Shoe Trends Everyone Will Be Trying In 2025

Four months into 2025, the year's fashion climate has officially settled in for the long haul. While there's still room for surprises, we're generally moving toward a practicality mindset that prioritizes elevated comfy 'fits above all else. Nowhere is this sentiment clearer than in the footwear department, where the year's biggest shoe trends are reflecting all things subtle and sensible — while remaining stylish, of course. 

"I would say that the biggest things we're seeing are sporty ballet flats, chunkier loafers, and lower-profile Mary Janes," notes Rob Behnke, founder and stylist at the organic cotton clothing brand Fair Indigo. "All of these trends seem like they're hitting on something different. Sometimes function, sometimes nostalgia, or just a statement." Loafers are certainly getting chunkier, but we're also seeing a shift toward old-money-approved boat shoes, which are similar to loafers except for their lace-up design. If you prefer a sleeker silhouette, you can embrace this maximalist energy by going for loafers with loud colors and designs instead of a heftier frame. When it comes to ballet flats, the trendiest iterations for 2025 are suede and satin, with the latter being the perfect option to nail an ultra-feminine balletcore aesthetic. Also be on the lookout for laces on all of your everyday shoes, from sandals to said ballet flats. It's certainly a flat-shoe era, but for those in search of some height, kitten and T-bar heels are the way to a high-fashion moment.

Clogs are one of the retro shoe styles seeing a resurgence in 2025, but for the warmer weather especially, throwback jelly sandals will be all the rage, along with low-key mesh flats. "People are moving a lot more towards balancing comfort and style," Behnke adds in an exclusive chat with Glam, adding that the lines between professional workwear and casual 'fits are starting to blur, creating the "opportunity for playful footwear designs." Of course, the one shoe that works with every pair of jeans in spring 2025 remains the iconic white sneaker, but if you're looking to leave more of a mark, we've got you covered. 

There are a few outdated shoe trends to ditch in 2025, but the ballet flat isn't one of them. Whether you prefer satin, suede, lace-up, or a combination of these elements, you can't go wrong with this fool-proof shoe, even if it does lend itself to certain pieces better than others. Speaking exclusively to Glam, Rob Behnke recommends pairing your ballet flats with wide-leg trousers or relaxed denim for a casual vibe. If you want to lean more into the feminine element, you could go for classic choices like stirrup leggings and pink knits, particularly if the shoes are satin. 

On the other hand, Behnke advises tailored pants or midi skirts if you're wearing chunky loafers since excess material can look like a hot mess with statement heavy shoes. Since mocha mousse is Pantone's Color of the Year, reaching for brown or chestnut loafers will win you some style points. You can then either go for an all-brown or earthy palette to create a cohesive look, or stick with neutral tones and let your feet do the talking. And when it comes to those simple Mary Janes, Behnke finds that they simply "work well with more polished neutrals." 

Finally, the beauty of jelly shoes is that you can adapt them to your personal style leanings. Colorful pairs evoke '90s nostalgia and a sense of fun, best worn on the weekend and for casual catch-ups or summer errand-running, while black and brown carry a slightly more sophisticated energy — and go with more in your closet. But if you're feeling edgy, you can match a colorful mesh sandal or jelly shoe with an outfit of neutrals or elegant black-and-white for the ultimate workwear-casual crossover. 

Now, to accompany your new shoes, check out summer 2025's hottest handbag trends.