While 2020 might seem like the year you collected slippers, slippers . . . and more slippers, our stay-home style actually laid the foundation for the shoe trends we're wearing through 2021. From looking at the runways [1], along with some designer favorites, it's clear cult-favorite luxury labels like Khaite, The Row, and Bottega Veneta have reintroduced the leather flat and lug-sole boot [2], albeit in some exciting new shapes. Our more relaxed lifestyle jives just fine with a silhouette that's just as comfortable.
We're also seeing brands such as By Far and Brother Vellies revamp the clog [3] that hails from the '70s. These sturdy wooden soles fuse fashion and function in a really brilliant way, and also happen to look great complemented by flared denim [4]. Aside from that, prep fans will be excited that the loafer [5] is back in 2021, and square toes and Western boots [6] are in it for the long haul. Ahead, browse through eight shoe trends that are big in 2021, or jump ahead to the section you know you're most eager to shop.
- Retro Sneakers [7]
- Leather Flats [8]
- Lug-Sole Boots [9]
- Loafers [10]
- House Slides [11]
- Western Boots [12]
- Clogs [13]
- Square-Toe [14]
Retro Sneakers
A retro, low-top sport sneaker with stripes, reminiscent of a '70s running shoe, makes a comeback this year, and looks perfect with a pair of cutoffs and a casual button-down. While you could go for natural tones, there are plenty of quirky colorblock styles that have a modern feel to them.
Mango Platform Lace-Up Sneakers [16] ($80)
Gola Tennis Mark Cox Sneakers
Gola Tennis Mark Cox Sneakers [17] ($65)
Nike Blazer Low Sacai Sneaker
Nike Blazer Low Sacai Sneaker [18] ($129+)
Saucony Jazz Court RFG
Saucony Jazz Court RFG [19] ($130)
AE Retro Sneaker
AE Retro Sneaker [20] ($35)
Veja Urca Sneakers
Veja Urca Sneakers [21] ($150)
Rag & Bone Retro Runner Recycled Sneaker
Rag & Bone Retro Runner Recycled Sneaker [22] ($250)
Chloé Lauren Sneaker
Chloé Lauren Sneaker [23] ($525)
Leather Flats
The leather flat is a familiar shoe, but its resurgence in 2021 introduces us to new shapes and flashy details. Shop neutral colorways like cranberry and tan, or opt for an almond-shaped sole with an upper that engulfs and hugs the foot.
Zara Leather Ballet Flats [24] ($50)
Miz Mooz Romie Ballet Flat
Miz Mooz Romie Ballet Flat [25] ($90)
AEYDE Betty Leather Flats
AEYDE Betty Leather Flats [26] ($255)
Bottega Veneta Almond Flat in Bordeaux
Bottega Veneta Almond Flat in Bordeaux [27] ($720)
Vagabond Maddie Elasticized Leather Ballet Shoes
Vagabond Maddie Elasticized Leather Ballet Shoes [28] ($140)
The Row Friulane Flat Soft Leather Slippers
The Row Friulane Flat Soft Leather Slippers [29] ($690)
Kahmune Kennedy Flat 2.0 in Kumasi Patent
Kahmune Kennedy Flat 2.0 in Kumasi Patent [30] ($265)
NEOUS Alba 5mm Flats
NEOUS Alba 5mm Flats [31] ($595)
MM6 Maison Margiela Leather Ballet Flat
MM6 Maison Margiela Leather Ballet Flat [32] ($452)
No. 21 Chain Detail Ballet Flats
No. 21 Chain Detail Ballet Flats [33] ($660)
Khaite The Ashland Ballet Flat in Tan Leather
Khaite The Ashland Ballet Flat in Tan Leather [34] ($660)
Lug-Sole Boots
Whether you prefer a tall height or an ankle boot, it's all about the sturdy foundation of a thick, often treaded sole. Allow these to ground your outfit and even offer a touch of edge or grunge when they've got lace-up details.
Ganni Country Boot in Kalamata [35] ($285)
Zara Waxed Finish Low Heel Boots
Zara Waxed Finish Low Heel Boots [36] ($119)
Free People Lola Lugged Sole Chelsea Boots
Free People Lola Lugged Sole Chelsea Boots [37] ($248)
La Canadienne Knee High Flora
La Canadienne Knee High Flora [38] ($598)
Charles & Keith Mustard Slip-On Platform Ankle Boots
Charles & Keith Mustard Slip-On Platform Ankle Boots [39] ($96)
Emme Parsons Zion in Oxblood Spazzolato
Emme Parsons Zion in Oxblood Spazzolato [40] ($575)
Coach Lace Up Bootie
Coach Lace Up Bootie [41] ($285)
Staud Rocky Boot in Olive Suede
Staud Rocky Boot in Olive Suede [42] ($475)
Loafers
While we've looked to the loafer to achieve the schoolgirl aesthetic before, 2021 introduces colorblock versions, snake-print details, and tough-looking platforms. Use these to spice up your style — when you'd regularly choose a sneaker or a flat, slip into your loafers instead and instantly feel more sophisticated.
