20 Must‑Have Shoes for Women
As the golden rays of summer 2025 stretch across the horizon, fashion enthusiasts are turning their attention to one of the season’s most coveted accessory, shoes. This year, the footwear landscape is a vibrant tapestry of revived classics and innovative designs, each vying to be the perfect complement to your warm-weather wardrobe. Drawing inspiration from the runways of Paris, Milan, and New York, where designers like Chloé, Loewe, and Gucci showcased boho clogs, retro sneakers, and sculptural sandals, this season’s shoes are a testament to fashion’s ability to reinvent the familiar. From the sandy shores to the city streets, the right pair can elevate your style while ensuring comfort in the heat. In this guide, we’ve curated a selection of 20 must-have summer shoes that embody the latest trends. Discover these exquisite pieces at leading retailers like Selfridges, Luisa Via Roma, and Net-a-Porter.
The Return of the Clog
Clogs, once a staple of the 70s, have made a triumphant return to the fashion forefront. This season, designers have reimagined them with modern materials and updated silhouettes, making them a must-have for any summer wardrobe. From luxurious suede to embossed logos, clogs now offer both comfort and style in equal measure, as seen on the runways of Chloé and Hermès for spring/summer 2025.
Birkenstock
Boston Logo Embossed Tobacco Brown Suede Clogs – £130
The Birkenstock Boston Logo Embossed Tobacco Brown Suede Clogs (£130) are a prime example, featuring rich tobacco brown suede and the brand’s signature footbed for all-day support. The embossed logo adds a touch of branding without overwhelming the design. Style these clogs with cropped denim for a casual look or pair them with a flowy midi dress to channel bohemian vibes.
Flat Sandals for Women
Flat sandals are the unsung heroes of summer footwear, providing effortless style without sacrificing comfort. This year, they come in a myriad of designs, from minimalist leather straps to ornately detailed creations. Whether you’re navigating cobblestone streets or lounging by the pool, there’s a pair to suit every occasion, reflecting trends like Greek sandals with stones and thong sandals with thoughtful design tweaks.
Zimmermann
Goldie Flat Brown Leather Sandals – £495
The Zimmermann Goldie Flat Brown Leather Sandals (£495) boast rich brown leather with unique cutouts, making them a sophisticated choice for pairing with wide-leg trousers or a breezy maxi skirt. For those who prefer a more laid-back aesthetic, the Birkenstock Arizona Two Strap Light Rose Suede Sandals (£105) in a delicate rose shade offer timeless appeal and unmatched comfort. Handcrafted in St. Tropez, the K Jacques St. Tropez Zenobie Black Leather Sandals (£215) exude artisanal quality and classic design, perfect for any summer ensemble. The Balenciaga Bel Air Black Leather Sandals (£700) add a high-end touch with their sleek black leather, ideal for urban adventures.
Birkenstock
Arizona Two Strap Light Rose Suede Sandals – £105
K Jacques St. Tropez
Zenobie Black Leather Sandals – £215
Balenciaga
Bel Air Black Leather Sandals – £700
Heels That Shine
As twilight descends, heeled sandals take centre stage, offering glamour and sophistication for evening affairs. This season’s offerings are all about making a statement, whether through eye-catching metallics, vibrant colours, or unique silhouettes, aligning with trends like embellished toe-ring sandals and modern kitten heels.
Tom Ford
105mm Laminated Gold Leather Sandals – £1,070
The Tom Ford 105mm Laminated Gold Leather Sandals (£1,070) are a dazzling choice, their laminated gold leather reflecting light with every step, ideal for complementing a sleek cocktail dress or tailored jumpsuit. For a more understated elegance, the Aeyde Abbey 55mm Metallic Silver Leather Sandals (£320) provide a subtle shimmer that pairs beautifully with both neutral and bold colours.
Aeyde
Abbey 55mm Metallic Silver Leather Sandals – £320
Marni
90mm Pink Leather Sandals – £775
The Marni 90mm Pink Leather Sandals (£775) make a statement with their vibrant pink hue and sculptural heel, while the Emme Parsons 80mm Loop Black Leather Sandal (£486) features a distinctive loop design that adds a modern edge to any outfit. On the more accessible side, the LK Bennett Kacey Tan Suede Heeled Sandals (£199) and Aquazzura Infinito 75 Tan Leather Heeled Sandals (£615) offer versatile tan options that can seamlessly transition from day to night.
Emme Parsons
80mm Loop Black Leather Sandal – £486
LK Bennett
Kacey Tan Suede Heeled Sandals – £199
Aquazzura
Infinito 75 Tan Leather Heeled Sandals – £615
Wedges for Any Occasion
Wedges are a perennial favourite for summer, providing the perfect blend of height and comfort. This season, they range from classic espadrilles to more contemporary designs, ensuring there’s a pair for every taste and budget, reflecting the modern, edgy wedge trend seen in lucite and other materials.
