We all held our collective breath waiting for spring to come around again and finally, with the first signs of sunshine, it may actually be here. The days are brighter, we’ve put away our chunky knits and knee-high boots for another year, and now (sporting fresh new pedicures) our outfits (and feet) are officially ready for the start of the new season, so why waste time on the same old shoe rotation? Spring shoe trends have started landing in stores, and they’re enticing enough to steer us away from our faithful old loafers.
With our aforementioned boots now relegated to the back of the wardrobe, it’s time to celebrate spring in all it’s glory, starting with what we wear on our feet. While it isn’t exactly time for flip flops just yet, this year has already thrown out plenty of pretty styles to choose from, so consider yourself spoilt for choice when it comes to hot new shoe trends.
From unexpected details to the formally dated “grandad” shoe that influencers are backing in a big way, keep scrolling to see the six most elegant shoe trends setting the tone for the rest of 2025. There’s something for everyone in this mixed bag of comfy flats, chic trainers and dressy demi-heels.
1. BOAT SHOES
Style Notes: If anyone had asked us to predict a shoe trend strong enough to rival the classic loafer, we would have struggled to think of anything, but then came along the boat shoe. Deck shoes would not have been on our 2025 bingo card, but after seeing just how easily the best dressed influencers have styled theirs up to luxe new levels, we’ve come around to their appeal. They aren’t too distantly related to loafers, give or take a little extra detailing, so you won’t be surprised to find out just how versatile they are too. Keep a particular look out for chestnut brown leather and sand-coloured suede styles to replicate the look currently doing the rounds on socials.
Shop Boat Shoes:
Jeffrey Campell
Yachting Day Boat Shoes
Our editors all agree—these could turn even the most sceptical shopper.
These don’t stick around for long, so act fast while they’re still in stock.
ZARA
Embroidered Split Suede Loafers
The moccasin detailing helps these stand out from the crowd.
M&S Collection
Classic Boat Shoe
These also come in taupe brown too.
H&M
Leather Driving Loafers
There’s something about cream leather that feels shorthand for “expensive”.
AEYDE
Harris Leather Boat Shoes
That little bit of heel will add some extra lift.
2. SUEDE PUMPS
Style Notes: Simple, sophisticated and elegant in their pared-back approach, a pair of suede pumps might not set the world on fire, but they are a strong foundation on which to build 1000 different outfits. Think of these as the white tee of the shoe world, they might not scream for attention, but when they’re executed well you’ll come to wear them time and time again without getting bored. Now that’s what we call a wardrobe staple.
Shop Suede Pumps:
Reformation
Brenna Ballet Flat
The next time you’re scrolling through Reformation’s clothing offering, don’t forget to browse the exceptionally good shoe section too.
Le Monde Beryl
Luna Slipper / Taupe Suede
Just look at that perfect silhouette.
Mint Velvet
Carla Brown Suede Ballet Flats
This shade of bitter chocolate scores so highly with me.
The White Company
Mary Jane Square Toe Soft Suede Ballerina Flats
The strap gives these cute, romantic edge.
Tory Burch
Suede Mary Jane flats
How good would these look with a cardigan and blue denim?
3. BROWN TRAINERS
Style Notes: As News Writer Natalie Munro puts it “Suddenly, everyone is swapping their vibrant red and yellow pairs for this supremely sophisticated neutral. Adding an elevated edge to a decidedly casual footwear option, brown trainers merge a refined colour palette with the most comfortable shoe style out there. Softer than black yet just as striking, the deep hue has become a pillar of my outfits of late.” And if that isn’t a ringing endorsement for this weekend wonder, I don’t know what is. Sorry white trainers, but we just found a new classic that we don’t have to worry about getting dirty.
Shop Brown Trainers:
Puma
Easy Rider Vintage Trainers
Puma are talk of the town right now, and it’s easy to see why.
Loewe
Ballet Runner 2.0 in Nylon and Calfskin
Trust Loewe to always nail the colour brief.
NEW BALANCE
9060 Rubber-Trimmed Suede and Mesh Sneakers
A good pair of New Balance will serve you well, no matter your plans.
These look far more expensive than their price tag.
If you weren’t convinced that high-street trainers could look just as good as designer, this H&M pair might change your mind.
Adidas
Adidas Handball Spezial
4. SATIN BALLET FLATS
Style Notes: If the Ferragamo spring/summer runway taught us anything, it’s that balletcore is still alive and well in 2025. Blush pink knits, layered tanks, stirrup leggings and mesh skirts need a shoe that can do them justice, and the satin ballet flat does exactly that (with the added benefit of upping the cute factor of just about anything else they’re paired with too). Is it the most practical shoe trend on the list? Probably not, but there’s no denying that this pretty shoe grabs and holds attention. If you liked last summer’s mesh ballet flats, this one is for you. Consider this the next phrase in the evolution of the ballet flat, ironically coming full circle back to it’s dancing roots.
Shop Satin Ballet Flats:
Karen Millen
Square Toe Satin Ballerina
These might just be my dream spring shoes.
Jeffrey Campell
Aurora Flats
These come in 15 different colours including spearmint, black and ruby red.
Miu Miu ballerinas will never go out of style.
Charles & Keith
Emiko Bow Mary Jane Flats
These would be perfect with sheer, white tights.
Pard-back and perfectly formed.
5. T-BAR HEELS
Style Notes: And now over to a shoe that heel lovers (and loathers) can enjoy in equal measure—the classic T-bar. So much more than just a “strappy shoe”, this retro silhouette is undeniably elegant, especially when worn with midi skirts and dresses, and it comes just in time to ditch the socks ahead of the sunnier season. From flat sandals to kitten heel pumps, expect to see much of the T-bar this summer too, once a trend like this has been showcased on the runway, it’s only a matter of time before everyone else cottons on.
Shop T-Bar Shoes:
A.EMERY
Remly Textured-Leather Sandals
You’ll be especially thankful for these come summer.
CELINE
Celine Kitten T-Bar Strap Pump in Calfskin
Celine have done it again—be still my beating heart.
Khaite
Khaite Embossed Heeled Pumps
A snakeprint T-bar? You had me at “snake”.
JIL SANDER
Leather Sandals
Perfectly crafted minimalism courtesy of Jil Sander.
ZARA
Strappy Block Heel Shoes
The chunky, block-heel makes these far easier to walk in than they look.
6. LACE-UP SHOES
(Image credit: Sarah Ellen Treacher)
Style Notes: Very demure, very mindful, the lace-up shoe is one of the more ladylike styles to step off the runway and into our subconscious this season. Equal parts pretty and business-like. vintage and contemporary, by simply adding the detail of a lace-up front, a relatively simple shoe can feel like a statement, making for a very compliment worthy outfit. Opt for styles you can wear now with fine socks and sheer tights, and swap them out for mules when the temperatures rise—you’ll get plenty of wear out of these before winter.
Shop Lace-Up Shoes:
Charles & Keith
Croc-Effect Lace-Up Pointed-Toe Kitten-Heel Mules
Tell me you didn’t think these were designer.
Toteme
Suede Lace-Up Ballerinas Black
I’m already sold on the Toteme, now to choose between black, tan or deep brown.
Ganni
Lace-Up Ballet Flats
Expect to see these at next season’s Copenhagen Fashion Week.
Jimmy Choo
Scarlett 95 Leather Lace-Up Boots
How to add a little extra spice to your look..
AQUAZZURA
Gabi Lace-Up Glossed-Leather Point-Toe Flats
