These 10+ Shoe Comebacks Are Turning Heads in 2025

Fashion always comes full circle—trends that once disappeared have a way of making a splashy comeback. So, instead of racing to the store for fresh pieces, take a deep dive into your closet. You might just uncover a “vintage” pair of shoes that’s suddenly the hottest thing on the streets.

Transparent Shoes

Transparent—or "naked"—ballet flats made from gauzy mesh that lets socks or bare feet show through are a headline shoe trend for 2025. Vogue’s Spring/Summer 2025 report calls the see-through styles wardrobe heroes, noting that labels from The Row to Zara now sell crochet, netted and plain mesh versions. Vogue Glamour likewise says mesh flats will be everywhere this summer, after the style went mega-viral across Instagram and street-style galleries.

Wedges

Wedges are making a major comeback—you’ll spot these sandals and shoes practically everywhere right now, echoing their peak popularity from the early 2000s.

What sets wedges apart from other trendy footwear is their comfort, particularly when the sole is crafted from cork or similar materials. However, while they were once typically paired with capri pants, today the trendiest way to style wedges is with relaxed jeans or wide-leg trousers.

Platform shoes

This trend is bound to delight Spice Girls fans, as the iconic pop group frequently rocked platform boots on stage. Back then, the go-to style involved boots with a snug-fitting shaft to contrast the chunky soles. But let’s be honest: no matter how stylish they looked, those shoes weren’t exactly comfortable.

Fortunately, this summer, platforms of all kinds are trending. For maximum comfort, opt for sandals or shoes with a moderately thick sole rather than an overly chunky one.

Peep toe shoes

Peep-toe shoes first captured fashion lovers’ hearts back in the 1940s and 1950s, gracing the feet of iconic stars like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Today, these classic summer shoes are making a stylish comeback, partially thanks to Victoria Beckham, who recently showcased peep-toes on the red carpet.

Interestingly, almost all peep-toe styles are trendy right now—except for the classic peep-toe pumps, which have fallen slightly out of favor.

Boxing boots

Boxing boots have officially stepped out of the ring and into mainstream style in 2025, emerging as one of the season’s most-talked-about shoe trends. Fashion magazines confirm that these high-top, lace-up silhouettes are infiltrating runways—from Stella McCartney’s Adidas collab to luxury houses like Dior, Loewe and Chloé embracing boxing-inspired footwear for Spring/Summer shows

Mules

Thirty years ago, mules were an essential staple in nearly every woman’s wardrobe, often styled with matching denim sets featuring jeans and jackets.

This summer, mules have returned triumphantly to the fashion scene. Today’s hottest picks feature low heels, offering both comfort and effortless elegance.

Thong Sandals

Thong sandals have made a major comeback in 2025, not just as casual flip‑flops, but as elevated, fashion‑forward footwear suitable for everything from city streets to summer soirées. Runway shows and street style alike are showcasing sleek Y‑strap designs with luxe leather, square toes, kitten and wedge heels, Think minimalism with a sculptural twist!

Ballet flats

Ballet flats, once a must-have staple of the early 2000s, have gracefully danced back into fashion. Yet, not everyone is thrilled about their return—many women find that these shoes tend to leave their feet with an unpleasant odor.

Fortunately, there’s an easy fix: opt for styles designed with better ventilation, like ballet flats made of mesh fabrics or natural, breathable materials.

Fisherman sandals

It’s said we have the Romans to thank for fisherman sandals. And while not all women find them particularly elegant, these sandals have taken the fashion world by storm this summer.

Fisherman sandals are incredibly comfortable and versatile, pairing effortlessly with nearly any outfit. Opting for leather styles is best, as they’re far more pleasant to wear compared to PVC models. On the flip side, gladiator sandals seem to have lost their appeal and are no longer the go-to choice.

Yellow sneakers

Yellow sneakers first gained iconic status thanks to Uma Thurman’s unforgettable look in Kill Bill. Following the film’s release, sales of this vibrant footwear skyrocketed.

This season, the yellow sneaker trend is making a fresh comeback, with shoe brands rolling out revamped versions of their beloved classic styles.

Classic pointed toe pumps

Classic pumps are making a stylish return, despite having been written off by many. These timeless, elegant shoes are now considered a fashion must-have, thanks to their versatility—you can pair them just as effortlessly with jeans as with an evening gown.

This year, pointed-toe pumps are especially in vogue, adding a sleek and sophisticated touch. In contrast, pumps with rounded toes feel outdated and are best left in the back of the closet.

Boat shoes

While loafers remain a timeless staple, this summer’s standout footwear is the boat shoe—originally designed for sailors and yachtsmen.

In the past, boat shoes were mostly paired with polished, sophisticated outfits. But today, fashion rules have relaxed. You’ll see them styled with everything from miniskirts to sweatpants, proving just how versatile they’ve become.

Trendy shoes can make a strong statement, but the wrong ones at work? That might say more than you’d like. Before you lace up for your next big meeting, you’ll want to avoid these career-killing shoe mistakes.