Brother Vellies Wilson Loafers in Linen [43] ($615)
Parisienne Et Alors Godin Mocassins
Parisienne Et Alors Godin Mocassins [44] ($163)
Camper Thelma Moc Toe Loafer Shoe
Camper Thelma Moc Toe Loafer Shoe [45] ($185)
H&M Chain-Detail Loafers
H&M Chain-Detail Loafers [46] ($32, originally $40)
Intentionally Blank Toronto Tan
Intentionally Blank Toronto Tan [47] ($229)
Tory Burch Buckle Heel Loafer
Tory Burch Buckle Heel Loafer [48] ($428)
CLOSED Leather Loafer
CLOSED Leather Loafer [49] ($498)
Aeydē Angi Moka Nappa Snake Print
Aeydē Angi Moka Nappa Snake Print [50] ($345)
Loeffler Randall Rikki Brown Platform Loafer
Loeffler Randall Rikki Brown Platform Loafer [51] ($350)
Malone Souliers Jane Tweed Flat Loafers
Malone Souliers Jane Tweed Flat Loafers [52] ($675)
The House Slide
Though we first collected house slides because we were spending so much time at home, those that can transition outside [53] will stay in heavy rotation. The whole idea of a comfy shoe to quickly run an errand in isn't far-fetched any time of the year, so expect these to stick around. They'll be reinvented in colors and luxe fabrics like velvet and shearling, but they all have substantial soles, making them walkable, unlike a thin slipper.
Sleeper Lulu Shearling Slippers [54] ($290)
Birkenstock Zermatt Shearling Lined Slipper
Birkenstock Zermatt Shearling Lined Slipper [55] ($100)
Schumacher x Margaux The Ballet Mule in Kaya Medallion
Schumacher x Margaux The Ballet Mule in Kaya Medallion [56] ($238)
SINOBI Mules Single Black
SINOBI Mules Single Black [57] ($296, originally $370)
Sleeper Manon Mules with Detachable Feathers
Sleeper Manon Mules with Detachable Feathers [58] ($290)
UGG Fuzz Sugar Slide
UGG Fuzz Sugar Slide [59] ($110)
Nanushka Matangi Ruched Velvet Flats in Peony
Nanushka Matangi Ruched Velvet Flats in Peony [60] ($445)
Mara & Mine Etta Slippers
Mara & Mine Etta Slippers [61] ($125)
Western Boots
Offered in suede, faux leather, or patent with intricate stitching or fun add-ons like Stuart Weitzman's fringe, this season's Western boot looks best on full display. Tuck your pants into a mid-height boot or pull off the refreshed miniskirt trend with a knee high.
Sézane Phoenix Boots in Smooth Ecru [62] ($305)
Reformation Onesta Western Boot
Reformation Onesta Western Boot [63] ($348)
Source Unknown Western Chelsea Boots in Black
Source Unknown Western Chelsea Boots in Black [64] ($86)
ASOS Design Western Chelsea Boots in Blue Patent With Silver Chain
ASOS Design Western Chelsea Boots in Blue Patent With Silver Chain [65] ($64)
Tamara Mellon Joplin in Suede
Tamara Mellon Joplin in Suede [66] ($1,495)
HAVVA Texas Flame
HAVVA Texas Flame [67] ($463)
Stuart Weitzman Kenley Fringe Boot
Stuart Weitzman Kenley Fringe Boot [68] ($895)
Larroude Louise Boot in Ivory Floater
Larroude Louise Boot in Ivory Floater [69] ($475)
Clogs
With a return to flared denim, the hype for '70s trends is prominent, and the clog — with a wooden platform or textured upper that makes it feel "next level" cool — is everywhere. Try it with a miniskirt or trouser where you'd normally think to grab your standard brown boots.
Cult Gaia Hyra Clog in Camel [70] ($358)
Lisa Says Gah Dakota Clog
Lisa Says Gah Dakota Clog in Bocce Court Daisy [71] ($179)
Andre Assous Sofi Clog in Cognac
Andre Assous Sofi Clog in Cognac [72] ($199)
By Far Walker Almond Snake Print Leather
By Far Walker Almond Snake Print Leather [73] ($500)
MIA Phoebe Printed Clogs
MIA Phoebe Printed Clogs [74] ($120)
Brother Vellies Eve Doodle Mule
Brother Vellies Eve Doodle Mule [75] ($795)
Paloma Wool Odessa Clog in Natural Leather
Paloma Wool Odessa Clog in Natural Leather [76] ($275)
Kate Spade New York Amsterdam Platform Clogs
Kate Spade New York Amsterdam Platform Clogs [77] ($228)
Veronica Beard Delia Clogs
Veronica Beard Delia Clogs [78] ($395)
Isabel Marant Thalie Studded Leather Clogs
Isabel Marant Thalie Studded Leather Clogs [79] ($430)
Square-Toe
The evolution of the square toe has gone from boot form to just about every other type of shoe. The structure makes sandals and mules feel more modern and it makes pumps appear particularly eye-catching and elevated. In short, it's the shape that gets noticed.
Amina Muaddi Lupita Leather Wedge Sandals [80] ($618)
ASOS Design Harling Square Toe Ruched Mid Heel Mules in Black
ASOS Design Harling Square Toe Ruched Mid Heel Mules in Black [81] ($50)
ASOS Design Rosa Premium Leather Heeled Ankle Boots in Blue
ASOS Design Rosa Premium Leather Heeled Ankle Boots in Blue [82] ($111)
Mansur Gavriel Square Toe Mary Jane in Flamma
Mansur Gavriel Square Toe Mary Jane in Flamma [83] ($395)
& Other Stories Suede Sock Boots
& Other Stories Suede Sock Boots [84] ($179)
KAM Black Widow Lace Up Heels
KAM Black Widow Lace Up Heels [85] ($139)
Amomento Fur Square Pumps in Cream
Amomento Fur Square Pumps in Cream [86] ($486)
Alohas Mara Black
Alohas Mara Black [87] ($232, originally $331)