Step Aside, Penny Loafers—This Is the Flat-Shoe Trend Cool Dressers Are Wearing Instead
It's a new easy shoe trend to try.
Listen. The hunt for a cool pair of go-to spring shoes is over. Cool dressers everywhere are wearing it instead of penny loafers. Not to say that penny loafers aren’t just as cool and timeless as this new trend, but backless loafers are gaining popularity for spring. These easy slip-ons are about to be the next major item to have for the season.
Influencers have been sporting the trend with their simple outfits, elevating their looks by just slipping on backless loafers. The trend was also on the S/S 26 runways like Tod’s and Bottega Veneta, so it’s clear that it’s meant to be a spring It item. Models were seen on the runway wearing breezy, light layers with their backless loafers and I cannot wait to do the same. Influencers have been sporting the trend even during the in-between season, with coats and jeans. Once the snow has finally melted in the city, I’ll be trying out the trend similarly.
If you’re into this stylish and easy shoe trend for spring, keep scrolling through for some outfit inspiration and shop backless loafers in various colors and styles.
Kerane Marcellus is a New York-based writer. She joined the Who What Wear team in 2025 after writing for Essence Magazine and freelancing for a number of other arts and culture publications. Fashion is a form of expression that she encourages everyone to take part in. There is no right or wrong in getting dressed! When she's not writing, she's reading in the park or gallery hopping in the city.