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6 of the Biggest Shoe Trends For 2021

You'll Have No Regrets Shopping These 6 Shoe Trends — They're Here For All of 2021

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While 2020 may have seemed like the year you collected slippers, slippers . . . and more slippers, our stay-home style actually laid the foundation for the shoe trends we're going to be wearing into 2021. Looking at the spring 2021 runways, it appears cult-favourite luxury labels like Khaite and Bottega Veneta have predicted the return of the leather flat, 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 Proenza Schouler, Chloé, and Stella McCartney inspire tough boots beyond the hiking shoe. These utility boots fuse fashion and function in a really brilliant way, and also happen to look great complemented by the fuzzy socks we've been living in. Aside from that, prep fans will be excited that the loafer is back in 2021, and natural-toned, lug-sole boots are helping us make the transition into the new year, though you may have already invested in some of those. Ahead, browse through six shopping trends for 2021, or jump ahead to the section you know you're most eager to shop.

  • Leather Flats
  • Lug Sole Boots
  • Loafers
  • Utility Boots
  • House Slippers
  • Earthtone Boots

1. Leather Flats

The leather flat is a familiar shoe, but its resurgence in 2021 introduces us to new shapes and flashy details. Shop fresh colorways like butter or metallic, or opt for an almond-shaped sole with an upper that engulfs and hugs the foot.

Zara Metallic Flat Leather Shoes ($50)

Image Source: zara.com
Zara Metallic Flat Leather Shoes
$50
from zara.com
Buy Now

2. Kahmune Kennedy Flats

Kahmune Kennedy Flats ($200)

Image Source: shopbop.com
Kahmune Kennedy Flats
$200
from shopbop.com
Buy Now

3. Mansur Gavriel Glove Mary Jane Flats

Mansur Gavriel Glove Mary Jane Flats ($395)

Image Source: shopbop.com
Mansur Gavriel Glove Mary Jane Flats
$395
from shopbop.com
Buy Now

4. Jeffrey Campbell Ballerine Ballet Flats

Jeffrey Campbell Ballerine Ballet Flats ($110)

Image Source: shopbop.com
Jeffrey Campbell Ballerine Ballet Flats
$110
from shopbop.com
Buy Now

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5. The Row Women's Square Toe Flat Pump In Leather in Black

The Row Women's Square Toe Flat Pump In Leather in Black ($990)

Image Source: therow.com
The Row Women's Square Toe Flat Pump In Leather in Black
$990
from therow.com
Buy Now

6. Bottega Veneta Almond Flats

Bottega Veneta Almond Flats ($720)

Image Source: bottegaveneta.com
Bottega Veneta Almond Flats
$720
from bottegaveneta.com
Buy Now

7. Loeffler Randall Georgie Ballet Flat in Butter

Loeffler Randall Georgie Ballet Flat in Butter ($250)

Image Source: loefflerrandall.com
Loeffler Randall Georgie Ballet Flat in Butter
$250
from loefflerrandall.com
Buy Now

8. Maria Luca Anklet Ballet Flats

Maria Luca Anklet Ballet Flats ($465)

Image Source: shopbop.com
Maria Luca Anklet Ballet Flats
$465
from shopbop.com
Buy Now

9. 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. When you opt for a Chelsea style, you'll be mastering two trends with one shoe.

Zara Lug Sole XL Boots ($119)

Image Source: zara.com
Zara Lug Sole XL Boots
$119
from zara.com
Buy Now

10. Public Desire Finale Chunky Flat Ankle Boots With Tie in Bone

Public Desire Finale Chunky Flat Ankle Boots With Tie in Bone ($56)

Image Source: asos.com
Public Desire Finale Chunky Flat Ankle Boots With Tie in Bone
$56
from asos.com
Buy Now

11. The Frankie Shop Chelsea Lug Sole Ankle Boots in Khaki

The Frankie Shop Chelsea Lug Sole Ankle Boots in Khaki ($99)

Image Source: thefrankieshop.com
The Frankie Shop Chelsea Lug Sole Ankle Boots in Khaki
$99
from thefrankieshop.com
Buy Now

12. Prada Monolith Brushed Leather Boots

Prada Monolith Brushed Leather Boots ($920)

