While 2020 may have seemed like the year you collected slippers [1], slippers . . . and more slippers, our stay-home style [2] actually laid the foundation for the shoe trends we're going to be wearing into 2021. Looking at the spring 2021 runways [3], 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 [4] 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 [5]. 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
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 [7] ($50)
Kahmune Kennedy Flats
Kahmune Kennedy Flats [8] ($200)
Mansur Gavriel Glove Mary Jane Flats
Mansur Gavriel Glove Mary Jane Flats [9] ($395)
Jeffrey Campbell Ballerine Ballet Flats
Jeffrey Campbell Ballerine Ballet Flats [10] ($110)
The Row Women's Square Toe Flat Pump In Leather in Black
The Row Women's Square Toe Flat Pump In Leather in Black [11] ($990)
Bottega Veneta Almond Flats
Bottega Veneta Almond Flats [12] ($720)
Loeffler Randall Georgie Ballet Flat in Butter
Loeffler Randall Georgie Ballet Flat in Butter [13] ($250)
Maria Luca Anklet Ballet Flats
Maria Luca Anklet Ballet Flats [14] ($465)
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 [15] ($119)
Public Desire Finale Chunky Flat Ankle Boots With Tie in Bone
Public Desire Finale Chunky Flat Ankle Boots With Tie in Bone [16] ($56)
The Frankie Shop Chelsea Lug Sole Ankle Boots in Khaki
The Frankie Shop Chelsea Lug Sole Ankle Boots in Khaki [17] ($99)
Prada Monolith Brushed Leather Boots
Prada Monolith Brushed Leather Boots [18] ($920)
3.1 Phillip Lim Kate Lug Sole Combat Boot
3.1 Phillip Lim Kate Lug Sole Combat Boot [19] ($595)
Stuart Weitzman Norah Lug Sole Boots
Stuart Weitzman Norah Lug Sole Boots [20] ($495)
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 [21] ($615)
Mango Chain Leather Loafers
Mango Chain Leather Loafers [22] ($100)
ASOS Design Mail Loafers in Snake
ASOS Design Mail Loafers in Snake [23] ($40)
Ganni Jewel Loafers
Ganni Jewel Loafers [24] ($375)
Stella McCartney Emilie Loafers
Stella McCartney Emilie Loafers [25] ($895)
Rag & Bone Slayton Loafers
Rag & Bone Slayton Loafers [26] ($325)
Veronica Beard Alire Loafers
Veronica Beard Alire Loafers [27] ($350)
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 [28] ($160)
Sam Edelman Jacquie 2 Booties
Sam Edelman Jacquie 2 Booties [29] ($150)
Keds Midland Waxed Canvas Sneaker Boots
Keds Midland Waxed Canvas Sneaker Boots [30] ($110)
Bottega Veneta The Puddle Boot
Bottega Veneta The Puddle Boot [31] ($650)
Brother Vellies Alps Boot
Brother Vellies Alps Boot [32] ($795)
Rag & Bone Mushroom Oslo Leather-Trimmed Suede Platform Ankle Boots
Rag & Bone Mushroom Oslo Leather-Trimmed Suede Platform Ankle Boots [33] ($325)
Stella McCartney Trace Utility Boots
Stella McCartney Trace Utility Boots [34] ($785)
Chloé Bella Shearling-Lined Combat Booties
Chloé Bella Shearling-Lined Combat Booties [35] ($1,095)
The House Slipper
Though we first collected house slippers because we were spending so much time at home, those that can transition outside [36] 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 [37] ($290)
Birkenstock Zermatt Shearling Flats
Birkenstock Zermatt Shearling Flats [38] ($100)
Zara Square Toe Faux Shearling Mules
Zara Square Toe Faux Shearling Mules [39] ($50)
Margaux The Slide Slipper
Margaux The Slide Slipper [40] ($158)
Tibi Alfie Shearling Slides
Tibi Alfie Shearling Slides [41] ($475)
Olivia Morris At Home Daphne Bow Slippers
Olivia Morris At Home Daphne Bow Slippers [42] ($305)
Clergerie Gillief Loafers
Clergerie Gillief Loafers [43] ($695)
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 [44] ($83)
Topshop Hazard Burgundy Leather Chunky Platform Boots
Topshop Hazard Burgundy Leather Chunky Platform Boots [45] ($160)
Proenza Schouler Embossed Python Pipe Ankle Boots
Proenza Schouler Embossed Python Pipe Ankle Boots [46] ($995)
COS Nappa Leather Sock-Style Ankle Boots
COS Nappa Leather Sock-Style Ankle Boots [47] ($285)
Chelsea Paris Bo Knee Boot
Chelsea Paris Bo Knee Boot [48] ($595)
H&M Platform Boots
H&M Platform Boots [49] ($40)
Zou Xou Magda Boot in Burnt Sienna
Zou Xou Magda Boot in Burnt Sienna [50] ($298)