These Shoe Trends Will Dominate 2025

If the end of 2024 is any indicator, 2025 will be an interesting year for fashion. With Matthieu Blazy going from Bottega Veneta (a brand synonymous with taste-making) to Chanel (another iconic house where accessories reign supreme), there will be a lot to see, analyze, and shop. There’s no doubt that Blazy’s appointment, and Louise Trotter’s appointment as his replacement at Bottega Veneta, will shake up the accessories market as both creative directors begin to make their mark with new It bags, viral shoe moments, and exciting small accessories… At least that’s what I, as an accessories editor, will be looking for. With two brands as influential as these, I predict we’re about to witness a shift that will affect the next several seasons, and I’m ready for it.

While awaiting such massive debuts, we can also look to the latest showings to predict what everyone will be wearing in 2025. For this particular study, I’m focusing on shoes. With perhaps more silhouette, color, print, and material options than ever before, the shoes you choose to wear will say a lot about you. Are you ushering in your cool-girl era in pierced shoes or going full boho with all suede everything? Maybe you’re in the mood for more mesh, or you want to go modern with sculptural wedges.

For those who are unsure of who they want to be—or simply what shoes they want to wear—this year, I have you covered. I’ve assessed the latest runways, as well as what we at ELLE are seeing and shopping, to give you my predictions for what will be the hottest shoe trends in the next year. Shop the shoes to rock in 2025, below.

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Sculptural Wedges

Saint Laurent, Ferragamo, Dries van Noten, and several other designers featured sculptural wedge heels in their latest runways for 2025. But these wedges aren’t the boho chic style you might think of when you think wedges. They’re modern, edgy, and in a lot of cases, not quite shoppable yet, lucite. This is a trend you won’t be able to escape in 2025, like it or not.

Big Bling

Jewelry on shoes (and bags) was a huge trend on the runways for spring/summer 2025, and I’m confident it’ll continue through the year. For now, though, there’s an overwhelming wave of sandal styles with embellished toe rings, giving the illusion of an actual piece of jewelry. Never too outlandish, these chic and minimal styles will elevate any outfit as you look to the warmer seasons ahead.

Lady Pumps

These are not your grandma’s kitten heels, even if they kinda look like it. What’s old always becomes new again, and perhaps one of the most unexpected comebacks is the lady heel. Call it trad-wife or quiet luxury, thanks to brands like Khaite, Valentino, and The Row, the return of the high vamp and low-mid height heel has never been chicer, and dare I say it, more modern. The magic is all in the styling with these, so a wide-leg baggy jean or micro-mini skirt will be your best friend when trying this one out.

Suede Persuasion

You’ve probably noticed suede popping up everywhere this season, especially in coats and bags, but it’s also taking over footwear. Not only boots, but sneakers, mules, sandals, loafers, and heels will be covered (literally) in suede as an answer to the western/boho motifs gaining popularity in the fashion landscape.

Boho Clogs

One of the biggest themes to remerge from the boho era—other than suede, of course—is clogs. Don’t worry, there’s a way to style these without feeling like a schoolteacher from the 2010s. Whether your clogs are flat or platform, the key is to treat them as a piece of your outfit puzzle rather than a singular statement piece. Pair them with short shorts, leather trousers, or a flowy dress for optimal results.

Equestrian Boots

If you’re buying boots in 2025, let them be equestrian-inspired. Knee-high, flat riding boots made a big return in 2024, and we predict the classic, sleek style will stick around for the year to come, as well.

Heeled Loafers

Flat loafers have reigned supreme for years, but now it’s time to add some height. The Gucci ultra-platform loafer went viral a few seasons ago, but for 2025, brands from Victoria Beckham to Loewe have given their (more practical) take on the loafer silhouette. Now, you can find loafers with kitten heels, platforms, block heels, and even full stilettos (in true Victoria Beckham fashion), turning a formerly stuffy style into something exciting, even sexy.

Schoolgirl Brogues

Brogues can be intimidating to style, but for those who are willing to take fashion risks, the look is so worth it. The schoolgirl aesthetic is having a major comeback on the runways and in street style, and it’s easier than ever to get on board. The best part about brogues, though? They’re extremely wearable and practical, so you can wear them with almost any outfit and look put-together, intentional, and classic.

More Mesh

I know you’re sick of hearing about mesh shoes, but I’m here to say: They’re not going anywhere. Brands continue to find new, chic ways to make the silhouette exciting and fresh, from adding a sleek heel to expanding into the season’s hottest colors.

Snake Skin

Leopard print was everywhere in 2024, but 2025 will be the year of the snake. No, literally; according to Chinese tradition, it’s the Year of the Snake. From Jil Sander to Dries van Noten, designers are celebrating the versatility of snake skins. Snake print can swing western or edgy, sleek or maximalist, and it transcends shoes, bags, ready-to-wear, and jewelry. You won’t be able to slither your way out of this one.

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