Welcome back to Spring Trends Week! If you missed it, I kicked things off with my Spring Fashion Trends Report on Monday, followed by the biggest Denim Trends for Spring 2025 yesterday. And today, we’re talking shoes!
These are the styles I see popping up at all my go-to retailers, and while you don’t need to embrace every trend to keep your wardrobe feeling fresh, incorporating a few of these could be a fun way to update your spring/summer outfits.
7 Key Shoe Trends To Know For Spring 2025
I won’t repeat my gazillion disclaimers from the last two posts, but just know—these are the trends I’m seeing pop up at the mainstream retailers where I typically shop. That doesn’t mean you have to love (or wear) all of them! Trends are just a guide, not a rulebook. If something resonates with your style, great! If not, feel free to skip it. The goal is always to refresh and evolve your wardrobe in a way that feels authentic to you.
1. Boat Shoes & The Loafer Revival
Sperry AO 2 Eye Boat Shoe
Boat shoes are back, but with a fresh, modern spin. Sleeker silhouettes, unexpected colors, and elevated materials like buttery leather and suede give them a more polished look than the classic rugged styles you might associate with preppy summer wardrobes of the past.
Loafers are also having a moment, especially in soft, ruched styles that feel more relaxed than their structured counterparts. This updated take makes them easier to wear with everything from wide-leg jeans to casual spring dresses. Both of these styles play into the preppy aesthetic that’s been making a quiet comeback, but in a way that feels modern and versatile for everyday outfits.
2. Colorful Sneakers & Statement Kicks
Gola Grandslam Suede Sneaker
Sneakers are getting bolder and brighter this season, with vibrant colors and playful accents making them more of a style statement than just a practical choice. Think retro-inspired designs with pops of red, blue, and green, as well as gradient colorways and unexpected textures. At the same time, softer pastels and muted earth tones are emerging as an alternative for those who (like me) prefer a more understated take on the trend.
Metallics are also still around and becoming more mainstream. Whether it’s a full metallic finish, subtle accents, or shimmer woven into the fabric, these styles bring a fresh and modern edge to the sneaker lineup. And for those who like to keep it classic, clean white sneakers are still going strong, offering a timeless option that pairs with everything.
Across the board, styles are leaning toward lower-profile silhouettes and vintage-inspired details—think ‘70s runners, ‘80s court sneakers, and minimalist leather designs that balance comfort with just the right amount of throwback appeal.
3. Ladylike Styles: Ballet Flats & Kitten Heel Slingbacks
Dolce Vita Roslyn Mesh Mary Jane // Sam Edelman Bianka Sling Heel
The kitten heel slingback is still going strong this spring. Classic pointed-toe styles remain popular, but I’m also seeing fresh updates with delicate embellishments, multiple buckle straps, and squared-off toes. These work just as well with jeans for a modern contrast as they do with dresses for a more polished look.
Ballet flats and Mary Janes are also sticking around, showing up in both classic rounded-toe versions and sleeker, squared-off or pointed styles. Expect to see details like buckles, studs, and mesh fabrics adding a little edge to these feminine staples.
4. Woven & Mesh Details: Artisanal Textures
Splendid Hampton Woven Heel Sandal
Woven leather, raffia, and mesh details are back this spring, adding texture to everything from sandals to loafers. These artisanal touches bring a handcrafted feel to warm-weather shoes, whether in the form of intricate basket-weave flats, raffia-accented mules, or mesh-paneled heels that add a delicate, airy element.
Espadrilles and fisherman sandals are also embracing woven materials, for an easygoing vibe that’ fits right in with spring and summer dressing’s perfect for spring. Meanwhile, mesh fabrics are popping up on everything from ballet flats to sneakers, offering a barely-there look that feels light and modern. Whether you prefer a subtle woven accent or a full-on mesh statement, these textural elements add dimension and a fresh update to classic styles.