Image Source: prada.com
Prada Monolith Brushed Leather Boots
$920
from prada.com
Buy Now

13. 3.1 Phillip Lim Kate Lug Sole Combat Boot

3.1 Phillip Lim Kate Lug Sole Combat Boot ($595)

Image Source: 31philliplim.com
3.1 Phillip Lim Kate Lug Sole Combat Boot
$595
from 31philliplim.com
Buy Now

14. Stuart Weitzman Norah Lug Sole Boots

Stuart Weitzman Norah Lug Sole Boots ($495)

Image Source: shopbop.com
Stuart Weitzman Norah Lug Sole Boots
$495
from shopbop.com
Buy Now

15. Loafers

While we've looked to the loafer to achieve the schoolgirl aesthetic before, 2021 introduces colorblock versions, snake print details, and those with chainlink 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 Loafer in Linen ($615)

Image Source: brothervellies.com
Brother Vellies Wilson Loafer in Linen
$615
from brothervellies.com
Buy Now

16. Mango Chain Leather Loafers

Mango Chain Leather Loafers ($100)

Image Source: shop.mango.com
Mango Chain Leather Loafers
$100
from shop.mango.com
Buy Now

17. ASOS Design Mail Loafers in Snake

ASOS Design Mail Loafers in Snake ($40)

Image Source: asos.com
ASOS Design Mail Loafers in Snake
$40
from asos.com
Buy Now

18. Ganni Jewel Loafers

Ganni Jewel Loafers ($375)

Image Source: shopbop.com
Ganni Jewel Loafers
$375
from shopbop.com
Buy Now

19. Stella McCartney Emilie Loafers

Stella McCartney Emilie Loafers ($895)

Image Source: shopbop.com
Stella McCartney Emilie Loafers
$895
from shopbop.com
Buy Now

20. Rag & Bone Slayton Loafers

Rag & Bone Slayton Loafers ($325)

Image Source: shopbop.com
Rag & Bone Slayton Loafers
$325
from shopbop.com
Buy Now

21. Veronica Beard Alire Loafers

Veronica Beard Alire Loafers ($350)

Image Source: shopbop.com
Veronica Beard Alire Loafers
$350
from shopbop.com
Buy Now

22. Utility Boots

In 2020, hiking boots inspired our urge to mix fashion with function. Exploring the great outdoors became somewhat of an Instagram aesthetic. But with the craze for Bottega Veneta's new puddle boot and similar weatherproof options you might even wear in the snow, it's safe to say the details on these boots don't just make them eye-catching, perfectly rugged, and optimal for pairing with cosy socks, but also durable.

Sorel Kinetic Caribou Boots ($160)

Image Source: freepeople.com
Sorel Kinetic Caribou Boots
$160
from freepeople.com
Buy Now

23. Sam Edelman Jacquie 2 Booties

Sam Edelman Jacquie 2 Booties ($150)

Image Source: shopbop.com
Sam Edelman Jacquie 2 Booties
$150
from shopbop.com
Buy Now

24. Keds Midland Waxed Canvas Sneaker Boots

Keds Midland Waxed Canvas Sneaker Boots ($110)

Image Source: shopbop.com
Keds Midland Waxed Canvas Sneaker Boots
$110
from shopbop.com
Buy Now

25. Bottega Veneta The Puddle Boot

Bottega Veneta The Puddle Boot ($650)

Image Source: bottegaveneta.com
Bottega Veneta The Puddle Boot
$650
from bottegaveneta.com
Buy Now

26. Brother Vellies Alps Boot

Brother Vellies Alps Boot ($795)

Image Source: brothervellies.com
Brother Vellies Alps Boot
$795
from brothervellies.com
Buy Now

27. Rag & Bone Mushroom Oslo Leather-Trimmed Suede Platform Ankle Boots

Rag & Bone Mushroom Oslo Leather-Trimmed Suede Platform Ankle Boots ($325)

Image Source: Net-a-Porter.com
Rag & Bone Mushroom Oslo Leather-Trimmed Suede Platform Ankle Boots
$325
from net-a-porter.com
Buy Now

28. Stella McCartney Trace Utility Boots

Stella McCartney Trace Utility Boots ($785)

Image Source: shopbop.com
Stella McCartney Trace Utility Boots
$785
from shopbop.com
Buy Now

29. Chloé Bella Shearling-Lined Combat Booties

Chloé Bella Shearling-Lined Combat Booties ($1,095)

Image Source: intermixonline.com
Chloé Bella Shearling-Lined Combat Booties
$1,095
from intermixonline.com
Buy Now

30. The House Slipper

Though we first collected house slippers because we were spending so much time at home, those that can transition outside will stay in heavy rotation. The whole idea of comfy shoe to quickly run an errand isn't far-fetched any time of the year, so expect these to stick around. They'll be reinvented in colours and luxe fabrics like velvet and shearling, but they all have substantial soles.

