With all due respect to classic pumps, we’ve had enough of understated footwear—and summer’s key heel trends are here to breathe new life into our wardrobes. As far as silhouettes, kitten heels still reign supreme, just now in the form of heeled thong sandals and low ballet heels. (Walkability, especially in the warmer months, is paramount.) Soft pastels are trending after popping up at Chanel, while bolder snakeskin adds an edge to jeans and dresses. And bold accents, like metal rings and huge rosettes, are the shoe trend that’s making any outfit a little more playful.
Ready to get your footwear rotation in line? These are the summer heel trends our editors are currently obsessing over.
Glamour’s summer heel trends wish list
1. Metal accents
While this trend got its start last year, when toe-ring sandals suddenly popped up everywhere, it’s back with even more variations for 2025. Built-in jewelry—metal straps, large beads, and, yes, toe rings—elevates sandals and mules, especially combined with slinky straps. Styling these picks is easy; just pick out a few pieces that match the tone, then throw on a little black dress or a T-shirt and wide-leg jeans.
2. Ballet heels
Wish your ballet flats could give you a little boost? Thanks to this ladylike trend, they finally can. Recently spotted on celebrities like Michelle Monaghan and models at Simone Rocha’s spring-summer show, these ladylike shoes combine walkable block heels with classic ballerinas—and the result is pure poise. Go with a tulle skirt or a pleated dress to lean into the youthful energy, or switch things up with an airy blouse and denim shorts.
3. Flower sandals
Nearly overnight, flower sandals have became one of the hottest things in fashion—ask any of our editors, who have fallen head over heels for rosettes after they appeared in Bottega Veneta’s spring-summer show. These aren’t shoes that’ll blend in, but that’s the appeal. (Who doesn’t want to be Carrie Bradshaw every once in a while?) Just leave the maxiskirts and jeans at home; these babies call for minis and midis to give them room to breathe.
4. Pretty pastels
Coach, Chanel, Tory Burch, and Jacquemus all sent heels in various pastels down their spring-summer runways, matching the color stories we’ve seen for the rest of this season’s fashion. It’s a wonderful proposition for color skeptics and lovers alike; the former can test shades without going too bold, while the latter gets a softer palette to play with. Baby blue, petal pink, and butter yellow are great places to start—and all look great with black trousers and blue jeans.
5. ’90s thong heels
With the rise of artful minimalism—one of summer’s major fashion trends—casual-yet-sultry thong sandals have obvious appeal. They’re a cut above casual flip-flops, effortlessly elevating dresses or cheekily contrasting tailored pants. Sure, these shoes aren’t ideal for all-day walking, but they’re perfect for events, fancy dinners, and Insta-worthy photo moments.
6. Snakeskin heels
Khaite, Bottega Veneta, Dries Van Noten, and Valentino all sent snake-print heels down their spring-summer runways, and the rest of the fashion world has taken note. So before the season gets into full swing, trade in your leopard and zebra for faux snakeskin; it has a little more bite, lending an edgy sense of cool to your looks. Plus, thanks to the subdued colors, you’ll be able to wear these picks well into fall.
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