When kitten heels made their resurgence earlier this year, I made no complaint. I’m not quite sure myself what it was about them that inspired such deep-seated, instinctual revulsion among so many for so long—or what brought about their definite return. In any case, after seasons and seasons of sky-high stilettos (never my thing), sneakers so chunky and vertiginous that they barely qualify as sneakers, and flatform sandals I can’t look at without imagining twisting an ankle (I’ve had a few close calls), the style felt like a breath of fresh air.
Hot on the tiny heels of this (literally) down-to-earth trend comes the re-emergence of flats. And not just boring old basic flats—I’m talking seriously fun, seriously stylish iterations even a dyed-in-the-wool maximalist like myself can appreciate. I might be the only person who walks in L.A., but I know my NYC friends will appreciate the four fashionable yet functional flat-shoe trends I’ve rounded up below. Think “ugly” sandals that aren’t ugly at all as well as directional ballet flats that won’t remind you of sophomore year.
"UGLY" SANDALS
I’ve sworn by Dr. Martens for years, thanks to how long each pair lasts (hello, cost per wear), and I’m pretty sure I’m ready to pull the trigger on this super on-trend vegan-leather snakeskin-print pair.
One of the delightfully OTT designer options I’ve seen floating around Instagram.
In case your winter wardrobe could use some brightening up…
This is the investment piece I’ve been eyeing for a while now.
“Ugly” sandals meet the logo-print trend. Stylish mayhem ensues.
NOT-SO-BASIC BALLET FLATS
Basic black, yes, but look at that deep-V vamp and that intricate stitching. (As if you’d expect anything less from Acne Studios.)
Metallic, glittery, Mary Jane–style ballet flats are about as fun as they come.
Textured, ’70s-floral ballet flats with an attached metal anklet? It shouldn’t work, but it definitely does.
Cow print is easily my favorite of all the animal prints on offer this season.
Not sure I can adequately explain my love for these crocheted flats.
BUCKLED MULES AND LOAFERS
I’m about to wear these cherry-red beauties into the ground.
Hi, we made these just for you.
Millennial Pink has clearly been rightfully replaced by cerise.
Another affordable way to get in on the trend.
One of the coolest It-bag brands now makes shoes too. Rejoice.
VANS
Will it match with everything I own? Probably not. And that’s kind of the point.
Vans gets the logomania trend.
Because I know y’all love astrology. And the desert.
Pared-back animal prints are fine by me.
Busy but not too busy, you know?
Still looking for new-season shoe trends? See six more big ones we’ve been eyeing.
-
The Brutally Honest Skincare Advice You Needed to Know Yesterday, According to 2 Beauty Industry VetsThe Dieux founders share their hot takes and unfiltered product recs.
-
Sorry to My Classic Black Shoes, But This Printed Shoe Trend Is Defining Fall 2025Spotted on fashion people in Venice, NYC, and Copenhagen.
-
I Live in Murray Hill—Here Are the 8 Places I Like to Shop for a Fashionable Fall ClosetStylish sweaters and suedes ahead.
-
These 32 Chic Zara Fall 2025 Shoe Finds Are the Key to Looking Like a Fashion Person—Good Luck Picking Just One PairPrepare for endless compliments.
-
Here's What to Look For If You Want Ballet Flats That Scream 2026If you haven't upgraded your ballet flats by now, wyd?
-
48 Hours in L.A. Was All It Took to Convince Me These 6 Trends Are ItYou’re gonna want to write these down.
-
Ballet Flats Look Downright Dated in the Face of These 7 New Flat-Shoe TrendsSomeone had to say it.
-
It's True: Julia Roberts Just Brought Back Princess Diana's Favorite $70 SneakersShe just landed in Venice, Italy.
-
5 Summer Trends I'm Glad to Part With, and the 5 I'll Be Wearing This Fall InsteadChic new favorites.
-
The Exact Sneakers That Everyone With Cool Taste Will Wear This FallBuh-bye, boots, flats, and loafers.
