitte Lace-Up Sandal in Metallic Leather
Keeyahri Tamu
Mango Criss-Cross Straps Sandals
The Attico Renee Suede Platform Sandals
Reike Nen Odd Pair Red Sandals
4 Bright Mules
This season will have you panting to keep up with your collection of mules in every color of the rainbow. How could you not want to collect them all? The vibrancy these bring to your wardrobe will not go unnoticed, surely brightening up the mood of your passersby.
Bottega Veneta Rubber Lido Sandals
Acne Studios Mule Sandals
Zara Thick Heeled Sandals
Malone Souliers Laney 70mm Pink Suede Mules
Cult Gaia Rene Heel in Maldive
Hush Puppies Brite Jells Slide
Salvatore Ferragamo F-Heel Sandal
Aminda Muaddi Fuchsia Caroline Calf Hair Mules
Mansur Gavriel Low Mule in Corrallo
5 Hiking Sandals
Long live the "ugly sandal trend," which, in our opinion, has just become the cutest and most comfortable option. We love these supportive, sometimes velcro kicks teamed with breezy shorts, a loose button-down, and a braided anklet that give off camp vibes. You'll notice that plenty of them speak for themselves with colorful design details. Rather than opting for a neutral, let these be the focal point of your outfit, even when you're not using them for the function but for the fashion.
Ganni Nylon Hiking Sandal
Mango Platform Strap Sandals
Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandals
Arizona Love Trekky Bandana Sandals
Charles & Keith Green Nylon Criss Cross Chunky Platform Sandals
Charles & Keith Green Nylon Criss Cross Chunky Platform Sandals ($29, originally $49)
Melissa Papete + Rider Ad Sandals
Suicoke Depa-V2 Sandals
The Row Hook and Loop Sandal in Leather in Eggshell
Mou New Bio Sandal Side Logo Strap
6 T-Strap
It's been a moment since we've seen the T-strap silhouette bubble up in the fashion world, but we're really excited by the various assortment of sandals to choose from that speak to every type of personality. You can opt for something minimalist and sleek in design or look at embellishments that really highlight the shape of the shoe and even elongate the appearance of the foot thanks to that vertical strap.
Stuart Weitzman Black Calypso Braided Leather Slingback Platform Sandals ($295)
Alexandre Birman Clarita Thong Slides
Intentionally Blank Algebra in Sage
Ipanema Pearl II T Strap Sandals
Aeyde Elise Strappy Sandals
André Assous Nice Featherweights
Cult Gaia Ari Sandal in Natural
René Caovilla Beige Crystal-Embellished Leather Slingback Sandals
7 Platforms
Platforms get the retro treatment this season, many coming in splashy colors with chunky wooden soles that take us back to the '70s. Of course, you can always combine two trends in one and elevate yourself in something super strappy with that wrap-up option we already talked about.
Zara Wood Effect Heeled Sandals
Cult Gaia Fifi Sandal in Pewter Multi
Brother Vellies Aquarius Clog
Madewell The Farrah Slingback Clog in Croc Embossed Leather
Larroudé Miso Platform Sandal In Lavender Floral Patent Leather
Chloé Tan Ingrid Buckled Leather Platform Mules
Madewell The Evelyn Slide Clog in Spotted Calf Hair
8 Elevated Flip-Flops
If we're being honest, we can't remember a time when we took extra care to safeguard our flip-flops. But to be fair, they rarely came in plush or luxe fabrics, upgrading the thong sandal to a whole new territory of cool. Things have changed — now, we'd even venture to keep our flip-flops in dust bags! We particularly love working these with midi dresses and a mini handbag in a pop of color for a night out.
The Frankie Shop Padded Flip Flop Sandals by Low Classic in White ($465)