When kitten heels made their resurgence earlier this year, I made no complaint. I’m not quite sure myself what it was about them that inspired such deep-seated, instinctual revulsion among so many for so long—or what brought about their definite return. In any case, after seasons and seasons of sky-high stilettos (never my thing), sneakers so chunky and vertiginous that they barely qualify as sneakers, and flatform sandals I can’t look at without imagining twisting an ankle (I’ve had a few close calls), the style felt like a breath of fresh air.
Hot on the tiny heels of this (literally) down-to-earth trend comes the re-emergence of flats. And not just boring old basic flats—I’m talking seriously fun, seriously stylish iterations even a dyed-in-the-wool maximalist like myself can appreciate. I might be the only person who walks in L.A., but I know my NYC friends will appreciate the four fashionable yet functional flat-shoe trends I’ve rounded up below. Think “ugly” sandals that aren’t ugly at all as well as directional ballet flats that won’t remind you of sophomore year.
"UGLY" SANDALS
I’ve sworn by Dr. Martens for years, thanks to how long each pair lasts (hello, cost per wear), and I’m pretty sure I’m ready to pull the trigger on this super on-trend vegan-leather snakeskin-print pair.
One of the delightfully OTT designer options I’ve seen floating around Instagram.
In case your winter wardrobe could use some brightening up…
This is the investment piece I’ve been eyeing for a while now.
“Ugly” sandals meet the logo-print trend. Stylish mayhem ensues.
NOT-SO-BASIC BALLET FLATS
Basic black, yes, but look at that deep-V vamp and that intricate stitching. (As if you’d expect anything less from Acne Studios.)
Metallic, glittery, Mary Jane style ballet flats are about as fun as they come.
Textured, ’70s-floral ballet flats with an attached metal anklet? It shouldn’t work, but it definitely does.
Cow print is easily my favorite of all the animal prints on offer this season.
Not sure I can adequately explain my love for these crocheted flats.
BUCKLED MULES AND LOAFERS
I’m about to wear these cherry-red beauties into the ground.
Hi, we made these just for you.
Millennial Pink has clearly been rightfully replaced by cerise.
Another affordable way to get in on the trend.
One of the coolest It-bag brands now makes shoes too. Rejoice.
VANS
Will it match with everything I own? Probably not. And that’s kind of the point.
Vans gets the logomania trend.
Because I know y’all love astrology. And the desert.
Pared-back animal prints are fine by me.
Busy but not too busy, you know?
Still looking for new-season shoe trends? See six more big ones we’ve been eyeing.
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Spotted in the Paris Airport: The Coolest Sneaker Trend to Wear With Leggings RNThe perfect pairing.
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Every Time I Go to L.A., I See Fashion Girls Wearing This Flat-Shoe Outfit to DinnerCall it casual elegance.
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At Least 3 Celebs Just Wore These Anti-Trend, Anti-Skinny Pants That Go With Every Sneaker ColorI guess it's a thing.
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I'm Sorry, But I Feel So Basic Wearing My Black Sambas—6 Styles I'm Buying to Feel Cool AgainHear me out.
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Here It Is: The First "Ugly" Shoe Trend of 2025Thoughts?
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These New $25 H&M Shoes Are as Chic as the $700 Designer Pair I WantI bet they'll sell out before April 1.
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I'm Not Saying White Sneakers Are Out, But This Other Anti-Trend Pair Is Officially In for 2025You heard it here first.
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This Sneaker Trend Looks Great With Everything, But Fashion People Are Wearing Them Like ThisTake note.
