From kitten heels inspired by luxury sneakers to clever "slime" wedges, these are summer's most Over-the-Top (OTT) shoes

It seems that in 2021, social life will gradually restore order, and we must face a shoe overhaul?

Fortunately, there is no shortage of new designers who are reimagining our shoes of the future.

For the time being, we pushed ballet flats and Crocs to the bottom of the box for a more showy design.

As summer approaches and people move beyond the grocery store, travel will continue to expand, so we expect to see an upgrade in clothing as well. It's no exaggeration to say that there's nothing more exciting than wearing the most beautiful shoes.

From CHER-approved sneaker-inspired heels to slime effect platform shoes, here are six designers who went beyond the norm.

Lei Liushu and Jiang Yutong, both 30, founded the Shanghai-based label Shushu/Tong in 2015 after meeting at the London College of Fashion.

The pair describe their aesthetic as "sweet with a touch of awkwardness", testing the boundaries of femininity. The combination of sweet patterns and gritty shoes is highly anticipated, with the brand focusing on loafers and chunky Mary Janes.

What inspires your design and makes it personal?

Relushu: "Animation and our friends. But no matter what you read or see, it's very important that Yutong and I make a series that we feel is authentic."

How do you rise to the challenge and stay creative during the pandemic?

"Be curious. Trust your instincts. Don't limit your horizons."

Jiang Yutong: "We always like to do something new and different."

Romanian-born couturier Ancuta Sarca's sales have continued to soar since she first launched an updated version of her mixed-match heels in 2019, with her shoes worn by FKAtwigs, fashion stars Sita Abellan and Cher.

The 29-year-old London-based designer, a former Fashion East "graduate", experimented with low-selling sneakers in order to combine sustainability, sportswear and luxury.

What inspired you to design shoes and make them personal?

"My approach to design is about a series of contrasts and juxtapositions, like femininity and masculinity; Past and present; Sportswear and luxury goods. I want to push the limits of sneakers and give them a new life by giving them a sense of luxury."

How does your design reflect sustainability?

"My shoes are made of unsalable shoes and second-hand materials. In the case of the latest collection, we worked with a supplier in London who had to go out of business because of the pandemic, so we reached out and bought unsalable stock from them."

What was the first memorable pair of shoes you owned?

"A pair of red shiny Mary Janes cat heels."

A graduate of Central Saint Martins, Fidan Novruzova's forward-thinking designs have quickly cemented her position as a trailblazing designer.

Beyonce and Celeste have also become celebrity fans, and the 26-year-old Azerbaijani designer's gradually pleated boots have gone viral on the Internet, taking footwear to a whole new realm.

How was the process of creating a series during the pandemic?

"This is my first official series, so it's not been plain sailing. In the process, we have encountered some disruptions caused by the pandemic."