6 controversial shoe trends that fashion people will love in 2025

This year, the shoe game in the fashion world is no tame. If you’ve longed for a quiet moment in a pair of sleek ballet flats or your trusty Adidas Sambas, 2025 may make you nostalgic for the good old days. Instead, the streets are full of controversial shoe trends that are both eye-catching and head-scratching.

From livestock haute couture-inspired shoes to 2016’s easy-to-identify time travelers, these six controversial shoe trends are sparking strong opinions. Whether you like it or not, there’s no denying that this item has been a hot topic this year, including among those in the fashion industry. Whether you’re intrigued by the bold, quirky look of the Tabi slipper or still reeling from the resurgence of sock shoes (who knew that?), one thing is clear: 2025 The shoes are here to make a statement.

socks shoes

I never thought I’d see the day when sock shoes would be back in fashion, but unfortunately, now they are. I’ve had a love-hate relationship with the style ever since I bought a pair of Balenciaga speed knits nearly a decade ago, but the soft leathers and silks of influencers and runway models at Calven’s Fall/Winter 2024 show After seeing his style, I couldn’t deny his style. I’m interested in this style, so I’d like to try it again this year.

tabi

Love it or hate it, Tabi is here to stay. Originating in Japan, this style is primarily associated with high fashion label Maison Margiela, and its split-toe styles come in a variety of silhouettes, including ballet flats, boots, and Mary Janes. If the internet’s divided reaction to the viral New York Tabi Swiper is any indication, this style will still be divisive in 2025.

leopard shoes

Leopard print is one of the most popular patterns of 2024, and while the shoe version is expected to be widely loved, leopard print shoes have also stirred controversy. Critics say that patterned shoes can be a little difficult to style, but fashion insiders are leaning toward eye-catching patterns and pairing them with simple pants or straight denim, and the shoe-wrong theory is 100% true. I emphasize that it is correct.

thick shoes

Chunky loafers and boots may feel 2016 at first, but this once-outdated style is slowly making a comeback. While fashion is riding on the ultra-sleek sock shoe trend, fashion-minded folks are leaning in the exact opposite direction and pulling out their old creeper boots and platform boots during the winter months.

boat shoes

Maybe it’s my trauma from wearing boat shoes for over 10 years in elementary school, junior high school, and high school, but boat shoes weren’t part of the casual shoe trend. Sure, Miu Miu debuted this style early last year, but it’s only recently that the effortlessly cool style has gained popularity among fashion lovers. To tell you the truth, I’m obsessed with it!

shearling shoes

Comfort is key, and while some may find shearling or fuzzy shoes to be incredibly impractical, style-savvy people are embracing shearpa and shearling shoes this year. I lean towards a luxurious and comfortable aesthetic. While tried and true classics like Ugg slippers are still the best, brands like Totem and Ferragamo are stepping into the furry shoe trend with their own unique interpretations.