At February’s New York Fashion Week, shoe trends were very “demure,” with bows and floral appliqués highlighting ladylike styles. At last week’s SS25 presentations, the runways struck a stronger tone. Chunky moto boots and thigh-highs made a tough statement, while towering stilettos and chunky platforms were fem-powered. These are the top trends designers are forecasting for spring.
Ghillie Ties
The 2010s are continuing to creep into the current zeitgeist, and ghillie ties are becoming a top trend. The current take is less Julius Caesar, with dainty straps that lend a lighter touch.
Moto Boots
Knee-high moto boots from Stuart Weitzman stomped the runway at AKNVAS. Designer Christian Juul Nielsen paired the boots with his signature workwear-inspired denim for an “Urban Scout” aesthetic.
Strappy Sandals
After fashion week, it’s out with mesh and in with strappy sandals. Badgley Mischka showed colorful looks with chunky platform satin sandals. Models at Sergio Hudson and Vizcarra wore thin straps, while Tibi showed strappy sandals with buckles.
Boat Shoes
It was the fashion week of Sperry. Chunky boat shoes and verdant patterned styles from the brand were on display at Monse and Collina Strada.
Metallic Heels
Red carpets can’t get enough of metallic stilettos, and neither could New York Fashion Week. Styles from DSW, like the gold Sam Edelman Havel Pump walked at Christian Cowen’s presentation. Michael Fausto displayed metallic sandals by Badgley Mischka with colorful evening wear, and Bruse Living Art Apparel paired silver strappy stilettos with colorful swimwear.
Minimal Slides
In a more utilitarian take, CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist label 5000 paired tailored suiting with Ecco’s ECCO’s Helsinki 2 Slip-On clog. Designer PH5 collaborated with Charles & Keith to debut a rubberized chunky-soled clog with colorful tights.
Thigh High Boots
Labels including Nanushka, Palomo Spain, The Alchemist Jaleel and Danjana Fashion (below) displayed slim-fitting, slouchy boots that were as tall as model-long legs would allow.