Jimmy Choo
Leda Wedge 100 Tan Leather Mules – £595
The Jimmy Choo Leda Wedge 100 Tan Leather Mules (£595) offer a luxurious take with their tan leather and 100mm wedge, ideal for elevating casual looks or complementing evening attire. For a more traditional approach, the Castaner Carina Tan Suede Wedge Espadrilles (£145) feature a suede upper and jute sole, capturing the essence of summer. The Dune Kelulu Multicolour Raffia Wedge Sandals (£89) add a playful twist with their colourful raffia, making them perfect for beachside gatherings or outdoor festivals.
Castaner
Carina Tan Suede Wedge Espadrilles – £145
Dune
Kelulu Multicolour Raffia Wedge Sandals – £89
Women’s Trainers
Trainers have firmly established themselves as a fashion essential, and this summer, they continue to dominate with fresh designs and luxurious materials. Retro-inspired styles are particularly prominent, as seen on the runways of Loewe, Miu Miu, and Gucci for spring/summer 2025, offering slim soles and court-inspired silhouettes.
Golden Goose
Soul Star Grey Suede Low Top Trainers – £355
The Golden Goose Soul Star Grey Suede Low Top Trainers (£355) feature a distressed grey suede that adds character to any outfit, from denim shorts to midi skirts. For those who prefer a pop of colour, the Gucci Interlocking G Rosso Ancora Suede Trainers (£695) in bold red suede make a striking statement, perfect for adding a touch of luxury to casual looks.
Gucci
Interlocking G Rosso Ancora Suede Trainers – £695
Mules and Loafers for Women
Mules and loafers offer a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication, making them ideal for summer’s relaxed yet stylish vibe. This season, they align with trends like soft, relaxed loafers and vintage-inspired designs.
Aeyde
Ilvy 55mm Creamy Satin Mules – £290
The Aeyde Ilvy 55mm Creamy Satin Mules (£290) in a creamy satin finish are a luxurious choice for evening wear or special occasions. The Christian Louboutin Janetonga 55 Bianco Leather Heeled Mules (£645) bring the brand’s iconic red sole to a heeled mule, offering both style and comfort with their 55mm heel. For a more casual yet polished look, the Stuart Weitzman Thea Woven Tan Leather Loafers (£495) feature a woven design that adds texture and interest to any outfit.
Christian Louboutin
Janetonga 55 Bianco Leather Heeled Mules – £645
Stuart Weitzman
Thea Woven Tan Leather Loafers – £495
Women’s Flats
For those who prioritise comfort but refuse to compromise on style, this season’s flats offer innovative designs that stand out. Embellished toe-ring sandals and coloured mesh flats are trending, with unique materials like PVC adding a modern edge.
Ancient Greek Sandals
Iro Crystal Embellished PVC Ballet Flats – £325
The Ancient Greek Sandals Iro Crystal Embellished PVC Ballet Flats (£325) combine transparent PVC with sparkling crystal embellishments, creating a shoe that’s both modern and magical. These flats are perfect for adding a touch of glamour to daytime looks or for dancing the night away at summer parties.
This summer, let your feet do the talking with shoes that are as comfortable as they are stylish. From the laid-back charm of clogs and flat sandals to the elevated allure of heeled sandals and wedges, there’s a perfect pair for every occasion. Trainers bring a sporty edge, while mules and loafers offer polished ease. And for those who love a touch of glamour, statement flats ensure you stand out.
Styling Tips
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Mix Textures, Master Contrast
Pair suede clogs or raffia wedges with fluid silk or linen dresses to juxtapose structure with softness. A butter‑soft suede clog against a floaty midi dress creates an unexpectedly modern bohemian mood. -
Neutral Base, Statement Shoe
Let your footwear do the talking by anchoring bold metallics or embellished flats with pared‑back neutrals. A cream linen suit or stone‑washed denim and a simple white T‑shirt will elevate sculptural gold heels or crystal‑encrusted ballet flats to editorial status. -
Cuffed & Cropped for Clogs and Trainers
Showcase the unique silhouette of clogs or retro trainers by pairing them with cropped flares or sharply cuffed trousers. The slight reveal of ankle and sock (or bare skin) turns a practical shoe into a focal point. -
Monochrome Shoe‑Bag Duo
Harmonise a statement mule or heeled sandal with a bag in the same tone—think tan leather mules with a woven raffia tote, or black caged sandals with a structured clutch. This tonal echo reads effortlessly chic. -
Day‑to‑Night Switch‑Up
Transition from office to aperitivo by swapping loafers for heeled sandals and layering a statement jewellery piece. A structured loafer in the day, a sculptural mule by night—no full‑out outfit change required. -
Play with Proportions
Balance a chunky wedge or platform sandal against tailored shorts or a high‑waist pencil skirt. The unexpected pairing of volume below with a sleek, streamlined top creates an arresting silhouette.
*Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
