8 shoe trends that are in right now and 3 that are out, according to stylists

8 shoe trends that are in right now and 3 that are out, according to stylists
  • Business Insider spoke to three professional stylists about shoes that will be in and out in 2025.

  • It looks like ballet flats and Tabi shoes are still going to be in style.

  • Unless you're wearing platforms, Crocs aren't in for 2025.

Before clicking "purchase" on those shoes in your cart, get yourself up to date on the latest trends.

Business Insider asked three professional stylists which shoes are in and out right now. Here's what they said.

Get comfortable in Uggs.

shot of someone on the street wearing brown ugg boots
Stick with Ugg's classic brown color to follow current trends.Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Stylist Kim Appelt told BI that prioritizing comfort is back in style, making it a great time to invest in a pair of Uggs.

Over the past few years, different iterations of the famously comfy shoes, such as Tasman slippers and mini platform boots, have become more popular.

This year, the stylist predicts the classic, tall brown boot will be trending.

Ballet flats are still on-trend.

woman posing on the street wearing red ballet flats
Ballet flats can be simple or elaborate.Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images

Ballet flats are versatile and comfortable, and they're not going out of style anytime soon.

"Ballet flats are like God's gift to Earth," Ceila "CQ" Quarles, a designer at CQ Studios who's styled musicians and rappers, told BI. "It's a shoe that you can fit in your purse. You can't go wrong with it — it's like being barefoot."

Their ease of wear nicely fits into the current comfortability trends, and they're suitable for both street and office wear.

Booties are a reliable staple.

close up shot of someone wearing black leather booties
Booties that end around the ankle are in this year.Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images

Sandra Okerulu, a celebrity stylist, said booties will never go out of style.

The short boots that end near the ankles can be worn for multiple occasions, making them a practical choice for your closet. They're also more inclusive for calves of all sizes than taller boots, which is a plus.

The stylist specifically recommends looking into pairs from Donald Pliner.

It's not too late to get into Tabi shoes.

close up shot of someone wearing black tabi loafers
Tabi shoes have a split between the toes.Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Whether you love or hate them, Tabis have been in the spotlight for over a year — and CQ said the split-toe shoes popularized by brands like Maison Margiela are still going strong.

"I myself own a pair that I run into the ground," she said. "I'm planning on getting at least two more for 2025."

They come in multiple styles, including flats, heels, and boots, and CQ told BI it's not too late to hop on the trend.

Cowboy boots keep trending.

close up of someone on the street wearing red cowboy boots
Cowboy boots are trendy right now.Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

With big-name celebrities like Beyoncé leaning into country aesthetics, it's no surprise that cowboy boots have made a comeback. So far, it seems like the trend is sticking around this year.

"We just tapped into it because we know that it's trendy," Okerulu said. "It's fashionable, it's cute."

If you want something on trend that doesn't scream country, Appelt suggests looking into Isabel Marant's cowboy-style boots.

Loafers are set to be huge this year.

close up of someone wearing maroon loafers with red socks
Loafers are classic.Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Both Okerulu and CQ agreed that loafers are going to be well-favored this year, largely due to trending dark-academia and preppy aesthetics.

Okerulu specifically highlighted Franco Sarto loafers, saying the brand does interesting things with textures, colors, and designs.

Go out on the town in mules.

close up of someone wearing maroon mule heels with a preppy outfit
Mules can be great for a preppy look.Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Okerulu said mules are going to be the perfect going-out shoe in 2025.

"Mules with a chunky heel, a slim heel, whatever you desire — those never go out of trend," she told BI.

Popular brands like Sam Edelman, Nine West, and Schutz have stylish selections of mules available if you need to refresh your collection.

Add a few inches to any look with platforms.

close up of someone walking down the street wearing platform sandals
Platforms are trending on everything from sandals to sneakers.Creative Lab/Shutterstock

CQ sees platforms — on everything from sneakers to boots — as a universally popular look for 2025.

She told BI that adding platforms to any outfit makes it "immediately hotter."

The stylist has also noticed more people sporting the elevated shoes with evening wear and in casual, everyday settings.

On the other hand, it may be time to say goodbye to Crocs.

two women walking down a street wearing crocs
Crocs had a moment, but it seems like it could be over.Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

Although Crocs certainly made a comeback in recent years, Okerulu said you may want to hold off on buying another pair.

The stylist said she thinks the rubber shoes should only be used for practical purposes, like if you have a job where you're on your feet for a long time and need a comfortable shoe.

However, CQ said, platform Crocs are an exception as they still fit into this year's high-sole trends.

You may want to put those extra-chunky Prada Loafers away for now.

close up of someone wearing chunky prada loafers
Shoes with a big Prada logo don't fit the trend of quiet luxury.Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Even though loafers will be trending in 2025, Appelt said it's time to say goodbye to one style in particular: Prada's chunky loafer.

"I just feel like they had their day," she told BI.

The shoe's recognizable design and prominent logo go against the trends toward quiet luxury. People just don't want to be as obvious with their high-end clothing.

Shark boots are done.

someone walking down a street wearing black knee-high shark boots
Shark boots have a very specific silhouette.Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Shark boots, known for their oversized silhouette that falls down to the heel of the shoe, probably aren't a practical addition to your 2025 wardrobe.

Okerulu said they're more of a "one-time thing" due to their uncomfortable fit and over-the-top flair. They're just not versatile enough to stick around.

Minimalist styles, like booties, seem to be taking their place this year.

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