From boho clogs to sky-high platforms, this summer’s shoe trends showcase an eclectic range of options. Sustainable styles to crafty slingback heels: they combine practicality and playfulness while remaining current in terms of design.
Leather foot and ankle ties have made an impactful comeback this season. Proenza Schouler added crisscrossed ribbon to round-toe sandals from Proenza Schouler and wrapped thongs around flat soles while Ferragamo created tiered suede lace-ups to add a luxurious twist.
Strappy Heels
Call them floss heels, naked heels or strappy sandals; this shoe trend has taken the fashion world by storm. Originating with Celine’s tomato red cage-like heels from Celine Fashion House in 2012, minimal silhouette has quickly become a wardrobe essential from The Row to Dune and Reformation offering tan leather options which show as little of themselves as possible as footwear choices for summer and beyond.
If you prefer something bolder, lace-up heels or ankle straps could be just what’s needed to make your look truly stand out. Both were popularly featured at Erdem, Zimmermann, and Rejina Pyo’s runway shows this season and pair nicely with day sheath dresses and full skirts from these designers. Also keep an eye out for embellishments like rose buds (Givenchy), trailing ribbons, or delicate embroidering that might add that final touch.
The peek-a-boo shoe trend that made such an impression during spring/summer will still have an impactful presence this fall. Expect to see its heel/flat style updated for colder weather with shearling-lined boots, knee-high styles, strappy pumps or relaxed options such as tan mule flats that add an effortless chicness to jeans and skirts.
Lace-Up Heels
After taking a hiatus from showing toes, sexy variations of classic peep-toe shoes made their return for spring 2025. From satin pumps with front slits that add subtle cleavage hints to Maria Grazia Chiuri’s sandal-boot hybrid worn at Dior, these shoes add some excitement to your wardrobe.
This summer saw an upswing in the jewelry-on-shoes trend as designers added intricate metal straps and built-in necklaces to footwear silhouettes. Ranging from thong sandals adorned with large beads to mules with chains dangling off them, this footwear style elevates any ensemble from T-shirts and wide leg jeans to little black dresses.
Tie-up heels were another booming shoe trend this year, adding an air of boho chic to any look. Proenza Schouler offered round-toe sandals with crisscrossing leather strings gathered at the ankle, while Ferragamo offered hybrid thong/ballerina hybrids tied all the way up to the calf. Nylon cording and raffia ribbons were looped and tied around crafty slingbacks and mules at Gucci The Row Burberry while Miu Miu offered hiking-inspired flats featuring nylon cording straps that wrapped around your ankle – giving any outfit an instant boho chic touch.
Clogs may have been the It shoe last season (just ask J.Lo and BLACKPINK’s Rose), but this year they have taken an exciting new turn. Keep an eye out for artisanal wooden styles featuring bold hardware and unexpected color combinations at brands such as Ferragamo, Ganni and Hermes or modern, sculptural wedges offered by Saint Laurent Bottega Veneta and Dries Van Noten.
Suede
Suede leather is one of the most durable and attractive forms available, thanks to its smooth surface texture. Suede is often seen used in clothing such as jackets and skirts, as well as footwear which needs to be both casual and polished – this makes suede an attractive fabric choice for high fashion trends like western or boho styles currently trending this year.
If you love the look of suede but don’t want the maintenance commitment associated with regular suede shoes, vegan options offer great alternatives. Faux suede shoes made of synthetic materials undergo similar brushing processes as traditional suede but avoid animal-derived steps needed for mass production of this material.
Suede boat shoes have made an impactful comeback this season, thanks to runway hits at Miu Miu and Bally. Their strappy silhouettes with thin soles provide the ideal combination of sneaker and ballet flat, pairing well with long jorts or body-hugging dresses.
Lace-up flats are another big trend for summer 2025, seen on runway shows from Chloe, Fendi, and Jacquemus – the delicate laces wrapped around ankles are ideal for vacation wear! Wear yours with any sunny-colored vacation dress.
Pastel Colours
Pastel colors offer a soothing escape in an otherwise fast-paced world. Each hue carries its own emotional signature and psychological effect; understanding their full potential can help enrich creative projects.
After years of silence, pastels returned to mainstream fashion in the 80s through television series like Miami Vice. Detective Crockett and partner Tubb’s pastel suits became iconic symbols of cool confidence that perfectly captured Miami itself.
Today, pastel shoe colors continue to be an eye-catching footwear trend, with designers like Chloe, Acne Studios, and Rabanne creating gorgeous ballet flats and penny loafers in pastel tones that channel nature’s soothing energy. Sage green shoes were particularly prominent this season on runways; adding new life into classic shoe styles while radiating celestial and nautical vibes in much the same way as their pure blue counterparts.
Sneaker lovers can follow the pastel trend by customizing their kicks with soft strawberry pink, vanilla yellow and mint green colors reminiscent of ice cream cones – we’ve even seen pastel shades such as pistachio green, seafoam green and light emerald making their way onto fashionista’s feet! For an extra splash of spring magic consider pairing yellow or pink accessories such as handbags or silk scarves for your daily look.