People in London and Paris Are Swapping Their Ballet Flats for These Sleek Shoes
Flat, heeled, platform and bucked styles—they seem to be everywhere.


As shoe trends go, this season's selection is looking more enticing than most. With minimal kitten heels, sleek pointed-toe styles and classic Mary Janes leading from the front, us dedicated fashion devotees are enduring a season full of temptation. Championing those classic silhouettes that have served us for so long, 2025's chicest shoes have versatility, minimalism and ageless appeal at their core.
With these key themes driving the trends, it's no wonder that certain styles are rising up above others. Of these new-season pairs, there's one I keep seeing all over the streets of London and Paris that I can't shake from my mind. With a focus on clean lines and enduring appeal, we're entering into the season of the slingback, and influencers, stylists and fashion people are on board for the ride.
With a sleek silhouette that curves around the ball of the foot before sharpening into a pointed toe or tapering into a neat oval, these elegant shoes contain all of the refined charm of the classic styles that we came to love in the '90s. Enhancing their appeal, the slingback itself injects a subtly flirty edge, carefully adhering to the back of the heel whilst it shows more than a flash of the foot, as both light support and a noteworthy detail.
Thirty years on from its initial reign and the trending shoe style was all over the spring and summer 2025 runway featuring in shows including Gucci and Saint Laurent all over again.
Whilst the slingback is a trend we're backing through and through, there are a few particular styles that are capturing our attention right now. From kitten-heel slingbacks to buckle-embellished styles, read on to discover our edit of the best slingback shoes to shop now.
4 SLINGBACK SHOE TRENDS TO TRY
1. KITTEN-HEEL SLINGBACKS
2. FLAT SLINGBACKS
3. BLACK SLINGBACKS
4. BUCKLE-DETAIL SLINGBACKS

Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer and has worked in the fashion industry since she graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of the Arts London. Natalie’s experience in the industry spans journalistic and styling roles that have seen her work for publications including British Vogue, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK.
With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Reporting on a daily basis, Natalie focuses on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.
-
Hold the Sandals—This Is the Shoe Trend to Wear With Dresses in September
As seen on Alexa Chung.
-
These 32 Chic Zara Fall 2025 Shoe Finds Are the Key to Looking Like a Fashion Person—Good Luck Picking Just One Pair
Prepare for endless compliments.
-
People With Impeccable Taste Swear By COS—21 Chic Sale Finds to Take Advantage of Right Now
25% off? Yes, please.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor on a Budget—27 Incredibly Chic Fall Finds That Will Get You More Bang for Your Buck
Stellar under-$150 finds right this way.
-
These 32 Elevated Nordstrom and Zara Finds Make Getting Ready So Much Easier (and Chicer)
Here's to effortless outfits.
-
Here's What to Look For If You Want Ballet Flats That Scream 2026
If you haven't upgraded your ballet flats by now, wyd?
-
Ballet Flats Look Downright Dated in the Face of These 7 New Flat-Shoe Trends
Someone had to say it.
-
Heads Up: This Elegant Shoe Trend Will Replace Sandals Within 3 Weeks
I'm calling it.