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.
-
I Thought I Hated Ballet Flats Until I Found This Elegant (and Blister-Proof) PairNow, I need it in every color.
-
Loafers Are Great, But If You're Bored, This Is the Classic Flat Shoe Trend to Try NextCould this be the new It flat shoe for fall?
-
After 2 Weeks in Italy, I'm Convinced I Need the Shoe Trend Every Chic Woman in Milan and Rome Was WearingForget ballet flats.
-
Not Classic Ballet Flats, Not Loafers—Everyone With Cool Style Will Be Wearing These Shoes With Black Trousers in Fall 2025As seen on Katie Holmes.
-
There's No Question—These 8 Fall Shoe Trends Will Make You Look RichLuxe outfits are in your future.
-
Wearing All Black Is Great, But This Outfit Color Looks Even Cooler With SneakersListen, this look is going to be a new go-to.
-
It's Official: This Is the Flat-Shoe Trend to Wear With Fall 2025's Most Popular Legging ColorAs seen in Los Angeles.
-
I Live in Murray Hill—Here Are the 8 Places I Like to Shop for a Fashionable Fall ClosetStylish sweaters and suedes ahead.
