Six months ago, the spring 2020 collections wowed us with their fresh batch of shoe trends and now that the season’s deliveries are finally hitting the market, the wait to wear all the new season newness is over. While in certain parts of the country sandal season is still wishful thinking, we’re of the minds that it’s never too soon to start discussing, planning, and shopping for the season ahead. Which is why we’ve turned our attention on the biggest sandal trends to emerge from the runways. Whether it be fanciful details like chain embellishments or overarching silhouettes like tried-and-true gladiators, we studied the spring collections and discovered the following six overarching sandal styles that we’re predicting to make a big impact during the warmer months ahead. To see—and shop—each trend, keep scrolling.
Good old gladiators cooled off in previous seasons, but this spring they made a definitive return in notably bohemian, free-spirited styles. Unlike the to-the-knee versions of the past, 2020’s gladiators are more grounded—which we’d argue makes them more wearable. At JW Anderson, they were tied over loose trousers, a styling trick that will surely catch on among the street style set.
Shop the trend:
Bottega Veneta Snake-Effect Leather Sandals ($1190)
Ancient Greek Sandals Estia Leather Sandals ($225)
Charles & Keith Studded Gladiator Sandals ($46)
If the runways offer any indication, heeled thong sandals aren’t going anywhere. Instead, designers doubled down on their commitment to the glorified flip-flops and continued to elevate them. Behold, utterly polished thong sandals that speak to refined minimalist in us all.
Shop the trend:
Mari Giudicelli Luiza Sandals ($430)
Who What Wear Siena Kitten Heel Sandal ($99)
Zara Heeled Leather Square Toe Sandals ($90)
Serious platforms and sporty soles are the defining characteristics of this year’s latest “ugly” sandals. And when say “ugly” we actually mean super cool. Wear these to ground a sweet floral dress or with a slouchy suit like on the Ganni runway.
Shop the trend:
Ganni Sporty Logo-Embossed Distressed Buckled Leather Sandals ($340)
Who What Wear Axel Slingback Sandal ($95)
Dr. Martens Voss Black Leather Sandal ($100)
Lovely chain embellishments adorned the models’ ankles on some of our favorite spring runways, notably Proenza Schouler and Bottega Veneta. Consider skipping your anklet this summer and buying right into this jewelry-inspired look.
Shop the trend:
Tibi Nathan Chain Embellished Sandal ($575)
Topshop RUSH White Chain Mini Heels ($68)
Kalda Inez Sandals ($395)
If we had to guess which of these trends will be the most worn, we’d place our bets that the most stylish ankles of summer 2020 will be tied up in one of these wraparound sandals with their dainty, barely-there straps.
Shop the trend:
Jeffrey Campbell Khara Sandal in Nude ($125)
Miista Cimarron Sandals ($340)
Ulla Johnson Elaine Sandals ($295)
Whether it was an off-center take on strappy sandals like at A.W.A.K.E. Mode or a minimalist approach as at Givenchy, asymmetry is a leading motif to look out for this season.
Shop the trend:
Bottega Veneta Leather Mules ($860)
Porte & Paire Leather Mules ($290)
Mango Asymmetric Leather Sandals ($120)
Speaking of shoe trends, these are the outdated trends our editors have stopped buying (and the fresh ones we’re in the market for).
This article originally appeared on Who What Wear
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