A key macro driver of footwear trends for the Spring 2021 season will be “Flexible Futures,” according to WGSN Mindset Director Amiyra Perkins, who presented trend information during a recent webinar with Informa Markets Fashion.

While noting the challenges of forecasting in uncertain times, the key trend of adaptability for any occasion is growing, said Perkins. Consumers have been spending more time at home during the pandemic, but this “home hub” trend is one that was being tracked even before COVID. Perkins said that millennials as a generation spend 70 percent more time at home than any other generation, and this has accelerated an overall style trend towards comfortable basics.

In the COVID era, the “home hub” and “comfortable basics” trend has evolved to be about not just comfort but also about support and value in footwear. Consumers are looking for footwear features such as waterproofing, durability, trans-seasonality, and transitional aesthetics between activewear, workwear and fashion.

Key categories to watch for Spring 2021, according to WGSN are: sophisticated slippers; square toe sandals with cushioning; hybrid slides (sporty and fashionable); summer clogs; heritage styles such as loafers and boat shoes; hiking shoes that double as everyday wear; slip-on sneakers; sneakers with 80s and 90s vibes; and chunky soled hikers and sneakers.