As a fashion-obsessed shopping editor, I’m always on top of the latest trends straight from the fashion week runways. The spring jewelry trends this year? A maximalist’s dream. And the spring jacket trends? Classic with a cool twist. But if I have to be honest, footwear is by far my favorite category (ahem, you’re talking to someone with over 50 pairs of shoes crammed into a tiny Manhattan apartment). So imagine how excited I was to see that the shoes walking down the Spring/Summer 2025 runways didn’t disappoint.
What were the spring 2025 shoe trends we saw at fashion week, you ask? Think: fresh takes on signature styles, bold strappy details, and the exciting return of the square toe. It’s the ultimate blend of romantic nostalgia and modern twists. Shoes we might’ve once considered outdated and cheugy have been given a chic makeover, making them bold, fashion-forward, and perfectly in sync with the moment. Gladiator sandals from the 2010s boho, Pinterest era and the woven styles your grandma once wore are making a major comeback—reinvented and more stylish than ever!
But it doesn’t end there! Keep reading to discover the five spring shoe trends that are truly worthy of a spot in your wardrobe—along with where to shop them from luxury designers to Amazon.
Gladiator Sandals
MAISON NICA
I have to admit, I never imagined gladiator sandals making a comeback. But what’s even more surprising is that I’m actually really into the trend this time around! The styles now have so much more detail and flair, with intricate straps, funky hardware, and a variety of textures. It’s less Coachella and Ancient Roman cosplay and more elevated Soho street style and even in some cases rocker girl chic.
SHOP THE GLADIATOR SANDALS TREND
Dr. Martens Women’s Nartilla Sandal
Bergdorf Goodman x Ancient Greek Sandals Lace-Up Espadrilles
SCHUTZ Cassandra Gladiator Sandals
Bernardo Hero Gladiator Sandal
Square-Toe
Hui
Stella McCartney
Square-toe shoes have been everywhere for the past few years, so this isn’t exactly an emerging trend by any means. But the Spring/Summer 2025 runways have shown us that this design isn’t going anywhere any time soon. In 2025, we’ll be seeing square-toe silhouettes on everything from sleek heels to casual flats and cool sneakers. Similar to the traditional pointed toe look, it adds an extra oomph—but with a slight avant-garde edge.
SHOP THE SQUARE-TOE SHOES TREND
ALOHAS Sway Chestnut Brown Leather Ballet Flats
AIUNIIND Women’s Square Open Toe Kitten Heel
Now 19% Off
By Anthropologie Square-Toe Mule Heels
Tony Bianco Harvey Mule
Mary-Janes
Chanel
Louis Vuitton
As much as this trend is undeniably functional (the more support, the better!), it’s also incredibly chic! It retains that old-school academia vibe, yet feels so much more sophisticated and playful now. Who would have thought that adding just a couple of extra straps could elevate a shoe so much?
SHOP THE MARY-JANES TREND
Free People Mystic Mary Jane Double-Strap Flats
Journee Darlin Flat
Now 31% Off
Free People Pamela Double Stack Platform Heels
Larroudé Kris Pump In Black Patent Leather
Now 50% Off
Woven Textures
Stella McCartney
The Attico
You know those woven shoes you always saw your grandma wearing? Well, guess what—they’re all the rage right now. And they’re even chicer too! There are tons of different variations to choose from. We’re talking sandals, heels, loafers, and even sneakers. It’s the perfect combination of style and comfort! (And perfect for anyone looking for a summer shoe without completely having the dogs out… No free feet pics here!)
SHOP THE WOVEN TEXTURES TREND
CUSHIONAIRE Women’s Weavy Squared Toe Woven Ballet Flat
Now 29% Off
Nine West Nolla Woven Slingback Pumps
Sézane Anya High Heels
Steve Madden Women’s Birdee Mule
Now 30% Off
Lace-Up Heels
Avavav
Prada
Strappy heels are cool and all but what about lace-up heels? Laces add a cool streetwear vibe while still maintaining an elevated feel. You can opt for the classic sneaker-style laces for a sporty vibe or choose satin laces for a coquettish ballet-inspired look.
SHOP THE LACE-UP HEELS TREND
Steve Madden Lacelle Olive
Bershka High-Heel Slingback Soccer Shoes
CIDER Ballet Satin Bow Mary Jane Heels
Now 47% Off
GANNI Off-White Lace-Up Mules
Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she’s also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
