As much as I hate to admit it, I know that my obsession with shoes can at times forge into the unhinged territory. Yes, I already own a collection of shoes I love (some from Black-owned brands and some designer pairs found on sale) but come fashion week, nothing will stop me from searching for the next big footwear trends. To me, there’s something so exciting about how designers can take basic shoe styles and add their flair to them. And while there are always quite a few noteworthy shoe trends, one, in particular, has caught my attention: strappy sandals. This style is nothing groundbreaking—a strappy sandal is that shoe most likely sitting in the back of your closet or that you continually invest in come springtime. But if you’re like me, and you want to move beyond a basic nude sandal (no shade intended) to find the best strappy sandals, then you’ll want to keep reading. Some of the most unique iterations of this style could be found in SS22 collections—we saw everything from faux-fur straps to strappy sandals with dramatic sculptural heels. The biggest sandal trends of the season showed us that the strappy sandal is back and bolder than ever. Need proof? Ahead I’ve rounded up six strappy sandals trends spotted on the runway that I’m predicting will be big this season, along with the best strappy sandals to shop right now. If these don’t get you to want to ditch your old shoes, idk what will.
What makes the strappy sandal a beloved among the fashion set is how timeless this style is. Our love for a great black strappy sandal will last for an eternity, but we are also in love with how designers rebooted this classic in their SS22 collections. What makes the strappy sandal reboot exciting is the attention to detail spotted across collections—think, shoes with crystal buckles and chains, straps in metallic and bright saturated hues, and even platforms. From Brandon Maxwell’s fun metallic strappy sandals to the chain-embellished sandals at Versace, it’s clear as day that not only did the strappy sandal get a little makeover, but you might want to cheat on your black sandals for a season.
Raffia strappy sandals? I’m shaking.
Meet the perfect strappy statement sandal.
The color blocking on this sandal takes it from basic to bold.
Reminder: strappy sandals reboot is all about having fun with it, so don’t be afraid to invest in a colorful pair.
The buckle strap on these sandals gives it a timely refresh, but paired with the olive-hued suede? Giving.
Bright yellow sandals? About it.
While the fashion set hasn’t been able to stop talking about the return of shrunken hemlines on SS22 runways, I can’t stop thinking about wrap-up strappy sandals. It’s almost as if the return of mini-skirts calls for a shoe that can make up for the lack of coverage by wrapping up past the ankles. From Blumarine’s nostalgic butterfly-adorned sandals to Staud’s knee-high wrap-up strappy sandals, it seems that this season strappy sandals are reaching new heights.
These are so hot, I can’t deal.
Not all wrap-up sandals have to have a stiletto.
Euphoria’s students would likely wear these.
The studs on this strappy sandal make it even more of a statement pair.
These give a whole new meaning to the term drip.
Strappy sandals didn’t just come in the form of high heels in alot of SS22 collections—in fact, flats sandals remained an ever-present force on the runway. But rather than the dated gladiator styles of the past, flat strappy sandals typically came in more elevated forms with straps ending below the ankle (see: Chloé’s collection), and even flatform sandals with straps (see: Jonathan Simaki’s collection). The result is a sandal that’s not only fresh but functional as ever.
I’m dreaming of all the ways I can style these bad boys.
Zara never fails us.
Promise, you’ll wear these all spring.
The chains? The black straps? The flatform? So about it.
How chic are these though?
You’ll wear these with everything.
Remember the spring ‘21 sandal trend we dubbed as tricky-toe shoes that featured complicated straps and toe rings straps? Well, they’re making a reappearance this season as well. From the minimalist strappy versions at Sportmax to more elaborate tie-up versions with embellishments at Ulla Johnson, the continuation of this shoe trend is a reminder that the best strappy sandals aren’t the simple ones.
We love a sandal with a strap around the toe.
These sandals will make embracing this trend easier.
Not all tricky-toe sandals have to include a heel.
These sandals will last you for seasons to come.
These popped off.
The key to making a strappy sandal more comfortable is by opting for a kitten heel.
Blame the reinsurance of all things furry this past fall, but it seems designers have no desire to give up shearling, faux fur, or anything cozy this spring. From Fendi’s strappy fur sandals to Altuzarra’s strappy sandals with fur soles, it seems our furry accents aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
I’ve had my eyes on these sandals for a while now.
These have just the right amount of faux fur not to overdo it.
Are they slippers? Are the strappy flat sandals? How about both.
Now these are fun.
It’s giving Grinch energy, in a good way.
Perfect for keeping your feet warm on a brisk spring night.
And finally, the strappy sandal trend I’m personally most excited about: strappy sandals with sculptural and even surrealist design elements. These sandals aren’t just about adding faux fur or a toe ring, but rather incorporating details inspired by real-life things. Just look to Bottega Venta’s phone wire-inspired wrap-up sandals or any of the strappy sandals featuring roses, nail polish bottles, or broken eggshells at Loewe’s SS22 runway show. These shoes are all about taking our beloved strappy sandals and adding a sculptural heel—bringing a whole new meaning to the term “wearable art.” And if that’s not enough to get you excited about strappy sandals this season, then nothing can get you to step into this trend.
You clean the streets with these sandals.
The heel on this sandal looks like an actual sculpture.
I own these, and they’re one of my favorite pairs of strappy sandals.
The heel on this sandal is not only practical but downright pretty.
My jaw is on the floor.
I could stare at these sandals for the rest of my life.
