STEP FORWARD: THE NEW-SEASON SHOE GUIDE

Words: Thea Bichard. Images: Matzo&Matzo

STEP FORWARD:

THE NEW-SEASON SHOE GUIDE

Words: Thea Bichard. Images: Matzo&Matzo

After an entire year of working – and socialising – from home, wearing little else but slippers and trainers (or, let’s be real, no shoes at all), our expectations have shifted when it comes to shoes. But we are starting to take our first tentative steps back into the world, and designers seem to have read our minds when it comes to exactly the kind of pairs we need (and want) to get back out there this spring. Here’s our guide to the styles stepping up for SS21.

FLAT MATES

Bold embellishment + slip-on comfort = a style evolution we’re into

If you’re reading this and thinking, “this is all well and good, but what if I’m not ready to part with my slippers?” then slide right on over to the likes of Paco Rabanne and JW Anderson. The paillettes you’d usually find on party dresses, chunky gold chains and jewel-like embellishment make these comfy flats stand miles apart from your WFH shoes. Slip them on with your loungewear now, then have them ready by the door for the picnics in the park that are just around the corner.

PACO RABANNE - Sparkle-embellished pool sliders

Shop now

See you later, slippers

Shop now

HEELS, WE’VE MISSED YOU

The styles ready and waiting for those long-awaited evenings out...

Remember heels? While we’re still transitioning out of loungewear, the idea of spending our days in our most fabulous skyscrapers seems like a fever dream, but we’ll always be drawn to eye-catching pairs. Proof that beautiful heels are irresistible even when we can’t really leave our home, Amina Muaddi’s designs continued to sell out through 2020 (that signature kick-flare heel also makes them surprisingly comfy, FYI). Whether we have a packed summer of partying or a season of intimate, steal-a-chance-to-dress-up soirées ahead of us, it’s always a good idea to have a knockout pair of heels on standby.

AMINA MUADDI - Lupita leopard-print satin heeled mules

Shop now

Reach new heights

Shop now

EARTH-CONSCIOUS TRAINERS

Our latest selection of planet-friendlier pairs

We’re all for having a lighter-than-average impact on the planet when we’re picking out our next pair of shoes. As part of our Project Earth edit, you’ll find trainers made from organic cotton, wild rubber and recycled materials. Take these Cariuma low-tops: inside this handmade, old-school pair, you’ll find organic, vegan insoles. We love the Rio-inspired splash of colour, too, for brightening up your catch-ups in the park. A game-changer.

CARIUMA - Ladies OCA low lace-up canvas trainers

Shop now

Lighter footprints

Shop now

BOOTS MADE FOR WALKING

Our favourite boots for heading into the outdoors

The past year has cultivated a new-found appreciation for the great outdoors – one legacy of 2020 we’d like to hold onto. In other words, don’t hang up your boots any time soon. If you’re yet to find a suitably rugged pair – the kind that are equally at home in the park or treading an inner-city pavement – look to Bottega Veneta’s aptly named The Bounce boots, Jimmy Choo’s mid-tops and Gia Couture’s collaboration with Danish style influencer Pernille Teisbaek.

GIA COUTURE X PERNILLE TEISBAEK - Tubular leather combat boots

Shop now

Walk this way

Shop now

SUPER-SIMPLE SANDALS

Summer-ready sandals get the 90s minimalist treatment

Of course, it’s traditional when the sun starts showing up (semi-)regularly to shed your socks and prep your pedicures. But this year, we’re side-stepping towering wedges and looking to styles that unite ease and a fresh, pared-back aesthetic. Simon Porte Jacquemus’ platform Les Tatanes Lin flip-flops nod to the 90s brand of minimalism that dominated the (virtual) SS21 runways – understated sandals work like a charm with the knitted midis and black dresses that are everywhere right now.