Brace Yourself: 2025's Most Divisive Shoe Trend Has Arrived

Ready or not, 2025's first truly divisive shoe trend has arrived. While the year has barely just taken off, we're already starting to see the rise of one shoe trend that's, how shall we say, an acquired taste. The fashion crowd are no strangers to a little controversy, but in our current era of elegant dressing and quiet luxury, we haven't seen the rise of anything truly "ugly" in quite a while, which makes this latest trend all the more newsworthy. The style in question? Glove shoes. Whether they come in ankle-boot or ballet-flat form, we're noticing a rise in shoes that are designed to look like they're molded to your feet. They're not quite so tight as to be sock shoes, but they're certainly more formfitting than your average pair, making them new and exciting and, without a doubt, controversial.
If you look at the runways, this trend has been brewing quietly for a minute now. Proenza Schouler showed a pair of glove-like mesh leather flats on its S/S 24 runway paired with airy layered organza dresses and sleek leather separates. Then it was Carven that included satin glove boots in the F/W 24 collection, which were styled with corporate-esque tailored skirt suits for an intriguing contrast. More recently, Chanel launched its patent moccasins that immediately became some of the most in-demand designer shoes upon their talked-about launch. Ahead, we're charting the glove shoe trend, from its runway debuts over the past several seasons to how fashion people are wearing them in the wild and, of course, the pairs you can shop now (if you're so inclined).
On the runway
We first noticed the rise of this glove-like style in Proenza Schouler's spring 2024 collection in the form of satin and mesh leather flats with a more foot-hugging silhouette than your average flats.
Carven was the next collection to clue us in to the trend. Designer Louise Trotter included satin glove boots in the F/W 24 collection, which were styled with corporate-esque tailored skirt suits for an intriguing contrast.
At Chanel, the flats featured a calfskin-leather exterior, a rounded toe, and a tuxedo-friendly aesthetic that, all together, made for flats that were definitively glove-like in our minds.
In the wild
In the market
Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a numberBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.
-
Editor-Loved Margaux and Alex Mill Just Launched Their First Collab Together—and We Want Everything
Three chic styles to add to your fall wardrobe.
-
Cooler Fall 2025 Outfits Start With This Anti-Boring Loafer Trend
No boring neutrals here.
-
Everyone in Paris Just Ditched Ankle Boots for This Boot Style That's Way More Elegant
And super sleek.
-
*Not* Suede Boots: The Rich-Looking Boot Trend Fashion People Everywhere Are Wearing With Jeans and Skirts for Fall 2025
You'll want to add a pair to your rotation.
-
*Not* Ankle Boots—The Rich-Looking Shoe Trend That’s Quietly Taking Over for Fall 2025
Shop the style inside.
-
Yes, Ballet Flats Look Good With Skirts, But They Look Even Better as Part of This Parisian-Approved Combo
Very '90s.
-
Fine, I Won’t Gatekeep—These 27 Abercrombie Finds Are Too Chic to Miss (and They're All On Sale)
I can't decide which fall pick is my favorite.
-
I’m a Senior Shopping Editor—These 29 On-SaleReplica Store Basics Are Instant Closet Staples
Bring on chic, effortless fall outfits.