Kitten heels, chunky platforms and colour are key for AW21 boot trends

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Aug 25, 2021

Fashion search engine and shopping site Stylight has released its latest trend report with a focus on boots for the forthcoming AW21 season. And the big news is that kitten heels, chunky platforms and disco boots are in demand.

Stylight said that analysing the browsing and shopping behaviour of its 120 million annual users across its international platforms has identified six key trends.

As mentioned, kitten heels are tending upwards with a 280% increase in clicks on kitten heel boots in various styles. One of the season favourites is the slouchy suede model.

Meanwhile higher platform chunky boots have seen a 394% surge in interest. But these aren’t all platforms 1970s-style as many come with a more functional edge, perhaps influenced by combat styles from Prada and Bottega Veneta. This reflects the return of pop-punk fashion in recent periods with a platform sub-category, the made-over combat boot (a knee-high lace-up), seeing a 328% clicks uplift.

Also linked to this is the Puddle Boots trend with ankle rain boots coming with moulded soles and seeing 128% more clicks. Again, Bottega Venta is the big influencer here, “proving that once again, the ‘ugly shoe has a bright future ahead”.

Meanwhile disco boots in shiny tones of silver and gold are up 252%, perhaps influenced by Prada, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana and Etro, as well as the desire to socialise after more than a year of lockdowns. And colour in general is key with green, pink, orange and fuchsia all proving popular as clicks rise 27% for this category of boots.

Finally, clicks on second-skin boots have risen 50% with stretchy, skin tight boots seen as an ideal transitional piece of footwear that can be combined with short skirts and dresses.