The 7 Shoe Trends To Know For 2025 And Beyond
From preppy boat shoes and ’60s-style flats to polished block heels, these are the key shoe trends that will put a spring in your step this season, says COLLEEN ROSS
Boat shoes
If last season was about polished penny loafers, SS25 belongs to the boat shoe. Brands including Loewe, Bally and Tod’s all presented a fresh take on this nautical style on the runway, styling them with everything from floaty floral-print dresses to relaxed summer tailoring. Their soft, lace-up construction makes them feel a touch more casual than last season’s counterparts – and therefore the perfect complement to the emerging romanticism trend. Bally’s ‘Pathy’ style has a classic beatnik feel, while Tod’s tasseled shoes resemble moccasins and have signature pebbled soles.
’90s revival
There’s no easier way to replicate the minimal elegance of the ’90s than with a pair of heels – and thanks to brands like Valentino Garavani and Paris Texas, there’s a plethora of styles vying for your attention this season – from dainty kitten heels to sophisticated open-toe mules. Already spotted on Daisy Edgar-Jones, Dakota Johnson and Taylor Swift, Gucci’s ‘Signoria’ pumps have leg-lengthening pointed toes and chain-embellished slingback straps. Wear them straight from the office to drinks in the evening with an oversized white shirt and tailored black pants.
Statement snake print
The beauty of snake print is its ability to shapeshift from timeless neutral to fierce accent, depending on how it’s worn. Looking to make a statement? Paris Texas’s python-effect ‘Anja’ boots will do the trick – just be sure to show them off with mini hemlines. For something a touch more rock ’n’ roll, Aquazzura’s ‘Montmartre’ ankle boots are laced with attitude and will look as cool styled with a suede jacket and jeans as they will a diaphanous maxi dress. Alternatively, keep things casual with Dries Van Noten’s retro snake-print sneakers.
Mary Jane flats
Mary Jane flats transitioned from school-girl staple to cool-girl staple in the ’60s when they were adopted as part of the coquettish look popularized by some of the decade’s most famous faces, including models Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton and actor Anna Karina. Echoing polished mod styles, Versace’s glossy patent-leather flats are topped with sweet bows and have sleek square toes, while Bally updates the traditional silhouette with crossover buckled straps. Elsewhere, Aeyde offers a playful alternative to black with its ‘Uma’ style in gold grosgrain.
Shades of red
Immortalized in movies and fairytales, from The Red Shoes to The Wizard of Oz, and constantly reinvented on the runway, there’s no denying the allure of a red shoe. Sleek and sculptural, Jacquemus’ asymmetric ‘Cubisto’ slingbacks are crafted from glossy patent-leather with exaggerated pointed toes and mismatched heels. They’ll elevate anything you pair them with, from workwear tailoring to your trusty blue jeans. Loulou de Saison's ‘Barsi’ ballet flats have a similar allure and look especially chic paired with midi dresses. Alternatively, if you prefer darker tones, Legres’s ‘67’ loafers come in deep burgundy that’s as versatile as any neutral.
Block-heeled pumps
Whenever you are striving for straightforward sophistication, block-heeled pumps are the answer. Inspired by mid-century styles, Ferragamo’s ‘Rivada’ slingbacks are crafted from polished croc-effect leather and topped with signature grosgrain bows, while Tom Ford’s ‘Audrey’ shoes evoke the timeless elegance of their namesake. If clean and minimal is more your style, Gianvito Rossi’s classic ‘Tokio’ pumps exude sleek city polish and are the perfect height for the office. Elsewhere, Aeyde’s ‘Delia’ pumps come in butter-soft brown leather and have more of a casual feel, making them a great weekend option.
Be transparent
If you’re drawn to this season’s trend for all things sheer but aren’t sure how to embrace it in your everyday wardrobe, then shoes are the way to go. Brands including Le Monde Béryl and Saint Laurent are reinventing their most iconic silhouettes in gauzy mesh and tulle. An elegant choice for evening events, Aquazzura’s ‘Passions’ pumps are crafted from strips of suede and beige tulle to create a graphic striped effect, while Proenza Schouler’s ‘Tee’ slingbacks come in supple laser-cut leather.
How to look after your shoes
Here’s how to ensure your shoes last longer, according to expert repair-and-alterations service The Seam…
1. Brush away dried dirt with a dry cloth or brush
The Seam recommends having shoes and boots professionally cleaned periodically to help keep leather in pristine condition. Prior to a professional cleaning, dried dirt, mud or dust can be brushed away with a dry towel or brush.
2. Air out shoes before storing away
In the case of shoes and heels that are only worn on occasion, these should be stored away from sunlight and in a dust bag to protect the surfaces. Prior to storing shoes away, they should be allowed to air out in a well-ventilated space for at least 24 hours. You can also wipe out the interiors with a lightly damp cloth, dry them with a dry cloth, and then place tissue inside the shoes before placing them in a dust bag.
3. High-quality rubber sole protectors can renew well-worn pairs
At The Seam, cobblers can transform beaten-down soles with rubber protectors to give well-worn shoes a new protective surface. This is done by filing down some of the original sole and crafting a leather protector to fit the surface. This can also be done when shoes are initially purchased, to prevent future damage to delicate soles.
Find out how to extend the life of your clothes with our Repair & Rewear service, powered by The Seam