Footwear trends to look out for in 2025
After weeks of winter walks and hurried Christmas shopping – your footwear may be in need of a new year makeover.
“In 2024, we saw a noticeable shift in footwear preferences, with chunky sneakers giving way to sleeker, dress-casual styles,” says TOMS‘ brand manager, Darcia Schouten. “This trend was largely influenced by changing lifestyle needs – people sought footwear that was not only stylish but practical for day-to-day activities.”
“Comfort-driven designs that blend sophistication with ease of wear have become essential, as consumers prioritise versatility,” explains Schouten.
If you’re trying to predict the biggest fashion trends for 2025 in anticipation for the post-holiday sales, look no further, as fashion insiders break down the hottest footwear styles for 2025.
Riding boots
Riding boots swept the runways of Gucci and Hermès, with equestrian style becoming a prolific motif for 2025.
“Its streamlined silhouette and dress-casual versatility make it the perfect option for FW25,” says Schouten.
Dune Taylyn Riding Boot in Black, £145
Slim sneaker
Slim styles continue to be the anticipated trainer trend for 2025. While Adidas Sambas were the ‘it’ trainers for 2024, Onitsuka Tiger’s and Dries van Noten’s slim sneaker is predicted to be 2025’s go-tos.
“Low-profile trainers in a variety of styles have been rising in interest and I think this will only grow in 2025,” explains Chatham‘s managing director Philip Marsh.
“PUMA Palermo’s have already caught attention this year, and we’re pretty sure PUMA is going to stay in the spotlight with more coming next year,” says schuh‘s athleisure buyer, Amberley Freeman.
ALOHAS tb.490 Rife Trainers in Beige, £150, Schuh
Bulk up
Whilst slim trainers are in, bulky bikers aren’t going anywhere.
“Chunky bikers will be the go-to boot for 2025, and New Rock is going to steal the show with their new biker boots,” says schuh’s lifestyle buyer Daniel Barker.
“The Dr. Martens biker boot, Anistone High, sold out in two weeks flat earlier this year, and we have more to come from the brand in 2025.”
The chunky trend is not only reserved for boots. Skater-inspired sneakers are on the up.
“Skate made its resurgence in 2024, sparked by the Y2K revival, with over 304 million TikTok posts tagged #skate,” explains schuh’s streetwear buyer, Chloe De Salis.
OSIRIS d3 2001 Trainers in Grey Multi, £83.99 (were £120)
Block heels
Whilst kitten heels were the go-to for 2024, the style seem to be swinging back to a more practical look.
“Comfort will be a big focus for 2025 and the block heel is set to become a standout trend,” says Schouten.
“With more people prioritising all-day wearability, this style offers the perfect balance between elegance and practicality.”
TOMS Constance Heeled Boot, £110
Flamboyant flip-flops
Whilst Birkenstock sandals were the footwear of the summer this year, flip-flops are anticipated to make a comeback in 2025.
“Flip-flops are making a comeback, and Havaianas are definitely one to watch,” explains Barker.
“They were everywhere at Copenhagen Fashion Week and are basically the sandal of the year. Crocs were also huge in 2024, and it looks like that’s going to keep going into 2025, especially with their ‘Miami’ collection.”
Havaianas Top FARM Rio Copacabana, £38