The new year always arrives with a slew of exciting new fashion trends, so naturally we had to dedicate an article to diving into the shoe trends you (and the rest of the fashion world, probably) are going to love in 2025.
In 2024, we had some pretty major footwear moments: the ballet flat renaissance, our obsession with shoes with heavy hardware (thank you, Ganni buckle flats), and the rise of square toes. For the practical everyday sneaker, which is always a staple, we fell in love with cheetah prints and suede kicks. Keep these in mind, since we'll see these styles carry over into the new year, while also expecting a handful of new trends to shine brightly.
The SS25 runways gave us a good idea of what styles to anticipate for 2025, including lace-up flats and heels, peep-toe detailing, and (drumroll, please...) clogs. As for sneakers, we've been seeing high-top boxing-style shoes on the runways that might just become the next 'It' shoe. And no, you're not the only one thinking that 2025's shoe trends are shaping up to look a lot like the hottest styles of the early aughts!
Below, we've pulled our top five shoe trends that we think are gonna make it big in 2025, along with a curated selection to shop if you'd like to try them for yourself.
Gladiator Laces
Oh, yes. Laces that go all the way up the leg are back. This trendy style was big for Isabel Marant and Ferragamo's most recent collections. Just imagine how cute these sandals would be with a little mini dress on vacation...booking my trip now!
SHOP THE LACE-UP TREND
Reformation x Laura Harrier Louisada Strappy Sandal
Brother Vellies Tyla Sandal in Midnight
Peep-Toe Shoes
Peep-toe pumps were a big trend from the SS25 runways—especially at Prada and Miu Miu. While the peep-toe style might sound like a majorrrr throwback that isn't due to come back around yet, we're excited to see new variations of it—like these Tory Burch heels that have the cutout on the top of the foot, rather than at the point.
SHOP THE PEEP-TOE TREND
Ralph Lauren Kyla Crocodile-Embossed Leather Sandal
Tory Burch Sculpted Peep-Toe Pump
Flip-Flops
2025 is bringing some totally fresh variations on the classic flip-flop that might feel familiar to you if you lived through the '90s and '00s. I'm talking jelly versions, wedge flip-flops, and even some with a subtle platform. Chloé and Zimmermann featured this type of footwear heavily at their SS25 shows and they aare sure to be prominent in 2025.
SHOP THE FLIP-FLOP TREND
Casadei Jelly Flip Flops
RAYE Chris Sandal
Tony Bianco Avanti Espresso Suede
Clogs (Yes, I Said Clogs)
Clogs were an 'It' shoe this fall (anyone else get the J.Lo UGG platform clogs?) and in 2025, we're going to see a whole lot more of them, especially in their more traditional wooden form. Hermès and Burberry displayed variations of the style in their SS25 collections, so take that as your sign to step up your clog game with open-toed detailing or a high-heels.
SHOP THE CLOG TREND
Diesel D-Woodstock MI Clog W
Coconuts by Matisse Freedom Clogs
Retro Sneakers
It's time to pull out those basketball shoes! The SS25 runways proved that all things retro will be back in full force in the sneaker world. Loewe and Dior presented boxing sneakers that are sure to be a major trend in the new year along with other high-top designs that feel just as casual-cool.
SHOP THE RETRO SNEAKER TREND
Gola Women's Coaster High Sneaker
Danielle is the Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers the American and British ready-to-wear markets and handles fashion for all cover and fashion stories in book and online. When she’s not working on print, she covers all the latest fashion trends and news for digital. Danielle started as a Fashion Intern for Cosmopolitan in 2016 and has been with the magazine ever since. Follow her journey in the fashion industry on Instagram.
Devin Toolen is the Fashion Assistant at Cosmopolitan where she’s responsible for anything and everything that comes through the fashion closet doors. She preps ready-to-wear, accessories, and shoes for Cosmo photoshoots and assists on set. Devin also writes fashion stories for the Cosmopolitan website. Prior to Cosmo, Devin received her BA from Villanova University and her MA from Parsons in Paris, France. While she is passionate about fashion trends and current styles, she has a deep love for fashion history, heritage and archives. Follow her fashion journey on insta: @devintoolen.
