6 Footwear Trends Everyone in Europe Is Embracing Right Now
As a fashion editor based in London, my colleagues at Who What Wear in the U.S. frequently seek my perspective on emerging trends from this side of the Atlantic. This time, my editor has asked me to highlight the footwear trends that will be prevalent in every fashionable European destination this summer. While leather Grecian sandals, white sneakers, and classic espadrilles consistently see increased sales during the summer in this market, there are several styles that could emerge as the top shoes for summer 2025. Whether you're navigating London's underground, cycling through Copenhagen, or walking along the cobbled streets of Provence, the key shoe trends are designed with practicality in mind, featuring styles suitable for clocking 10,000 steps with ease. In the realm of sneakers, retro silhouettes have become highly lucrative for brands like Adidas and Puma, with a notable rise in the popularity of brown suede runners that exude a distinctive '70s vibe. Fashion insiders are clamoring for Dries Van Noten designs, while I spot toffee-toned Puma Speedcats every time I leave my East London flat.
Regarding sandals, the flip-flop trend initiated by The Row remains strong, and contemporary European brands like Toteme and Aeyde are offering sleek black leather city thong sandals, demonstrating that this style is no longer just for relaxed beach outings. Meanwhile, clog sandals are set to be the standout style for summer 2025, with Miu Miu showcasing clog sliders in its spring/summer 2025 collection, and Hermès introducing open-toe clogs in a luxurious mocha shade. Every major European retailer is currently crafting its interpretation of this trend. For further insights, continue reading about the six shoe trends that are rapidly selling across Europe right now.
**Chic European Shoe Trends:**
1. **Clog Sandals**
*Style Notes:* Wooden clogs have been stylishly revamped for 2025, thanks to designers like Zimmermann, Miu Miu, and Hermès. This is the sandal style I plan to invest in this pedicure season, and I'm eyeing a pair from Ancient Greek Sandals. Expect Miu Miu's shiny sliders to flood your Instagram feed shortly.
*Shop Clogs:*
- Chloé: Jeannette Leather Wedge Clogs
- ZARA: Buckle and Stud Clogs (Feminine shoe style with an edge)
2. **Boat Shoes**
*Style Notes:* Boat shoes have shed their preppy image due to Miuccia Prada's endorsement in 2024, with British Vogue deeming it the year of the boat shoe. Once iconic of a posh boarding-school aesthetic and favored by gilet-wearing investment bankers, deck shoes have attracted a younger, more fashion-forward audience who will again don well-worn boat shoes this summer.
*Shop Boat Shoes:*
- M&S Collection: Suede Flat Boat Shoes
- Free People: Sperry 2-Eye Boat Shoes (Currently in my basket)
- TOD'S: Gommino Leather-Trimmed Suede Boat Shoes (Look great in bright colors)
3. **Brown Sneakers**
*Style Notes:* Anyone familiar with sneakers knows that sportswear giants like Nike, Puma, and Adidas have thrived by reintroducing retro silhouettes in recent years. Think Samba. Whether you choose Cortezes or SL 72s, the focus is on rich chocolate and toffee suede finishes that lend a nostalgic '70s touch to any ensemble.
*Shop Brown Sneakers:*
- Adidas Originals: Samba Og Trainers in Brown Crochet and Cream (My all-time favorite sneaker)
- NIKE: Isamaya Ffrench Air Max Dn Rubber-Trimmed Mesh Sneakers (Pair them with an all-white outfit for a chic look)
- AUTRY: Windspin Calf Hair Sneakers (My sister's all-time favorite)
4. **Loafers**
*Style Notes:* Once again, we must acknowledge Miu Miu for its elasticated penny loafers, which emerged as standout shoes in the spring/summer 2025 season. Loafers featured prominently alongside sandals in the spring/summer 2025 shows, ranging from classic penny loafers to flats embellished with gold hardware and bold silhouettes.
*Shop Loafers:*
- ARKET: Suede Moccasin Loafers
- Gucci: Women’s Gucci Jordaan Loafer
5. **Flip-Flops**
*Style Notes:* The Row has redefined flip-flops, elevating them beyond the rubber styles typically associated with denim cutoffs and beach wear. Sleek, understated leather flip-flops have become the minimalist’s choice, thanks to brands like Aeyde, St. Agni, and Toteme.
*Shop Flip-Flops:*
- The Row:
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6 Footwear Trends Everyone in Europe Is Embracing Right Now
Here are six footwear trends that everyone in Europe is currently sporting, including boat shoes, clog sandals, and heeled ballerina flats.