Blending comfort and elegance, these eight standout shoe trends for this summer are rewriting the style codes.
One of the most exciting transformations this summer is taking place at ground level—on our feet. In Summer 2025, bold, exaggerated silhouettes are stepping aside to make room for styles that are lighter, more refined, and more city-friendly. Sneakers have taken on an ultra-flat form, while loafers are being reimagined with breathable, warm-weather fabrics. Classic ballet flats remain a staple, now imbued with sportier details. Even deck shoes—whether you call them boat shoes or docksides—are quietly sailing back into fashion.
This season, shoes aren’t just style statements; they carry a shared mood. Sandals exude a bohemian spirit, kitten heels and stilettos are giving way to chunkier, more stable shapes, and sleek loafers and contemporary mules are emerging as everyday essentials. In short, Summer 2025 is all about variety, offering options that appeal to minimalists and nostalgics alike.
Ballerina Sneakers
We can officially declare the chunky sneaker era over. Summer 2025 is dominated by ultra-flat sneakers, where soles lie nearly flush with the ground. Minimalism merges with retro sportswear influences, creating an elegant yet athletic aesthetic. This trend, initially sparked by Onitsuka Tiger in previous seasons, gained widespread attention through the Miu Miu x New Balance collaboration. Now, designers like Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, and Prada are embracing the hybrid of ballerina grace and sporty function. Adidas Taekwondo offers a more performance-driven variation, staying true to athletic roots. Altogether, these next-gen sneakers bring a refreshing minimalism and unexpected chicness to summer wardrobes.
Sneaker Babies
The sweet nostalgia of baby shoes meets sneaker-level comfort in one of the most radical and youthful silhouettes of the season: the sneaker ballerina. Gaining momentum with the ballerina version of the Puma Speedcat, this style has skyrocketed in popularity, helped by trendsetters like Dua Lipa and Rosé of Blackpink. Shades like silver, baby pink, and black dominate the palette, with Velcro straps and slim shapes offering an appealing, fuss-free charm. Despite their playful origins, the style speaks to a broad audience. Echoing early-2000s aesthetics while remaining modern, sneaker babies offer a bold, contemporary take on footwear nostalgia.
Jelly Shoes
This summer is about bringing back fun, and nothing says playful quite like jelly shoes. Once a childhood favorite from the ’80s, they’re now reappearing in sophisticated, street-ready forms. The Row leads the revival, updating the jelly aesthetic with elevated design cues. Meanwhile, the cage-like silhouettes popularized by Alaïa in recent seasons now take on a fresh texture in transparent plastic. Lightweight, touchable, and visually striking, modern jelly shoes deliver both comfort and a statement—perfect for both city streets and sandy shores.
Summer Loafers
This season, loafers shed their stiff, collegiate image and step into the sunlight with a breezier, more relaxed identity. The thick soles and formal feel of past seasons are replaced with thin, flexible designs that are ideal for warm weather. Think soft suede without lining, breathable light leather, and backless styles you can effortlessly slide into. These new loafers are no longer just office-ready—they’re picnic-perfect, vacation-approved, and stylishly laid-back. Offering comfort and polish in equal measure, they’re a definitive summer staple.
Modern Clogs
Bohemian flair finds its way into footwear through the resurgence of modern clogs. Featured prominently on the runways of Miu Miu, Hermès, and Chloé, these clogs combine laid-back nostalgia with elevated design. Crafted with wooden heels, wide leather straps, and open silhouettes, they strike a harmonious balance between comfort and character. They pair beautifully with floaty white skirts, patterned maxi dresses, and vintage-washed denim, helping to shape silhouettes that are at once romantic and assertive. With their blend of earthiness and edge, modern clogs capture the carefree spirit of summer.
Platform Heels
The high heel is being redefined this season by a fresh wave of padded platform styles that combine height with comfort. In place of thin stilettos, designers are embracing bold platforms crafted from lightweight materials. These shoes offer an architectural sensibility, with sculptural cuts and woven textures giving them a standout presence. Mushroom-shaped soles and plush padding add a playful twist while making them far more wearable than traditional heels. Seen on sandals and open-toe slippers, these platforms channel the season’s bohemian mood while adding polish to romantic dresses and airy trousers.
Deck Shoes
One of the season’s surprise hits, deck shoes—also known as boat shoes or docksides—are charting new territory. Traditionally associated with coastal style, these shoes are finding a fresh place in city wardrobes. The new versions come with chunky soles, contrast stitching, and youthful, modern silhouettes. They’re no longer confined to yachting culture; suede textures and slim-soled designs give them a more elegant, breathable feel, ideal for urban heat. At once classic and contemporary, deck shoes are this summer’s go-to for understated cool.
Urban Mules
The humble mule is undergoing a sleek transformation this season, evolving from rustic practicality into urban sophistication. While the Birkenstock Boston set the tone in recent seasons, the Summer 2025 mule draws inspiration from traditional Moroccan babouches, offering a flatter, sleeker, and more polished silhouette. High-gloss leather versions convey metropolitan elegance, while suede designs with studs or contrast stitching add subtle ethnic flair. Equally suited for daytime errands and evening outings, these versatile mules are a blend of comfort and character—an ideal choice for city dwellers who prioritize both ease and style.
