The Key Summer 2021 Shoe Trends Everyone’s Losing It Over

Instead of filling this story with the kitschy micro-shoe trends of summer 2021 (which just so happens to be my favorite kind of stories to write), I am filling you in on the summer shoe trends everyone is actually wearing right now. After researching both what fashion girls have been wearing as of late and what’s currently highly saturated in the market, I landed on the five summer shoe trends ahead. You won’t be surprised to see a couple of familiar, more practical styles, but in true Who What Wear fashion, there are a few sartorial surprises as well. 

Coming off of a pretty long period of neglecting the more forward pieces in our wardrobes, it feels good to start embracing fresh styles again whether that be dusting off your favorite pair of colorful heels or adding a few new ones to your cart. With an exciting summer ahead, there’s no better way to celebrate and prep for what’s to come than via a little shopping, especially when it involves shoes. Ahead, find out which summer 2021 shoe trends fashion girls are losing it over and shop my favorite versions of each. 

No surprise here, but flip-flops are proving to be the summer shoe trend that keeps on giving. From subtle platform soles to ’90s-inspired heeled versions, this classic is here to make all your summertime shoe qualms disappear as it proves time and time again to be the style that pretty much pairs perfectly with everything. 

Fisherman sandals have slowly crept their way up to the top of the trend chain, and we couldn’t be happier about it. This shoe style is practical and stylish, which is probably why it’s been successful for so long. Whether you pair with socks or wear without, this shoe style is definitely one to add to your arsenal this summer season. 

While high heels have slowly started creeping their way back into our lives, overall, practical footwear still reigns supreme, especially in the sandal department. Secure straps and heftier soles are key when shopping for this shoe trend, but that doesn’t mean extremely elevated versions don’t exist. Designers have been churning out chic versions of this once casual shoe trend left and right, but don’t fret, we’re still keen on the Teva’s and Birkenstocks of the world. 

Puffy and padded footwear has been the shoe trend we’ve been keeping an eye on for quite some time and this summer is shaping up to be its most successful season yet. From flat slides to heeled sandals, this trend is one that reads forward but feels oh so comfortable. The best of both worlds, no? 

As someone who loves colorful footwear, this trend could not make me happier. Saturated hues of all sorts are popping up on mules, strappy heels, and flat sandals of all kinds and we couldn’t think of a better way to emerge into a slightly more social summer than with boldly colored shoes on our feet. 

Next up, shop 33 pairs of summer pants that are just as pretty as dresses