As we anticipate the arrival of warmer days, the fashion world is already buzzing with predictions for the season's hottest footwear. Summer 2025 promises to be an exciting time for shoe enthusiasts, with a blend of nostalgic comebacks and fresh, innovative styles. Thong sandals are poised to take centre stage, signalling a shift towards minimalist chic and effortless elegance, making them a must-have for the summer wardrobe.
Overview of Summer 2025 Shoe Trends
Key Footwear Trends to Know
For summer 2025, several key footwear trends will emerge, and knowing them is essential for staying stylish. We can expect the following shoe styles to be especially popular:
- The thong sandal will definitely have its moment.
- Retro sneakers will be very popular, offering a nostalgic nod to the past.
- The ballet flat will continue its reign, providing comfort and sophistication.
- Mules will also remain a favourite summer shoe, easily paired with various summer outfits, along with other sandal styles like strappy sandals.
Defining the Summer Sandal Trend
The summer sandal trend in 2025 is defined by a fusion of comfort, style, and versatility. Here's a summary of some key trends:
| Trend | Description |
| Thong Sandals | Emerging as a dominant silhouette, available in both flat and heeled styles. |
| Fisherman sandals | Fisherman sandals are closed-toe sandals with woven straps and a secure fastening, offering both breathability and protection. |
| Jelly sandals | Jelly sandals are flexible, waterproof sandals made from PVC with a translucent, glossy finish. |
| Strappy Sandals | Reminiscent of ancient Greek sandals, adding a bohemian flair. |
Importance of Footwear in Summer Fashion
Footwear plays a pivotal role in completing summer outfits, setting the tone for both casual and formal ensembles. The right pair of sandals or shoes can elevate a simple dress or shorts-and-top combination, infusing it with personality and style. From the beach to the city streets, footwear is an essential component of summer fashion. The sandal trend will reign supreme in 2025.
Exploring Thong Sandals
Design and Style of Thong Sandals
The design of the classic thong sandal is simplicity itself, featuring a flat sole and a Y-shaped strap that fits between the toes. However, the summer 2025 iterations will showcase a range of materials and embellishments. Expect to see thong sandals crafted from luxurious leathers, like suede, as well as sustainable materials. Miu Miu’s take on the thong sandal will feature embellishments for a bit more chic design.
Why Thong Sandals are a Must-Have in 2025
In summer 2025, the thong sandal will be a must-have, as it encapsulates the minimalist and effortless aesthetic dominating 2025 shoe trends. Their versatility allows them to pair seamlessly with various outfits, from beachwear to casual dresses. Celebrities and fashion influencers are embracing the 2025 sandal trend, further solidifying the flip-flop's status as the season's top footwear. The comeback of the thong is a big win.
How to Pair Thong Sandals with Summer Outfits
Pairing thong sandals with summer outfits is easy, given their versatility. You can style them in various ways:
- For a casual beach look, wear flat thong sandals with a sundress.
- For a more elevated ensemble, opt for leather or embellished thong sandals with tailored shorts and a linen top.
These summer sandals can even be styled with flowy maxi skirts and dresses for a bohemian vibe. The trends for 2025 are leaning into casual comfort.
Other Trending Sandal Styles
Strappy Sandals: A Versatile Option
Strappy sandals offer a versatile alternative to thong sandals, providing a more secure and supportive fit. These sandals take inspiration from ancient Greek sandals, featuring multiple straps that wrap around the foot and ankle. The strappy sandals come in various heel heights, making them suitable for both daytime and evening wear. Alaïa is showing some of best new strappy sandal designs in 2025.
Jelly Sandals: The Retro Comeback
Jelly sandals are making a retro comeback in summer 2025, bringing a touch of nostalgia to the summer shoe trends. These sandals, made from colourful and translucent PVC, were a staple of the 1990s and are now being embraced by a new generation of fashion enthusiasts. Whether you opt for classic jelly shoes or modern interpretations with embellishments, they add a playful touch to any summer wardrobe.
