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A fabulous shoe is the foundation of any good outfit, so it’s only right that we find out which shoe trends will dominate amidst the summer months. We are happy to report that 2025 will see the refreshing return of the fun (and comfy!) shoe. Prepare to see lots of late-2000s inspo. It may even be worth rustling through your old closet or digging through the thrift store to find original versions of 2025’s hottest — and most unusual — trends. Expect slim and sporty sneakers, dainty flats, and word on the street is the peep-toe is making a comeback? Don’t just take our word for it, we asked a few industry insiders whose day jobs involve sourcing killer shoes for your ultimate style crushes.
Our stylists in-the-know include pop star go-to Ronnie Hart, who has styled some of 2024’s most iconic looks, from Tyla’s archival blue striped Roberto Cavalli gown (famously worn by the late singer Aaliyah in yellow) to Sabrina Carpenter’s "Espresso" music video and festive Netflix special. London stylist Shaquille Ross-Williams has worked with Naomi Campbell and Lily Collins. Kelly Clarkson’s stylist Candice Lambert gave her round-up of the standout styles from fashion week, and London-based celebrity stylist Alizé Demange, who has dressed stars like FLO, Shenseea, and Jorja Smith, shared the throwback trend making a comeback.
Strap in as we reveal 14 shoe trends you’ll be seeing everywhere this summer and well into the rest of 2025.
1. Sculptural Silhouettes
Move over Tabis, there's a new, novel shoe silhouette making its way this year: Sculptural footwear, especially reserved for the toe of a shoe, is having a moment. From the dolly, upturned toes of Marc Jacobs's Fall Ready-To-Wear collection and Saint Laurent's ultra-pointed pumps to Alexander McQueen's sharply expressive lace-up heels and Vivienne Westwood's anthropomorphic classics, unconventional (and oftentimes intense) shapes come in many degrees. If you're looking to up your shoes in volume and scale, turn to this trend for a statement.
2. Peep-Toe Pumps
Love it or hate it, the peep-toe shoe is not going anywhere. Along the runways of the Spring Summer 2025 season, this silhouette made appearances at Prada in the form of spiked and striped heels; Miu Miu as sling-backs in every color imaginable; Tory Burch by way of heeled asymmetry; and Khaite as sleek, leather pumps. It's a cheeky style being embraced by some of our favorite pop culture darlings, from Sabrina Carpenter wearing a satiny pair at Dior Menswear, to Doechii at Paris Fashion Week and Addison Rae on set of her “Aquamarine” music video. The peep-toe is a small, yet intriguing, detail that works with an array of shoe types — think of it as an elevated (and unusual) breathable shoe for hot summer weather, when closed-toes just won't cut it.
3. Jelly Sandals
Lightweight and breathable, this ‘90s, and 2010s-does-'90s, shoe has returned from the depths of Tumblr for the season. The typically-waterproof material makes them the ideal footwear for a day spent outdoors or by the water, though jellies can also very easily be dressed up for summer evenings. From American Apparel lattice-patterned flats to woven-style block heels, there’s a shoe, shade, and silhouette for everyone. The brighter the color, the better. Is this the summer of loud, neon jelly sandals? We think so.
4. Ankle Boots
Hart thinks the revival of indie sleaze marks the return of the nostalgic ankle-length boot. We can’t argue with a man who has been deep in Carpenter’s platform boot closet! “I think ankle booties will make a surprising comeback. Full on indie sleaze, aughts era, maybe even a Jeffrey Campbell Lita revival,” he tells Teen Vogue. Y2K has fabulously served its time, so don’t be surprised if styles that defined the millennial wardrobe over a decade ago make a re-appearance.
5. Retro Sneakers
For 2025, heritage silhouettes are taking it. Puma Speedcats are the new it-girl sneaker with their holiday season campaign featuring dream girls Dua Lipa and BLACKPINK’s Rosé. As its name suggests, the Speedcat was originally a motorsport shoe designed in 1998. Over the last 25 years, it has transitioned from racetrack to street style classic. If you’d like to incorporate a sports-fashion crossover into your own closet, many will be glad to know that the Adidas OG Samba fits the bill, so you can still be on trend with what you already own. Alternatively, low-key brands like Onitsuka Tiger, Gola and Alohas make sports-inspired sneakers in unique textures and colorways like zebra print, metallic silver and frilly lace. Or even better, spruce up your own pair of sneakers with some old charms and ribbon for a DIY take on the retro sneaker trend.
6. Wedge Sneakers
Demange also predicts that sportswear but make it fashion will have its moment in 2025. “We are gonna see the full blown return of the wedge sneaker heel. Slimmer silhouettes that have a dance vibe to them,” she says. The most iconic sneaker wedge of them all is the Isabel Marrant Bekett sneaker. They’re a high-top with a hidden wedge heel and velcro straps instead of laces. In the early 2010s they could be seen on every model and celeb. Today, the iconic shoe is growing in popularity on TikTok. If you’re curious to try it out, Demange recommends searching the second-hand market for this trend. “Sourcing these styles vintage will be popular,” she says.
