It's Arrived: The Most (Surprisingly) Sophisticated Flat-Shoe Trend of 2025

      At Who What Wear, we continuously analyze street style images to identify the latest trends. However, we also have another effective strategy in our trend prediction toolkit: the new arrivals sections of our preferred retailers. Recently, we discovered a rising trend in footwear—grommet-embellished flats—making an impression on platforms like Net-a-Porter, Zara, Mango, and Nordstrom. What makes this trend both surprising and captivating? Grommets, originally a simple mechanism for securing laces, have now transformed into a striking design feature. Historically linked to utilitarian and industrial styles—think grunge and punk—they are now being reimagined as high-fashion elements. Alaïa is a brand well-known for spearheading this transition. In its F/W 25 collection, it highlighted grommet-adorned boots, and under the direction of current creative director Pieter Mulier, it has incorporated this detail into the brand’s sought-after ballet flats. It’s evident that Alaïa has initiated a trend. Now, designers such as Toteme, Coach, Tory Burch, and Le Monde Beryl are adding their interpretations to this unexpected yet undeniably stylish trend, embellishing everything from slingbacks to Mary Janes. If you’re interested in incorporating this trendy look into your wardrobe, continue scrolling for our selection of the finest grommet-embellished flats.

      Here are some top picks for grommet-embellished shoes:

      Massimo Dutti

      Ballet Flats With Metallic Details

      Stylish, sleek, and accessible.

      Steve Madden

      Ansley Ballet Flats

      If you’re not looking to spend much on this trend, consider this pair priced under $70.

      TOTEME

      Lace-Up Eyelet-Embellished Suede Ballet Flats

      Tory Burch

      Eyelet Mary Jane Ballet Flats

      Don’t ask me to choose between the red and the black; I can’t decide!

      These are also available in white.

      Free People

      Summer Holiday Mary Janes

      The blend of gold and silver grommets gives these a high-end feel.

      Pair these with an all-white outfit for a bold and stylish accent.

      COACH

      Emilia Mary Jane With Grommets

      Style them with a minidress or use them to elevate your favorite jeans.

      Ganni

      Eyelets Lace Up Ballerina

      The lace-up trend has been popular for a while, and I don’t foresee it going away soon.

      Rag & Bone

      Spire Mary Jane Shoes

      DOLCE VITA

      Penney Stud Flats Midnight Crinkle Patent

      Style these with white ankle socks, a miniskirt, and a white tee.

      This pair at $40 is a great choice.

      Tory Burch

      Eyelet Ballet Loafers

      These will refresh your wardrobe in the best way possible.

      ALAÏA

      Vienne Perforated Eyelet-Embellished Leather Ballet Flats

      Alaïa has been at the forefront of the grommet-embellished shoe trend since last year.

      Le Monde Beryl

      Regency Eyelet-Studded Leather Ballet Flats

      ZARA

      Textured Studded Mary Janes

      With their classic ballerina silhouette, the studded details and grommet accents provide an intriguing and subtly edgy touch.

      LE MONDE BÉRYL

      Classic Eyelet Studded Leather Mary Jane

      Le Monde Béryl is not only woman-founded, but its products are also sustainably crafted and handmade in Italy.

      FRĒDA SALVADOR

      Marie Grommet Leather Slingback Flats

      Ideal for the minimalist dresser.

      Aeyde

      Black Uma Eyelet Ballerina Flats

      Another understated option that doesn’t make a loud statement.

      ASOS DESIGN

      Larson Grommet Mary Jane Ballet Flats

      These denim flats will elevate the style of skirts and dresses.

      Explore more stylish flats

      Reformation

      Prudence Ballet Flats

      Who wouldn’t want to wear these soft-suede flats with their elegant and versatile design?

      Coconuts by Matisse Footwear

      Marlow Jelly Flats

      STAUD

      Alba Sport Suede-Trimmed Shell Ballet Flats

      I predict these flats will be a hit this summer.

      Steve Madden

      Sag Boat Shoes

      Boat shoes are making a comeback in fashion, and despite some debate, they can actually look quite stylish.