Summer is here and that means it's just about time for a footwear refresh. I'm turning my attention to a nostalgic footwear trend that fashion people have convinced me is cool all over again.
Punctuating the chicest outfits on my timeline, the wallabee shoe trend is officially back on the agenda for summer 2025. Originally created by British shoe brand Clarks in 1968, a wallabee design rifts of a moccasin silhouette, to create a short ankle boot with a shallow lace. A close cousin of boat shoes, wallabees are distinguishable by the extra height and additional coverage.
Stylist Debora Rosa wears wallabee shoes.
Catching on within London's style set I've noticed the trend has become a major player in wardrobes this month. Styled with casual jorts in place or trainers, or worn with smart white trousers to sub in for loafers, the chameleon shoe is asserting its popularity by the day.
Once cast aside as an "ugly" shoe, it's a surprise that in 2025—after a year that made us fall in love with many "controversial" shoe trends— the wallabee are still firmly in the zeitgeist. Looking decidedly cool this time round, these shoes have broken free their unflattering associations for good.
Often found in a supple suede composition, the design also comes in leather styles and has been re-interpreted by a number of brands over the years. Charmed as I am by Clarks's enduring pair, this season I have my eyes on a brown leather option by Miu Miu. In fact, structured leather styles seem to be a big deal this season, too, with Camper, Mango and Sézane all serving up black pairs.
So, if you fancy giving your Birkenstocks a break, scroll on to shop our edit of the best wallabees to buy now.
SHOP THE WALLABEES SHOE TREND:
The style that started it all!
As soon as I came across these, I added them straight to my basket. In a dark chocolate brown suede, they’ll see you through every season.
In my opinion, these are the perfect summer-to-autumn transitional shoe.
An unexpected colourway but how cute are these!
The chunky, textured soles add on a little extra height.
Perfect for reaching your daily step count, these Hey Dude's provide you with comfort and style.
I’ve tried these on and they’re hands down the chicest, most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. I’d style them with anything and everything, from low-rise jeans to a mini skirt they work with most silhouettes.
These also come in black and grey.
This pair would style perfectly with white tailored trousers, a black belt and an oversized white tee for a crisp, summer office appropriate look.
The contrast between the tan brown suede and the darker brown sole and laces adds just the right amount of depth to this pair.
These also come in an olive green shade.
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