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

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)

Kahmune Kennedy Flats ($200)

Mansur Gavriel Glove Mary Jane Flats ($395)

Jeffrey Campbell Ballerine Ballet Flats ($110)

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

Bottega Veneta Almond Flats ($720)

Loeffler Randall Georgie Ballet Flat in Butter ($250)

Maria Luca Anklet Ballet Flats ($465)

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)

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

Prada Monolith Brushed Leather Boots ($920)

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

Stuart Weitzman Norah Lug Sole Boots ($495)

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)

Mango Chain Leather Loafers ($100)

ASOS Design Mail Loafers in Snake ($40)

Ganni Jewel Loafers ($375)

Stella McCartney Emilie Loafers ($895)

Rag & Bone Slayton Loafers ($325)

Veronica Beard Alire Loafers ($350)

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)

Sam Edelman Jacquie 2 Booties ($150)

Keds Midland Waxed Canvas Sneaker Boots ($110)

Bottega Veneta The Puddle Boot ($650)

Brother Vellies Alps Boot ($795)

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

Stella McCartney Trace Utility Boots ($785)

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

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)

Birkenstock Zermatt Shearling Flats ($100)

Zara Square Toe Faux Shearling Mules ($50)

Tibi Alfie Shearling Slides ($475)

Olivia Morris At Home Daphne Bow Slippers ($305)

Clergerie Gillief Loafers ($695)

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)

Topshop Hazard Burgundy Leather Chunky Platform Boots ($160)

Proenza Schouler Embossed Python Pipe Ankle Boots ($995)

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

H&M Platform Boots ($40)