Gen Z Says is a bimonthly column chronicling the latest trends in the fashion-and-beauty space through the lens of Who What Wear's own Gen Z editors. Expect a download on the upcoming class of tastemakers, emerging designers, and shopping and style choices straight from the generation setting the trends.
We like to believe we are niche, that we are underground. But as the generation that grew up perpetually online, we can't keep a secret. Gen Z is notorious for oversharing. Every thought that pops into our heads? Posted to Close Friends. Every mildly funny IG reel? Reposted. The upside is that when you get us talking about fashion, we'll never stop. We'll let you in on the latest micro-trends, bizarre styling hacks (like how to turn your turtleneck into a halter), and obscure fashion references from that 2000s movie you totally forgot about until this moment.
I can't keep a trend quiet for too long, so I'm here as a shopping editor and a Gen Z fashion enthusiast who loves to yap. These are the five surprising shoe trends Gen Z is wearing for fall 2025. Join me as I break down the Gen Z–approved trends, where to shop, and, most importantly, how to style them.
To trace the beginnings of the boat-shoe resurgence, we must return to its place of rebirth—Miu Miu S/S 24. The deck shoes are the epitome of East Coast prep, and their revival coincides with the subversive, preppy-athletic look that Gen Z loves. We have Miuccia Prada to thank for this collegiate collab. Think smart polos, oversize blazers, and dark-rinse denim. The nautical shoes are perennial. They were spotted on the fashion set this summer and are now making their way into autumn, and my generation has adopted this dated footwear into our fall 2025 shoe rotations.
Shop Boat Shoes
The old money aesthetic tends to resurface around this time of year. The changing leaves and brisk autumn air make layered cardigans, cognac leather, and collared jackets all the more appealing. Boat shoes will fit right in. Shop the best deck shoes below.
Style them with…
When styling these East Coast legacy shoes, you must honor their old money heritage with a complete prep ensemble—a classic barn coat over a striped polo paired with dark-rinse barrel jeans. Levi's® perfected the curved-leg silhouette with its 100% cotton Baggy Dad Barrel Jeans. The dark-wash denim stacks casually at the ankle for a relaxed look. Barrel jeans aren't going anywhere, and neither are boat shoes.
The slouchier the boots, the better—an unspoken rule of the Gen Z dress code. The trend of scrunching down knee-high boots feels on par with my generation's love for the 2010s. Reminiscent of a time in fashion that was only half a decade ago, my Instagram feed seems to be frozen in 2011, when the Chloé Paddington bag was a staple accessory for every celebrity, the Jeffrey Campbell Lita lace-up boots set the standard for heeled booties, and the skinny-jeans era was in full effect. But I digress. Fashion is cyclical. It was only a matter of time, and it just happened sooner than I expected.
Shop Slouchy Boots
Nostalgic for the decade, I present three of the slouchiest boots to date. The Gen Zer in me says to scrunch them even lower for more attitude.
Style them with…
If you find yourself curious about how to style these stacked boots, I recommend going full laissez-faire. Distressed denim is making a comeback. Levi's® Low Loose Jeans embody the baggy, low-rise silhouette Gen Z loves so much. The relaxed pairing complements the wide-leg denim for an effortlessly cool, worn-in look. Bonus points if you tuck the wide-leg denim into the boots. Throw on a classic moto jacket because a good leather jacket is a total confidence booster, and in true 2010s fashion, finish the look with an oversize tote.
Ugly shoes are cool now, in case you hadn't heard. Gen Z hasn't redefined the word "ugly"—we've embraced it. "Weird" and "freaky" are the ultimate compliments. It all started with the Margiela Tabis. Inspired by the traditional Japanese Tabi socks, which date back to the 15th century, Martin Margiela adapted the split-toe design into the divisive Maison Margiela Tabi we know today. With his design debuting in the '80s, a once-niche area for fashion historians has become a prominent part of celebrity style today. More importantly, your take on the two-toe shoes determines whether you're a fashion person who gets it or not.
Shop Unconventional Soles
This weird-shoe renaissance has inspired a new wave of freaky footwear to reach the shelves, from Tory Burch's subversive peep-toe pumps and studded ballet flats to the unconventional mesh and sheer flats that force us to confront the reality that we maybe (no, definitely) needed to get a pedicure last week. Shop the freakiest, funkiest footwear below.
Style them with…
How do you style these ugly shoes? With equally provocative pieces. Subversive basics will let the edgy footwear shine. An oversize blazer, billowy pants, and large sunglasses would be my suggestion.
When I was growing up, I was under the impression that I'd wear more heels as an adult. I thought a pair of nine-inch Louboutins was a modest choice for running errands. Since then, I've grown up, graduated, and entered the workforce, and I've realized that might not have been a practical expectation, especially while living in NYC. I might one day need to face the fact that I'm no Carrie Bradshaw, but today, I've decided to reevaluate my childhood expectations. Casual heeled mules, no more than two inches high, will suffice. Gen Z agrees.
Shop Low Heels
Opting for mules, Gen Z has brought Y2K kitten heels back to life. The generation prefers the barely-there height to skyscraper platforms (for which there is a time and place, of course), but to appease our desire for the perfect everyday heels, we turn to casual pumps. Shop the heels below.
Style them with…
Attending the Calvin Klein S/S 26 show, Gen Z fashion icon Iris Law wore all-white, slim-profile mules. She paired the closed-toe pumps with a monochrome mocha ensemble. In another color-drenched look, Gen Z It girl Ruby Lyn wore an oversize white turtleneck and a semi-sheer skirt with suede accents on her belt, bag, and pumps. That's precisely how I'd style the casual heels.
Gen Z fully supports the sporty-sneaker trend. With brands competing for the next It sneaker style, my generation has its attention on those that resemble authentic athletic gear. Street style has always been a key component of Gen Z style with sneaker enthusiasts at the forefront. There's no denying our love for cult sneakers, so here's to the next draft of sporty trainers.
Shop Sneakers
I'm benching the Sambas and subbing in these three sporty styles: laceless Adidas, slim-profile Onitsuka Tigers, and reflective finishes.
Style them with…
Think fast! Technical high-neck jackets, raglan T-shirts, and longline shorts are the fastest way to a Gen Z–approved fall look. Pair those with any of the sporty sneakers above and you are set.
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Forget Flats—Everyone With Good Taste Is Wearing These Boots With Jeans and a JacketPut these on your shopping list.
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These Pairs Of Adidas Sneakers Will Make Much Cooler Gifts Than Sambas -
It's Here: The It-Girl Skirt Trend to Wear With Kitten Heels This FallBonus points if you wear it in yellow.
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Low Budget, High Taste: 28 Under-$500 Items I’d Buy to Look On-Trend This FallYour must-have items lie ahead.
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A First-of-Its-Kind Collaboration: Introducing New Balance x TAG Heuer"It's a true partnership—something that we've been building over time together."
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Elsa Hosk is My Ultimate Fall Style Muse—7 Trends I'm Stealing From HerPlus, where I'm buying them.
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Listen, Being Cool in 2025 Requires Just Two Things: Loose Jeans and This “Weird” Viral Flat-Shoe TrendThey're strange, but so chic.
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My Mom Is in Her 50s and Asked Me for Fashion Advice—8 Chic Nordstrom Outfits I Put Together for Her Under $425Outdated prints and "ugly" shoes included.
