Hold the Black Shoes—7 Fresh Alternatives That Are Just as Chic for Summer 2025

Black shoes will always look chic, but these seven alts are much cooler for summer 2025. Scroll to see and shop the trending footwear colours of the season.

@slipintostyle, @deborabrosa, @chloekathbutler
(Image credit: @slipintostyle, @deborabrosa, @chloekathbutler)
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There's nothing like finding a staple piece you can rely on, no matter the occasion. For me, it's my black shoes. Timeless, endlessly versatile and undeniably chic, black shoes in any style are guaranteed to make me feel put-together, whatever I wear them with. However, although they'll never leave my capsule wardrobe, I've found myself feeling a little bored of always relying on the same colour. So, for summer 2025, I've decided to invest in some new shoe colours to elevate my outfits.

As a minimalist, swapping out my neutral clothes for trendier hues feels too drastic and way out of my comfort zone. Shoes, however, are a much gentler way of injecting colour and adding more interest to my summer looks. Contrasting my white midi dress or black linen trousers with a standout shade will look cool and elevated, and in a minimal sandal or low-profile trainer silhouette, will still allow my outfits to feel effortlessly elegant.

Still, I'm well aware that trends come and go, even when it comes to footwear. So for this reason, I've decided to focus on some tried-and-tested hues straight from my Instagram feed. Think more subtle and wearable shades that even the most pared-back dressers amongst us can wear to elevate our summer outfits without feeling too out there.

If you're also looking for an easy way to elevate your outfits this season, I've rounded up seven shoe colours that are just as versatile as classic black but feel just that bit cooler for 2025.

Keep scrolling to shop the seven fresh shoe colours I'm considering this summer.

1. Off-White

@deborabrosa wears off-white flip-flops with a white linen shirt, black trousers and pale yellow leather tote

(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Style Notes: White shoes are a summer classic, but I often find they look too stark against the darker colours I opt for in the rest of my 'fit. For this reason, I'll be investing in off-white shoes much like Débora Rosa's flip-flops (pictured above) as a softer alternative that still feels fresh for the warmer months.

Shop Off-White Shoes:

2. Cherry Red

@javiera wears cherry red slingback heels with a black halter top, black and white gingham skirt and black leather tote.

(Image credit: @javiera)

Style Notes: Red might initially feel like a very bold choice, but the colour actually pairs seamlessly with both neutrals and vibrant hues alike. This season, I'm on a special hunt for the perfect pair of cherry-red flip-flops.

Shop Cherry-Red Shoes:

3. Pale Yellow

@indiraci wears pale yellow mules with a polka dot top, black capri pants, black leather bomber jacket and white clutch

(Image credit: @indiraci)

Style Notes: Butter-yellow initially took off in 2024, and we're still loving it. This year, I'm turning to paler tones that can be paired easily with my more pared-back summer palette.

Shop Butter Yellow Shoes:

4. Chocolate Brown

@chloekathbutler wears chocolate brown flip-flops with a butter yellow jumper, sheer skirt and chocolate brown shoulder bag

(Image credit: @chloekathbutler)

Style Notes: Chocolate brown definitely isn't just for winter. In fact, there is currently a myriad of chic summer shoe styles in this warm hue, from easy-to-style sandals to versatile trainer options.

Shop Chocolate-Brown Shoes:

5. Oatmeal

@nnennaechem wears oatmeal suede flip-flops with a light grey linen blazer, cream silk trousers and an oatmeal clutch bag

(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

Style Notes: Oatmeal shades like taupe and beige really come into their own throughout the warmer seasons. The perfect midpoint between dark brown and cream, you'll be able to style this hue with so many different colours, prints or patterns.

Shop Oatmeal Shoes:

6. Bordeaux

@_jessicaskye wears burgundy mesh ballet pumps with a white jumper and denim shorts

(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)

Style Notes: Bordeaux is another colour that you might think can only be worn when it's cold. However, this French-girl-approved burgundy hue can work no matter the time of year, lending just the right amount of nonchalant elegance to any look.

Shop Bordeaux Shoes:

7. Metallic Gold

@slipintostyle wears metallic gold strappy heels with a green, cream and black printed midi dress

(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

Style Notes: Ideal for any formal summer event or wedding-guest outfit, a pair of metallic gold shoes will serve you well all season long. The heeled styles are forever elegant; however, opting for flat shoes in this standout colour will allow you to look put-together without compromising on comfort.

Shop Metallic Gold Shoes:

Brittany Davy
Brittany Davy
Editorial Assistant

As WWW UK’s editorial assistant, Brittany focuses on creating compelling fashion and beauty content for site. She supports the fashion team on shoots and with styling, and works closely with the Managing Editor on recurring columns and franchises. With a particular passion for fragrance—and a personal collection to match—she has a passion for all things fashion, beauty and lifestyle related.

Prior toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Brittany worked as the Shopping Assistant at Reach Plc and across a number publications, including OK!, Notebook, S Mag and The Mirror. In this role, she was responsible for creating on-site beauty and fashion content, compiling shopping grids and campaigns for the print magazine as well as filmed and edited weekly video content for the brand’s social media account.

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