12 Trending Heel Styles Every Fashionista Will Wear in 2025

Heels are taking over 2025 with bold shapes and sustainable materials brought to life through reimagined nostalgic designs.

Heels are more than just shoes; they’re a statement of confidence, elegance, and individuality. As Sonia Rykiel famously said, “How can you live the high life if you do not wear the high heels?” This year, designers are blending timeless sophistication with modern innovation, ensuring that every fashionista can find her perfect pair. Here’s a roundup of the most popular heel styles dominating 2025.

1. Chunky Heels: Comfort Meets Style

Chunky heels are making a strong comeback this year. Their sturdy base offers more stability and comfort, making them perfect for all-day wear. Expect to see block heels in bold colors and unique textures, from suede to patent leather, adding a playful yet practical vibe to your outfits. As highlighted, “bold and chunky heels are making a major comeback in 2025! They were famous in the ‘90s and early 2000s… loved for their comfort and ability to add height without the pain of traditional stilettos.”

2. Kitten Heels: The Reigning Classic

Kitten heels continue to reign supreme in 2025, especially in the form of heeled thong sandals and low ballet heels. These styles are seductive, comfortable, and versatile—perfect for making the most of your existing collection. According to Glamour editors, “kitten heels still reign supreme, just now in the form of heeled thong sandals and low ballet heels.”

3. Slingbacks and Mary Janes: Timeless Appeal

Slingbacks and Mary Janes are essentials that have appeared on nearly every significant runway this year. Their broad appeal ensures they remain reliable shoe styles worth investing in for the upcoming months. As stated in Glamour, “Sling, kitten, Maryes, and pointed toes (often combined in the same pair) are here to continue their reign after making appearances on nearly every significant runway for 2025 thus far.”

4. Square-Toe Silhouettes: Retro with a Modern Twist

Square-toe heels are dominating in 2025. This retro-inspired shape combines comfort and style by offering more room for your toes while maintaining a sleek appearance. “Square-toe heels continue to dominate in 2025. This retro-inspired shape combines comfort and style by offering more room for your toes while maintaining a sleek appearance,” as stated in Catalan News.

5. Strappy and Wrap-Around Designs: Feminine Flair

Strappy heels with intricate wrap-around details are trending, lending a delicate and feminine touch to your footwear. These designs range from thin, barely-there straps to wide bands, perfect for showcasing your pedicure and adding flair to eveningwear or casual ensembles.

6. Metallic Finishes: Shine On

Metallic and holographic finishes are shining brighter than ever. Metallic shoes are having a moment. Shimmery finishes are stepping into the spotlight this season, showing up on everything from sneakers and heels to flats. Gold, silver, and iridescent high heels bring a futuristic edge to your look, ideal for parties and special occasions.

7. Platform Heels: Retro Revival

Platform heels are back in a big way, offering both height and comfort. Platforms are back at it again, too. Whatever your style is, the latest heel trends will help you strut with class! Their thick, sturdy soles make them functional and stylish, now revamped with modern twists like unique textures and bold prints.

8. Backless Mules and Clogs: Effortless Chic

Backless shoes like mules and clogs are having a moment thanks to their effortless fit and breathable design. “A great quality about these shoes is that you can easily slip them on and off,” says Patrick Kenger, lead personal stylist and founder of Pivot Image Consulting. “Clogs bring a retro, chunkier look, while mules have a more streamlined feel. Both offer a practical mix of comfort and style for the season.”

9. Transparent and PVC Elements: Modern Minimalism

Transparency in heels is here to stay. Clear straps, heels, and panels create a minimalist yet bold style statement. This trend emphasizes clean lines and pairs well with almost any outfit, giving the illusion of elongated legs and a modern aesthetic.

10. Sculptural and Artistic Heels: Statement Makers

High fashion meets art with sculptural heels that double as conversation pieces. Expect heels shaped like geometric blocks, spirals, or even abstract forms. These statement shoes are perfect for those looking to stand out and make a bold style impression.

11. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials: Conscious Choices

Eco-conscious high heels made from recycled or vegan materials are rising in popularity. Designers are crafting stylish heels using innovative, sustainable fabrics without compromising on aesthetics or comfort.

12. Low and Mid-Heel Comfort: Everyday Elegance

Comfort is taking center stage with the rise of low and mid-heel styles designed for everyday wear. These heels offer a chic alternative to flats and stilettos, providing elegance without the pain, perfect for work or casual outings.

“Heels have a way of making you feel like you can take on the world. They add confidence, elegance, and a little sass to every step.”

Whether you’re drawn to bold platforms, sleek kitten heels, or the artistic flair of sculptural designs, 2025’s heel trends offer something for every fashionista’s wardrobe.