The arrival of summer is imminent. We are thrilled to embrace warm-weather ensembles with bold swimwear and colorful accessories once more. Of course, careful footwear selection is another important component of the ensemble. The maximalist details, striking colors, and textural finishes that await below will provide you with sartorial ecstasy whether you’re sick of last year’s flip-flops or you’re just interested in whether popular silhouettes are making a resurgence. Continue reading to explore ten of the best summer shoe trends for 2025, along with product recommendations to suit all preferences.
1. Heeled Flip-Flops
Last summer, thong kitten heels gained popularity due to the comeback of the basic flip-flop, and now the sophisticated classic will take center stage. This popular shoe is perfect for city dwellers who seek a stylish way to incorporate their favorite holiday shoes into everyday life. It comes in neutrals, bold colors, and trendy animal designs.
2. Retro Sneakers
Continuing a phenomenon that started with the rise of Adidas Sambas, retro sneakers in all their forms are continuing their reign this summer. To keep the look feeling fresh, prioritize bold hues, slim silhouettes, and textural finishes—and definitely consider some accessorized kicks.
3. Toe Ring Sandals
Given that metal accents are among the most popular handbag designs of the past few seasons, it is not surprising that the style has found its way into footwear. This summer, toe ring sandals have quickly emerged as the most avant-garde and surprising way to go out in style. The most common style has a large chunk of gold or silver (or possibly mixed metals) at the big toe, though there are variations in leather and other materials. You will feel ornamented without ever being overdone if you simply add a few anklets.
4. 3D Flower Details
The classic Miranda Priestly phrase and one of the biggest handbag trends of this year were both influenced by floral accents, which are typically popular in the spring. However, it’s now summertime and time for the 3D bloom treatment. Tropical and abstract designs are everywhere this season, and they’re essential focal points for all of our favorite sandal designs, particularly the kitten heel version.
5. Resort-Ready Raffia
Every summer, raffia accessories make a comeback, and the footwear industry is particularly buzzing this year. The traditional woven fabric has been incorporated into streamlined mules, delicate ballet flats, and other pieces, adopting a resort-luxe style that would look perfectly at home on The White Lotus. All you need is some bold jewelry and breezy linen pieces to create a stunning summer ensemble.
6. Gladiator Revival
Every summer, raffia accessories make a comeback, and the footwear industry is particularly buzzing this year. The traditional woven fabric has been incorporated into streamlined mules, delicate ballet flats, and other pieces, adopting a resort-luxe style that would look perfectly at home on The White Lotus. All you need is some bold jewelry and breezy linen pieces to create a stunning summer ensemble.
7. All Wrapped Up
The ankle wrap is becoming the season’s most fashionable accent, offering the most sophisticated minor update to your favorite sandal designs. With its somewhat pointe shoe ribbon-inspired aesthetic, this trend elevates party-ready heels, thong designs, and would-be slides.
8. Boat Shoes
Boat shoes are back, whether you’re sailing this summer or want to exude a more laid-back vibe on land. Numerous well-known brands have been releasing their own iterations of the iconic shoe, and Sperry has been working with major fashion retailers like Nordstrom, J. Crew, and Aritzia. The outcome? Whether it’s a surprising denim moment or luxurious suede finishes, there’s a style to suit every taste.
9. Elevated Jelly
After making a spectacular comeback to the fashion scene last summer, jelly sneakers have now achieved elegant new heights. Transparent, Y2K-inspired versions of resort-ready sandals are popular, as are sophisticated yet slightly out-of-the-ordinary jelly flats and mules.
10. Bold Cowboy Boots
Given the continued popularity of cowboy boots for both ordinary going out and Western cultural events like the Cowboy Carter tour, it’s no surprise that their designs have become increasingly inventive. Metallics, color-block designs in the hottest summertime hues, and imaginative graphic elements all seem like they belong in the summertime.
