Spring 2025's Shoe Trends Are All About Following Your Instincts

With the spring 2025 shoe trends, there’s a clear sense that designers want to help in your pursuit of—you guessed it—personal style. Like the statement capes, free-swinging fringe, and kitschy ‘70s florals that abounded on the Spring 2025 runways, this season’s best spring shoes promote self-expression without apologies or toning themselves down.

That’s not to say this spring’s shoe trends sacrifice comfort for the sake of style. Practicality still prevails; it’s easy to imagine wearing the retro-inspired sneakers shown at Miu Miu, Loewe, and Prada all day for weekend errands and off-duty exploring. Christian Dior spruced up easy ballet flats with ribbons that laced around the ankles, and Loewe sent out very sensible navy and cream-colored boat shoes Yes, the sea-faring loafer’s comeback is still very much "a thing" in 2025.

At the same time, party shoes were also plentiful. Some of the season’s best options include pumps with a cheeky slice of toe cleavage (credit to Khaite, here) and sculptural wedge sandals that double as art pieces and home decor when you’re not taking them out on the town.

This season, it’s less about following a rubric of which shoes are ‘in’ and which ‘aren’t;’ it’s more about finding footwear that has something to say about you as an individual. And spring 2025’s top shoes will certainly help you kick off conversations—albeit foot-first.

Running Through the Decades

Maybe it was the rush of the 2024 Olympics. Or that Jonathan Anderson's Challengers costuming was so zeitgeist-defining that we're still consumed with sports-centric fashion almost a year later. Regardless of the why, designers continue to innovate on new trendy sneakers, and spring's undeniable favorite is slim-to-the-foot retro silhouettes like Prada, Loewe, and Miu Miu's.

Long Live the Clog

Boho fashion was top of mind at Hermès, Rachel Comey, Miu Miu, and Ulla Johnson, who all modernized the '70s wood-block clog. For some, the contemporary change was seen in the shoe's color palette (Miu Miu's crisp cherry red, for instance), while others iterated via conical heels and chunky ankle straps.

Spring Peepers

Subtle sensuality is a prominent theme for spring 2025, and shoes are no exception. Designers channeled the riqsué spirit by exploring the classic peep-toe silhouette, from front-slit pumps with slight, sophisticated perversions to kitten-heeled boots that show more than just a peek of pedicure. As for how much toe you want to show, that's entirely up to you this spring.

Loaf Around

These are not the standard, teacher's pet Oxfords or driving slippers you're used to; spring 2025 ushers in an era where loafers become kitschy, colorful, and, in Prada's case, gravity-defying. To try the trend, shop for unexpected colorways, hulking hardware, and craft-centric designs.

Splish, Splash

Aquatic influences were felt throughout all aspects of 2025's fashion trends, footwear included. Proenza Schouler collaborated with Sorel on water-wicking, puddle-proof galoshes and clogs (the later style already earned Bella Hadid's approval back in October). Meanwhile, Chloé doubled down on the jelly sandal trend with rubber thong heels, and Loewe invited you to drop anchor in its leather boater.

Personality Heels

Bold dressers—and even the maximalist-curious—will enjoy spring's proliferation of eclectic heels. Whether you try a quirky-crafty stiletto like Louis Vuitton's or a see-through wedge like Gucci or Dries Van Noten, the top-line note is to choose a heel that represents you.

Off to the Laces

Laces were everywhere. They came in the form of strappy kitten heels (Proenza Schouler), corseted ballerinas (Christian Dior and Chloé), and high heels held together by expertly knotted and woven rope (Burberry). This spring, tie yourself into whatever silhouette speaks to you best.