Kitten Heels & Heeled Thong Sandals: Summer-Ready Chic and Effortless Comfort
For those seeking a more polished look, heeled thong sandals offer a chic alternative to flat versions. These sandals combine the minimalist aesthetic of the thong with the added height and elegance of a kitten heel. Brands like Khaite are showcasing sophisticated heeled thong designs crafted from premium materials, perfect for pairing with dresses or tailored pants for a night out. The heeled thong is a top summer shoe.
Kitten heels are low, slender heels—usually around 3–5cm—that add a touch of elegance while keeping your summer look light and breezy. Perfect for pairing with flowing dresses, skirts, or cropped trousers, they bring a chic, elevated style to warm-weather outfits without sacrificing all-day comfort.
Fisherman Sandals: Classic Style with Practical Comfort
Fisherman Sandals are a timeless footwear style known for their woven strap design and secure fit. Featuring interlaced leather or synthetic straps across the foot with a closed-toe front and an adjustable buckle or Velcro fastening, these sandals combine breathability with protection. Originally crafted for practicality and durability, Fisherman sandals have evolved into a fashion staple, perfect for casual summer wear, coastal getaways, or laid-back city strolls. Their supportive sole and airy structure make them a comfortable choice for all-day wear, while their retro-meets-modern look pairs effortlessly with everything from linen trousers to sundresses.
Flip-Flops: Australia’s Beloved Thongs for Summer Style
Flip-flops—known colloquially in Australia as thongs—are the ultimate go-to for easy, breezy summer footwear. Lightweight, simple, and effortlessly comfortable, they’re perfect for beach days, poolside lounging, or casual city strolls. This season, updated designs with bright colours, playful patterns, and textured soles are taking the classic Aussie thong from basic to stylish, making them a must-have for your summer 2025 wardrobe.
The Influence of Sneakers on Summer Footwear
Ballet Sneakers: The Perfect Fusion of Comfort and Style
The world of 2025 summer shoe trends is witnessing an exciting intersection with the rise of ballet sneakers, a hybrid marrying the comfort of sneakers with the chic aesthetic of ballet flats. These footwear options represent a perfect fusion for those seeking ease and style, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional sandal styles. Imagine the effortless grace of ballet flats combined with the practicality of a sneaker, a top summer choice.
Retro Sneakers: Reviving Vintage Trends
The summer of 2025 also embraces nostalgia with the revival of retro sneakers. These footwear trends, echoing styles from past decades, add a playful and vintage touch to any summer outfit. The retro sneaker trend complements the broader 2025 shoe trends by offering a comfortable yet stylish alternative to sandals. Whether it's classic silhouettes or bold color combinations, retro sneakers are making a major comeback this season.
How Sneakers Complement Summer Sandal Trends
While sandals, like thong sandals, are dominating the 2025 runways, sneakers are playing a supporting role in summer 2025 shoe trends. The sneaker serves as a practical alternative for activities where sandals may not be suitable, offering comfort and support without sacrificing style. Sneakers can be effortlessly paired with summer outfits, providing versatility in the summer wardrobe. This is a footwear trend to know.
Embracing Sandal Trends for Summer 2025
Final Thoughts on Summer Footwear Choices
As summer 2025 approaches, thong sandals are poised to reign supreme among sandal styles, offering a minimalist yet chic option for the season's footwear. Alongside strappy sandals and retro revivals like jelly sandals, the season's top sandal trends cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Embracing these summer shoe trends allows for self-expression through footwear, allowing everyone to find their perfect sandal or shoe.
Encouraging Minimalism in Summer Shoe Selections
In the spirit of mindful consumption, consider adopting a minimalist approach to summer shoe selections. Instead of accumulating numerous pairs, focus on curating a capsule collection of versatile sandal styles that can be mixed and matched with different outfits. A few carefully chosen thong sandals, strappy sandals, and a pair of retro sneakers can create endless summer outfits while minimizing clutter. It is a minimalist footwear trend.
Anticipating Future Trends Beyond 2025
Looking ahead, it's exciting to anticipate how summer footwear trends will evolve beyond 2025. While the thong sandal and retro comebacks like the jelly sandal are dominating this season, future trends may bring further innovations and shifts in style. Sustainable materials, technological advancements, and cultural influences will likely shape the next chapter of sandal styles and summer shoes. Keep an eye on the 2025 shoe trends.
