Shoe trends 2020: the 5 key styles to invest in now

When striding into a new decade, it’s important you do so in the right shoes.

Thankfully, the spring/summer 2020 runways were not lacking in fresh footwear ideas. In fact, they were awash with alternatives to the long-reigning kitten heel and ugly trainers. 

To help you make a decision on which shoes to choose, we spoke to fashion influencer Sandra Hagelstam, who has spent the last decade blogging about shoes, and in particular heels. 

In fact, she recently relaunched her blog 5 Inch and Up as a one-stop destination for shoe lovers, serving up daily inspiration through its editorial shoots and savvy styling advice.

Here, Sandra shares the key footwear trends to buy into this spring spring/summer 2020…

Minimal mules

Take note from the heavily praised new collections of Bottega Veneta and embrace the sleek mule that might just be your most versatile shoe to date. It’s not about detailing or embellishment, instead the focus is on interesting cuts that pay homage to the early 90’s. Many designers introduced their versions of the sleek minimal sandal for SS20 with square shapes and toe strings, creating an all new sandal-mule category that we are eager to try. Coming in monochrome and bright colours, the new minimal mule is an easy to wear trend – as soon as the weather allows!

Try Wandler’s Isa leather mules (£330, shop them here), or Topshop’s Rada leather mules (£65, shop them here)

Square toes

Whether it’s boots, mules, sandals or flats, the square toe seems to be here to stay. Nicely falling in between the pointy toe and the not-always-flattering rounded toe, this shape comes in many options, from subtle to chunky. Mid-heel heights work best with this trend and it is a style that is easy to find in high street stores, too. Fashion girls wear their square toe boots with cropped jeans, but they work equally well with skirts and dresses. Update your black boots or opt for a style that gives you lots of variety with styling, as this trend is set to continue its hype.

Try Manu Atelier’s Duck Leather ankle boots (£462, shop them here), or Arket’s Over the Knee leather boots (£290, shop them here)

String sandals

Maybe we are just desperate to get out of our winter boots as soon as spring has sprung, but this summer style makes our list every year. The catwalks were full of tie-up styles with tassels and trinkets, but the strings were thinner than ever this season, so opt for a minimal style or as we like to call it at 5 inch and up, ‘The naked sandal.’ Adventurous dressers might want to tie these on top of their trousers.

Gianvito Rossi do a classic flat pair (£545, shop them here), or Arket do a mid-heeled version that looks good in red (£150, shop them here)

Towering platforms

Flats and kitten heels have been trending for years, so we’re excited to welcome back the high heeled platform. This season, the playful shoe comes in a variety of colours and finishes, look out for mock croc or weaved details for example. The ‘flatform’ was also a popular style so for the new decade, we are happy to embrace the comfort for once. Wedges or chunky heels is the desired shape but when it comes to towering platforms, the higher the better.

Try hot new shoe designer Amina Muaddi’s Dalida suede platofrm sandals (£600, shop them here), or CO’s Croc-effect leather platform slingback sandals (£650, shop them here)

Chain details

Chains and hardware were incorporated into everything from boots to sandals on the summer catwalks. Anklets have been a growing trend for a few summers now, so think of this as a flattering two for one, as chain details bring a little more attention to your fancy feet. For those crafty DIYers you can fashion your own version without having to fork out for new footwear, however if you prefer an update, these are the best ones currently on the market…

Try Bottega’s Stretch Pumps (£715, shop them here) or Tibi’s Nathan Snake-Embossed Chain Sandals (now £182 in sale here)

Visit Sandra’s new site, 5 inch and up here