10 Top Shoe Trends for Spring 2025

Modern Boat Shoes

Boat shoes are a timeless trend that’s making a comeback for spring 2025. If you’re looking for a fun, preppy, and comfortable shoe option—you just found it.

“I’m seeing new colors and fabrics, along with subtle tweaks to the silhouette to make the shoes feel new for spring,” says John Fluevog, a shoe designer and founder of John Fluevog Shoes. His advice? “Lean into the preppy vibe of a boat shoe! Pair a boat shoe with a polo shirt and cropped pants, or with a tailored top and knee-length denim skirt.”

You can also lean into the nautical feel of boat shoes by pairing them with white or striped pants, a fitted navy sweater, and a striped tee.

Espadrilles

Espadrilles are going to be making a big splash this season, and it’s easy to see why—they’re versatile and stylish, perfect for pairing with everything from shorts to a breezy sundress. Ayelt Levy, U.S. president of operations for Naot Footwear, says to look for designs that are more comfortable—like those with cork footbeds or cushion-y soles that are more wearable than traditional rope designs. 

Loafers With a Twist

Loafers were all over the spring 2025 fashion runways, so prepare to see them everywhere this season. Instead of the traditional silhouette you’re used to, though—which can sometimes read a bit formal or stuffy—loafers are showing up with modern twists. Think scrunched leather, strong square toe shapes, “shoe jewelry,” and playful tassels. What’s great about this shoe trend is that you can dress loafers up or down.

Girly Mary Janes

The coquette trend continues on, and the rise of ultra girly Mary Janes are proof of that.

“There is no better time than spring each year to really relish in the beautiful colors of the season and have fun with pastel colors, feminine energy, and an overall softness,” Fluevog says. “The ‘90s trends continue to be reignited, and we see this again with a modern take on the ‘girly doll’ silhouette. This season, many silhouettes, colors, and materials were inspired by dolls and their romantic soft colors and silky, dreamy ribbons and clothing.” 

Bows and Lace

On that note, expect the bows and lace details to keep on coming. Nina Miner, fashion expert and creative director at Nina Shoes, tells us point blank: they’re not going anywhere soon.

“From the balletcore craze to the coquette aesthetic, bows are bringing playful elegance to footwear in every form,” she says. And “lace brings an ultra-feminine and romantic charm to spring footwear. Drawing inspiration from Victorian influences with touches of ribbons, bows, and lace, these stylish spring shoes balance soft details with bold design.” 

Retro-Inspired Sneakers

It’s not a proper spring 2025 footwear trend roundup without mentioning sneakers. Right now, it’s all about those retro vibes and everyone from luxe fashion houses to iconic brands are tapping into the action. We’re seeing minimalist takes for a quiet luxury spin—think beige or cream palettes with low-key detailing—along with graphic, high-contrast color combos, and the continued reign of suede textures. 

Slingbacks

Slingbacks are the perfect choice for warm weather events where you want to feel just a bit more dressed up. “They’ve always been popular, and for spring 2025 that is increasing, as they were seemingly everywhere at Fashion Week,” Fluevog says. “Slingback shoes can be paired with jeans, trousers, or skirts—both long to the ankles or to the knee. I love a platform slingback for a casual look, or really anytime you want a bit more height.”

Snakeskin

In the fall and winter, the choice animal print was leopard, but spring brings a new beast about: snakes! From snakeskin heels to flats to boots, you can expect to see this luxe texture just about everywhere. Go for a “more is more” approach by pairing it with a maximalist outfit, or make it the star of the show by wearing snakeskin shoes with a neutral dress or jeans and a T-shirt.

Woven Flats

If you’re in the market for vacay-approved footwear, this spring’s “it girl” is definitely the woven flat. With open weaving that lets your feet breathe and a laidback yet polished vibe, this breezy shoe is perfect for everything from beach strolls to city exploring. Bonus: It pairs just as well with fluttering sundresses as it does with relaxed denim.

Patent Leather

Get ready, because patent leather is making its big comeback, and all signs point to a very fun shoe trend. “Patent leather has that glossy, bold appeal, and subtle neutral colors will dominate. Plus, they’re so versatile and can elevate almost any outfit,” Levy says. “Pairing patent leather shoes with jeans or a cute dress is a perfect mix of chic and casual. Keeping it simple with fabrics like cotton helps tone down the glossy effect and makes the overall look feel effortless.”