Heels haven’t gone away, exactly, but the dominance of stilettos feels like a long-gone memory. In the aughts, sky-high heels dominated outfits, shoe departments at retailers like Barneys, and even pop culture. In Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshaw had a well-documented footwear collection and an affinity for tall heels that translated off the screen. Flash-forward to the 2020s, and high heels have been shrinking away and largely replaced by low kitten heels, even lower “nipple heels” (as named by writer Liana Satenstein), and in many cases, no heels at all with the meteoric rise of flats.
This took off last summer with the rise of funky flats. Alaïa’s mesh Mary Janes were arguably the shoes of the summer, and The Row’s woven jelly shoes were a closer runner-up. Ballerinas took on the form of mesh styles, woven styles, and unexpected color pairings. All of the excitement around flat shoes isn’t slowing down. In fact, it seems to be picking up even further as a core shopping category, and there are some standout styles that are dominating this year. Some pieces are carryovers from last year that have proven to be investment-worthy for more than one season, while others feel fresh and new. Ahead, the top flat shoe trends to know for 2025.
Two-Tone Flip-Flops
Leave it to The Row to create major buzz around flip-flops. The fashion house debuted one of its latest footwear designs with the Dune thong sandals in a range of two-tone colorways, including a red-and-black pair, which is already poised to be one of the key shoes of the summer. Shoppers can also tap into the look with styles from other brands, including classics from Havaianas.
Almond Leather Flats
Sleek, polished, and elegant, leather flats with a pointed almond toe are bona fide closet staples at this point. Look for styles in shades of stone, butter yellow, and black from brands including Toteme, Aeyde, and Le Monde Beryl.
Crochet Flats
This year, we're seeing more craft-forward textiles and materials. In the footwear department, that is translating to flexible crochet designs. The metallic flats from Alaïa deserve special mention and are set to be big this summer.
Slipper Flats
With the rise of slipper shoes, you can act like you've never left with your home or your hotel room. Heritage brands such as Charvet have some of the most in-demand versions, though store associates will tell you these are designed to stay in the house. Styles from other brands including Ancient Greek Sandals, however, are intended to be worn around town.
Embellished Flats
From metal hardware–finished strap slides to floral beading to glossy studs, flats are heavy on the embellishments. There aren't any specific rules to follow here; expect that more is more.
Sheer Ballet Flats
Ballerina shoes have undergone many transformations in the last several years. One that is taking off in 2025? Styles that are designed from sheer fine mesh. Brands ranging from J.Crew to Khaite are doubling down on the see-through footwear.
Jelly Flats
If you weren't on board with the first wave of netted jelly shoes last year, you have another chance to embrace the trend. The flat shoe style is picking up even more in popularity, and with so many color options, you're bound to find a version in the exact shade you're after.
Woven Mary Janes
The cult mesh Mary Jane flats that took over last year are still going strong. As we head into summer, the open-weave shoes are destined to be a popular style everywhere from the city to holiday destinations.
Buckled Flats
Yet another specific flat shoe style to know in 2025? Silhouettes designed with buckled straps. This riff on the Mary Jane can be found in the collections of designers including Jil Sander and Alaïa.