7. Boxing Boots
Fans of the athletic-casual look should also look out for “the multipurpose sneaker that also feels like a boot,” says Demange. Lace-up boxing boots are the perfect pick if you’re after an edgy mix of sleek and sporty, especially in ultra-wearable materials like leather or suede. Still got cold feet? If you love the aesthetic but want a more approachable way to rock it, high top sneakers made appearances at Chloé, Loewe and Stella McCartney for 2025, so reach for an old pair and you’ll be good to go.
8. Thong Sandals
Who knew that in 2025 the humble flip-flop would transition from the beach to the streets? A skinny strap flip flop was all over the runway and spotted on our favorite stars meaning you don’t have to compromise on comfort and practicality when the warmer months hit. Lambert says the laid-back ’90s style will get an eclectic revamp. “Thong sandals are getting a glow-up in 2025. Carven dropped hybrid sandal pumps with bold, straight-across straps, while Chloé went for [jelly] ankle straps and dainty kitten heels. Both versions feel totally fresh and are giving minimalist vibes a major upgrade.” The options are endless, and for anyone feeling extra eco-conscious, ethical brand Sleepers makes natural rubber flip flops in a rainbow of colors. Plus, there’s a platform version for some extra height.
9. Clogs
Surprise, surprise! Clogs had a real breakout moment on 2025 catwalks which means it’s only a matter of time before you spot them out in the wild too. “Clogs are back—and they’re cooler than ever. Call it the Chloé effect, but these aren’t the chunky shoes your mom wore. Picture sleek, elevated designs with studs and edgy hardware. It’s the ultimate cool-girl twist for fall 2025,” says Lambert. Hear us out, there are so many fun ways to wear a clog. Aside from classic leather, they come in cow print suede, furry pops of color and we can’t forget the Cozy Clog by UGG or some trusty Crocs.
10. Loafers
Loafers have never truly left the trend cycle. They are the ultimate formal flat that can be brought into 2025 with some unexpected style choices. Whether you thrift some leather loafers or are wondering how to style a pair you already own, try wearing your favorite oversized pants with some vintage loafers, or in the summer, don’t be afraid to contrast the androgynous structure of a loafer with more feminine and airy silhouettes like a summer dress or bloomers. Throw on a pair of white ankle socks and you’ll effortlessly channel our style crush Hailey Bieber.
11. Ballerina Flats
Following the rise of balletcore, it’s only natural that ballerina flats make a return. “A shoe trend poised to dominate 2025 is the ballerina silhouette, particularly in flat styles, championed by brands like Chloé, Roger Vivier, Alaïa, and The Row,” says Ross-Williams. “Of course, no discussion of this trend would be complete without mentioning Miu Miu, the ultimate purveyor of ballerina-inspired fashion.” You may be familiar with ballet slippers in satin, mesh or with ribbon lace-ups, but don’t sleep on your classic leather pair, either. Actor Lily-Rose Depp has always been loyal to a ballerina pump and we can’t blame her. Their simplicity makes ballerinas an easy pairing with any look, and thanks to the bare ankle, they seamlessly elongate the leg. Go for a block heel if you want a classy yet comfy extra few inches, a tabi style if you like to subtly turn heads, or Ganni's signature flats if you want a bit of an edge.
12. Mary Janes
Mary Janes are a decades-long classic for a reason. They never go out of style and in 2025 you are spoilt for choice. Whether you’re looking for a chunky platform, a statement strap or a sporty yet whimsical sneaker version à la Simone Rocha, they are sure to deliver on versatility. If you’d like to tap into your inner Parisian, go for a patent slim silhouette with a thin strap in a pop of cherry red. Paired with vintage blue denim and your favorite shirt, Mary Janes are a fool-proof way to dress up any causal ‘fit.
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13. Transparent Shoes
2016 just called! If jelly sandals didn't already prove it, experts are saying clear shoes are back. Particularly during the peak of the spring-summer season. “Transparent shoes are officially in. Try a low-block heel slide that pairs effortlessly with chic outfits,” suggests Lambert. Not only are they the perfect window for your summertime pedicure (minus the inevitable steam that comes with a PVC shoe,) but for those who witnessed their mid-2010s hey-day, their simplicity makes them a fool-proof heel choice for any outfit. They also create the illusion of longer legs. You may already have a pair lying around, so just know that it’s officially safe to bring them out of retirement.
14. Chunky Sandals
With everyone planning their summer vacations, we're thinking about style and comfort when it comes to all our shoes. “We’re seeing the chunky sandal come back to life as well as the thong sandal, thanks to The Row’s beach flip flop that captured our hearts last summer, Melissa Garrick, SVP, GMM of Saks OFF 5th says. “It’s so easy to slip on a pair as you’re running out the door, adding a little statement piece to any outfit. It's feeling like the thong sandal is here to stay and we're here for it.” The chunky sandal not only adds a little height so your toes are more off the ground, but its a stylish way to walk around all the new cities you'll be visiting this summer.
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