This 2010s-Coded Shoe Trend Is About to Make a Massive Revival

An influencer wearing clear flip flops.

(Image credit: @izzipoopi)

If seeing Hailey Bieber and Alexa Chung wear the same style of heels within the same month doesn't get your trend senses tingling, I don't know what will. (Better yet, Bieber wore the style twice this summer!) Clear heels are so back—just like most trends from the 2010s are—and celebrities aren't the only ones embracing the trend. This shoe style's refresh has won the hearts of fashion people everywhere.

Hailey Bieber wearing clear heels.

(Image credit: @gabriellak_j)

In terms of fashion trends, this revival makes sense: Clear mesh and jelly sandals have taken over the streets this summer—you'd be hard-pressed to leave the house without seeing a pair styled with a breezy sundress. Not to mention, sheer and transparent styles from lacy skirts to mesh tops are continuing to have a moment, so naturally, shoes are following suit. The 2025 version of the clear heel is less stuffy than its previous pointed-toe, dressed-up iteration. It's not being paired with a bandage body-con dress (although those are on-trend too). Instead, the new clear heel silhouettes feel more playful, and their styling reflects that.

An influencer wearing clear heels.

(Image credit: @helentu)

Since the clear shoe could go well with any outfit, it's perfect to pair with statement dresses or sets (take Bieber's custom Pucci look, for example). With anklets, toe rings, and shoe-jewelry trending, it's also a great blank canvas to add personal flair.

Not to mention, luxury brands like Tory Burch are reimagining the shoe in a cool, subversive way. The brand's Clear Pump ($500) resembles a prototype of a shoe, with visible raw materials like cork at the heel and a green cap at the toe. Mango's recent collaboration with Supriya Lele also brought the shoe back into the zeitgeist with clear wedges that feature a cap separating the big toe from the rest of the toes, Tabi style. (The brand also released a diamond toe ring to pair with them.)

Ahead, shop my edit of chic, sheer heels.

Associate Fashion Editor, Branded Content

Kaitlin Clapinski is an associate fashion editor on the branded content team. After graduating from UC Berkeley, Kaitlin moved to Los Angeles and began her editorial career freelancing for publications like Marie Claire, Refinery29, Byrdie, and Fashionista. When she's not writing you can find her scouring The Real Real or heading to the beach.