As someone with a pared-back sense of style, I like to keep the base of my outfits very simple. So to elevate them, I often turn to slightly more trend-led accessories, and in my opinion, there’s nothing that can take an outfit from basic to chic like a pair of shoes. As much as I love a sleek heel, the unpredictable UK winter weather that is soon to arrive will really limit its usefulness, so I’ve therefore decided to turn my attention to the flat-shoe styles that will dominate this season.
The best place to look for trending flat-shoe styles? The runway, of course. After spending hours browsing the autumn/winter 2025 runway shows, I found 5 flat-shoe trends that strike the perfect balance between elevated, wearable, and classic enough to last in my winter capsule wardrobe for many years to come. And the best part? I found all of these shoe styles on both the designer and high-street markets, meaning you can incorporate these trends on any and every budget.
From elegant velvet fabrications for those with a minimalist fashion sense to playful maximalist trainer styles for the dopamine dressers, there’s something for everyone below. Keep scrolling to discover the five flat-shoe trends set to dominate winter 2025.
5 Winter Flat-Shoe Trends From I'll Be Wearing From Now Until 2026:
1. Snake Print
Style Notes: It should come as no surprise that animal print is trending yet again. After having a resurgence in the past few years, everything from leopard to cow print has been trending in the form of jackets, handbags, and shoes alike. For winter 2025 specifically, snake print is at the forefront of people’s minds. Different enough to make an outfit look intentional but neutral enough to slot easily into a toned-down palette, this might just be the first flat-shoe trend I buy into this season.
Shop the Trend:
An investment boot that will stick around in your wardrobe for many years to come.
I adore the green snake print on these.
I'd wear these with some grey chunky knit socks.
An easy way to elevate your work wardrobe.
The snake-print trainer trend is on the rise right now.
2. Maximalist Trainers
Style Notes: I practically live in trainers year-round, but they can start to feel a little bit boring, especially when paired with my darker winter palette. The solution? I’ll be opting for bolder, maximalist styles like the iterations I spotted on the Off-White and Cecilie Bahnsen runway shows to elevate my otherwise minimal wardrobe.
Shop the Trend:
These are sure to make a statement.
A style that's slightly more pared-back, but no less elevated.
This Simone Rocha X Crocs collab is calling to me.
Leopard and cow print? Yes, please!
The soles on ON's trainers alone are sure to draw attention.
3. Lace-Up Boots
Style Notes: Every year, luxury designers manage to find subtle ways to tweak classic boot styles to make them feel fresh for the new season. Lace-up boots are not in any way a new trend; however, after the years of sleek Chelsea styles dominating the boots scene, I, for one, am happy about this edgier flat shoe style taking the forefront to make my winter outfits look just that little bit cooler.
Shop the Trend:
Straight off the runway.
Dark brown is just as versatile as black.
Style with skirts, dresses and Bermuda shorts alike.
The forest green hue makes a nice point of difference from black and brown.
How cool are these?
4. Velvet
Style Notes: I must admit, this shoe style will not be the most practical on those rainy winter days, but when the weather allows, a pair of velvet shoes will instantly add a touch of elegance to every look. Usually, this is a fabric that I’d only really consider for party season; however, after seeing luxe velvet shoes from the likes of Emporio Armani and Anteprima, I’ll be wearing this classy style way beyond December.
Shop the Trend:
The styling possibilities are endless.
I'm loving this mocha mousse hue.
Such a pretty shade of pink.
These look so comfy.
Velvet boots? Sign me up.
5. Sporty Ballet Pumps
Style Notes: I love ballet flats in the warmer months, but when the temperature drops, I always turn to cosier flat shoes that will not only ensure my feet are warm but also keep hemlines off the wet ground on my commute to work. Luckily for me, the runways have decided that sporty ballet pumps are the style to opt for in winter 2025. With the comfort and practicality of a trainer along with the elegance of your typical ballet flat, I can see this shoe trend sticking around in my wardrobe for many years to come.
Shop the Trend:
These are high up on my winter wishlist.
These will earn you so many compliments.
An easy way to incorporate colour into your wardrobe.
These are tempting me as well.
Onitsuka Tiger's viral trainers now come in this ballet pump style.
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