5 Flat-Shoe Trends I Won't Wear This Summer in Manhattan and the 5 I Count On Consistently

      Living in NYC means you’re always on the move. Whether it’s running errands, attending events, or meeting friends for brunch, you rarely stay in one place. That's what I appreciate most about this city. However, if you don’t have the right flats to walk in, your day can become quite challenging. Apart from sneakers, flats are the essential stylish shoe for navigating the city, but recently, I’ve hit a wall with certain styles. While I’ve relied on my go-to flats, I’m now bored of them and will not wear them in the city this summer. My reasons vary from practical to purely aesthetic, and I think that’s perfectly fine. The city is brimming with inspiration, and I love observing fashionable women effortlessly stepping out in their best outfits. I always notice their shoes, which tend to be chic and comfortable flats suitable for walking at least a few blocks. Lately, I’ve seen styles that differ significantly from my worn-out favorites. Inspired by these women, I’ve decided to swap out some trends for the ones I’ve observed on the streets. If you're seeking fresh flats to wear this summer in NYC or elsewhere, keep reading.

      5 Flat-Shoe Trends to Wear This Summer, According to Editors

      1. No: Mesh Flats Yes: Jelly Flats

      Style Notes: I believe the era of mesh flats is over. To be honest, they were never quite my style; visually, they don’t appeal to me, even though I understand their playful nature. What I find cute, fun, and stylish are jelly flats. They remind me of my childhood, and honestly, not much has changed. If we’re going to show off our toes in closed-toe shoes, jelly flats are definitely the chic way to do it. Brands like Ancient Greek Sandals have been offering these for years, but the recent comeback feels like a full circle moment.

      Shop Jelly Flats:

      - Ancient Greek Sandals Jelly Saionara Flip Flops: A summer bestseller for 2025.

      - H&M Plastic Mesh Ballet Flats

      - Free People Ellery Flower Jelly Flats: These take me back to my school days in the best way.

      2. No: Round Toes Yes: Square Toes

      Style Notes: Generally, square-toed shoes convey luxury, sophistication, and a sense of ease that I aspire to while walking around the city. I want to achieve the “cool girl” vibe with my outfits, and I feel that square-toed shoes will help me achieve that. While it’s not entirely a new trend, it brings a fresh touch to an outfit with just a small detail. I believe a square toe peeking out from a pant hem is simply more stylish. Seeing Emma Chamberlain recently walking in a pair confirmed that I had to try them.

      Shop Square-Toed Shoes:

      - & Other Stories Square-Toe Ballet Flats: This chocolate brown color is calling out to me.

      - Vagabond Shoemakers Delia: Simple yet highly effective.

      - Whistles Chocolate Mora Suede Square Toe Loafer: Square toes enhance the sophistication of loafers.

      3. No: Studded Flats Yes: Silver Flats

      Style Notes: Although I appreciate elements of maximalism, I’m feeling over studs at this point. For a bit of shine and flair, I prefer silver flats to add an interesting element to my summer outfits on the go. The cool tone of silver allows for casual and relaxed outfits, making the shoes the standout feature. I love the idea of my shoes expressing my personal style.

      Shop Silver Flats:

      - Reformation Bethany Ballet Flat: A versatile pair for any season.

      - Le Monde Béryl Luna Slipper / Silver Leather: I adore this deeper metallic shade.

      4. No: Logomania Flats Yes: Satin Flats

      Style Notes: I don’t mind a logo occasionally, but I believe we shouldn’t rely on branding to make an outfit impressive. Lately, I’ve found flats with texture, like satin flats, to be much cooler. Similar to silver flats, they add a striking element to an otherwise basic outfit.

      Shop Satin Flats:

      - Charles & Keith Emiko Satin Bow Mary Jane Flats

      - Miu Miu Satin Ballet Flats

      5. No: Stretchy Flats Yes: Mule Flats

      Style Notes: I recognize this is a bold statement, especially for summer, but honestly, I'm just over flats with that tight elastic around the foot. They aren’t going anywhere, but you won’t catch me wearing them much. Instead, I’ll be enjoying mule flats for the rest of the summer. They can elevate an outfit, whether dressy or casual, depending on what you pair them with. Mule flats made a splash on the A/W 25 runways of Prada, Miu Miu, and Gucci, sparking a summer trend I want to embrace.

      Shop Mule Flats:

      - Gucci Women's Princetown Slipper: Expect lots of compliments.

      - Reiss Woven