5. Strappy Sandals: Thongs, Flip-Flops & Double Buckles
By Anthropologie Thong Kitten Heels
Minimalist thong sandals and flip-flops are everywhere this spring, but with a more elevated twist. I’m seeing everything from ultra-slim flat flip-flops to dressier kitten-heel thong sandals that feel a little more polished. These look great with everything from jean shorts to breezy dresses, making them a go-to for warm-weather dressing.
Double-buckle sandals are also sticking around, taking inspiration from the classic Birkenstock style for a laid-back vibe. I’m also noticing more asymmetrical straps and unique cutouts, which add a modern touch to these minimal silhouettes. Whether you’re into a chic heeled thong sandal or a casual footbed style, there are plenty of fresh takes on strappy sandals this season.
6. Statement Finishes: Metallics, Studs & Animal Prints
Schutz Arissa Woven // Alohas Calla Suede Studs Loafers
If you like to make a statement with your footwear, this is your season! Metallic shoes are everywhere right now, along with studded details—especially on flats, loafers, and strappy sandals. I love how this adds an edgy touch to a simple outfit.
Animal prints are still going strong, with leopard and python-embossed textures leading the way. I’m seeing them on everything from ballet flats to block-heel sandals, and they’re such an easy way to add a little personality to your look. Whether you go for a bold metallic, a studded detail, or a touch of animal print, statement shoes are definitely having a moment this spring!
7. Suede & Shades of Brown for Spring
Reformation Serenity Bare Sandal // Dolce Vita Baylee Flat
Earthy shades of brown are showing up everywhere this spring, offering a fresh alternative to taupe and shades of beige. From deep chocolate to warm caramel, these rich neutrals feel surprisingly versatile and work with just about everything.
Suede is also making an appearance in unexpected ways—yes, even in sandals! While we usually associate suede with cooler months, I’m seeing it pop up in warm-weather styles like slides, strappy sandals, and even espadrilles. It adds a softer, more textured look that feels a little more elevated than traditional leather. If you’re looking for an easy way to refresh your shoe lineup, swapping in a pair of brown or suede shoes could be a subtle but stylish update.
What Shoe Trends Are On Their Way Out for Spring 2025?
Finally, here are some shoe trends that are on their way out. Of course, you don’t need to toss out everything that’s phasing out. If you love it and it works for you, keep wearing it! That said, here are a few styles that are starting to look a little tired this season:
- Chunky Sneakers – Oversized, ultra-chunky soles are giving way to lower-profile, retro-inspired styles. Instead of thick dad sneakers, I’m seeing more vintage-style trainers, sleeker court sneakers, and minimalist leather designs that feel a little more streamlined.
- Sky-High Heels – While heels will always have a place, the ultra-tall, teetering stilettos don’t seem as practical or wearable these days. Instead, I’m seeing more mid-height options like kitten heels and block heels, which feel more approachable for everyday wear.
- Platform & Flatform Sandals – Platforms aren’t completely gone, but the super-chunky, exaggerated versions are taking a backseat to more refined styles. I’m noticing more strappy sandals, stacked heels, and classic espadrilles instead of bulky flatforms that can sometimes feel clunky.
- Mules – While backless styles aren’t disappearing entirely, the ultra-minimalist mules that were everywhere a few years ago seem to be losing steam. I’m seeing more structured slingbacks and loafers instead, which give a similar vibe but feel a bit fresher.
- Puffy Slides – The oversized, cushioned slides that had a moment are starting to feel a little dated. While sporty slides are still around, I’m noticing a shift toward slimmer, more refined silhouettes in leather, woven textures, and classic thong styles.
- Heavy Lug Soles – While chunky loafers and boots had their moment, sleeker, more refined soles are becoming more common. That said, supportive styles with a bit of traction are still a practical choice, especially for everyday wear.
And that’s a wrap on the biggest shoe trends for Spring 2025! Whether you’re excited to try something new or just looking for a few small updates, there’s plenty of variety this season—from sleek sneakers to strappy sandals and statement finishes.
Of course, trends come and go, but the key is always to wear what makes you feel good. Are there any styles you’re loving (or skipping) this season? Let me know in the comments!