Sleeper Lulu Shearling Slippers ($290)

Image Source: the-sleeper.com
Sleeper Lulu Shearling Slippers
$290
from the-sleeper.com
Buy Now

31. Birkenstock Zermatt Shearling Flats

Birkenstock Zermatt Shearling Flats ($100)

Image Source: shopbop.com
Birkenstock Zermatt Shearling Flats
$100
from shopbop.com
Buy Now

32. Zara Square Toe Faux Shearling Mules

Zara Square Toe Faux Shearling Mules ($50)

Image Source: zara.com
Zara Square Toe Faux Shearling Mules
$50
from zara.com
Buy Now

33. Margaux The Slide Slipper

Margaux The Slide Slipper ($158)

Image Source: margauxny.com
Margaux The Slide Slipper
$158
from margauxny.com
Buy Now

34. Tibi Alfie Shearling Slides

Tibi Alfie Shearling Slides ($475)

Image Source: tibi.com
Tibi Alfie Shearling Slides
$475
from tibi.com
Buy Now

35. Olivia Morris At Home Daphne Bow Slippers

Olivia Morris At Home Daphne Bow Slippers ($305)

Image Source: shopbop.com
Olivia Morris At Home Daphne Bow Slippers
$305
from shopbop.com
Buy Now

36. Clergerie Gillief Loafers

Clergerie Gillief Loafers ($695)

Image Source: shopbop.com
Clergerie Gillief Loafers
$695
from shopbop.com
Buy Now

37. Earthtone Boots

Perhaps the sleekest style we'll see in 2021 is a heeled boot, whether low or high, that comes in neutral earthtones. Whether you prefer a pointed, square, or rounded toe, you can think of these as the antidote to the little white boot or black ankle boot. Use them to cap off a denim moment or complement your outerwear, and don't shy away from texture (think croc-effect, animal print, or pebbled leather).

Charles & Keith Dark Brown Thigh High Blade Heel Boots ($83)

Image Source: charleskeith.com
Charles & Keith Dark Brown Thigh High Blade Heel Boots
$83
from charleskeith.com
Buy Now

38. Topshop Hazard Burgundy Leather Chunky Platform Boots

Topshop Hazard Burgundy Leather Chunky Platform Boots ($160)

Image Source: us.topshop.com
Topshop Hazard Burgundy Leather Chunky Platform Boots
$160
from us.topshop.com
Buy Now

39. Proenza Schouler Embossed Python Pipe Ankle Boots

Proenza Schouler Embossed Python Pipe Ankle Boots ($995)

Image Source: proenzaschouler.com
Proenza Schouler Embossed Python Pipe Ankle Boots
$995
from proenzaschouler.com
Buy Now

40. COS Nappa Leather Sock-Style Ankle Boots

COS Nappa Leather Sock-Style Ankle Boots ($285)

Image Source: cosstores.com
COS Nappa Leather Sock-Style Ankle Boots
$285
from cosstores.com
Buy Now

41. Chelsea Paris Bo Knee Boot

Chelsea Paris Bo Knee Boot ($595)

Image Source: chelseaparis.com
Chelsea Paris Bo Knee Boot
$595
from chelseaparis.com
Buy Now

42. H&M Platform Boots

H&M Platform Boots ($40)

Image Source: www2.hm.com
H&M Platform Boots
$40
from www2.hm.com
Buy Now

43. Zou Xou Magda Boot in Burnt Sienna

Zou Xou Magda Boot in Burnt Sienna ($298)

Image Source: zouxou.com
Zou Xou Magda Boot in Burnt Sienna
$298
from zouxou.com
Buy Now

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