The line-up of autumn/winter 2025 shoe trends reads like a wishlist of wardrobe classics. A fresh batch of fashion sneakers had the front row craning their necks at the runway shows, including styles presented by Miuccia Prada, who has become a master purveyor of excellent off-duty footwear. Together with Raf Simons, Ms. Prada complemented paper bag-waistband skirts with leather sneakers, complete with intentionally-distressed details like scuffs and raw edges. At Miu Miu, meanwhile, the final product was quite the opposite: smooth leather trainers, realized in retro silhouettes, with intricately-stitched accents and buckles.
In today’s comfort-driven age, these Miu Mius could fall into the “smart shoe” category, but for those with a penchant for more trad takes, an array of lace-ups also featured on the runways – Victoria Beckham, Rabanne and McQueen were but a few brands that demonstrated easy-to-achieve polish. Willing to embrace a heel? Knife-edged styles courtesy of Saint Laurent, gathered satin pumps at Dries Van Noten and pointed takes at Tom Ford will satiate a stiletto appetite.
Derbies and Brogues
Even the simplest of outfits can benefit from a great shoe: a T-shirt and jeans pairing, for example, is immediately elevated with the addition of a high-shine derby or brogue. The autumn/winter 2025 runways presented an abundance of options, plus a healthy bank of styling inspiration to make getting dressed in the morning that little bit easier.
Next-Gen Sneakers
Each season, a selection of wishlist-worthy options enter the fore. While sportswear behemoths will no doubt contribute a plethora of viral styles to the sneaker sphere in the coming months, fashion types will be fawning over Miu Miu’s buckled trainers, Prada’s distressed styles, Simone Rocha’s ribboned laces, and Stella McCartney’s retro pairs.
Fashion Pumps
What makes a pump a “fashion” pump? When it’s given special treatment by a top-tier designer, of course, by way of extravagant bows, frilled flourishes, satin wraps or heels that could (metaphorically) splice a diamond. Saint Laurent, Dries Van Noten, Ferragamo, Tom Ford, and Prada (naturally) delivered on all fronts.
The Glove Boot
Second-skin boots took on a chameleonic quality at Chloé, Toteme, and Jil Sander, where they were an extension of the leg underneath skirts and dresses. Opt for a creamy soft leather that molds to the calf—and style with a midi or knee-length hemline for a similarly seamless look.
High-Voltage Heels
There’s no lying low—vertiginous heels and razor sharp tips keep you on point. Saint Laurent, Jimmy Choo, and Tom Ford have nailed the form—wear with semi-sheer tights to reconcile the look with modern dress codes.
A Pop of Red
Stop sign red footwear gave many fall/winter looks an arresting quality. Keep it moving in a ripe shade of cherry apple; in flat or heel form, there’s plenty for the picking. Style with your favorite neutrals for a juicy burst, or use the primary color to energize soft pastels.
