The latest shoe trends are turning heads, from woven flats and chic cowboy boots to minimalist thong sandals. This effortless blend of comfort and style proves that luxury fashion offers a little something for everyone.
If you’re looking to get your hands on some of the biggest must-have designer footwear this season, we’ll help you find the perfect pair worth investing in.
To uncover this year’s most sought-after shoes dominating the runway, the team at Slingo conducted an in-depth look at the hottest shoe trends, analysing the most talked-about styles on Google and the most popular designs dominating social media.
The most coveted designer shoes in history
1. Chanel Slingbacks
Luxury shoe score: 8.46/10
Thanks to their timeless and elegant design, Chanel Slingbacks are among the most coveted designer shoes in fashion history. Therefore, it's no surprise they’ve earned a top spot on our list with a score of 8.46 out of 10.
First introduced in 1957, the revolutionary two-tone slingback has become a classic style and remains an iconic staple in many women’s wardrobes today. In fact, over the past three years, it has received more than a quarter of a million Google searches and has seen an average 22% increase in search interest since 2022.
Despite launching nearly seven decades ago, Chanel Slingbacks continue to spark conversation among fashion enthusiasts, with over 22,000 hashtags dedicated to the shoe on social media.
2. Maison Margiela Tabi Flats
Luxury shoe score: 8.13/10
Characterised by their bold and instantly recognisable, unique split-toe design, the Maison Margiela Tabi Flats rank second with a score of 8.13 out of 10. Though not the conventional classic shoes, the Tabi flats redefine what luxury and statement footwear can be.
Global Google searches for designer footwear have increased by a third (66%) compared to 2022. Not only are everyone talking about these unconventional, edgy flats, but they have also been spotted on celebrities, from the likes of Rihanna to Lady Gaga and Hailey Bieber.
3. Maison Margiela MM6 Ballerina Flats
Luxury shoe score: 7.97/10
With a modern take on classic silhouettes, Maison Margiela MM6 Ballerina Flats have become more trendy among fashion enthusiasts. With just over three-quarters of a million global Google searches across the past three years, these ballerina flats have clearly caught the attention of many style lovers worldwide.
Having also experienced an average annual increase of 20% since 2022, these shoes continue to gain popularity for effortlessly elevating everyday outfits, with over 3,300 social media hashtags for the flats. Whether paired with tailored trousers or casual denim, they offer versatility without compromising style.
The biggest must-have designer shoes of 2025
1. Balenciaga 3XL
Luxury shoe score: 8.79/10
Scoring 8.79 out of 10, Balenciaga’s 3XL trainers have grabbed the top spot as one of the most talked-about designer shoes of the year. Their ultra-wide silhouette and exaggerated proportions have attracted significant online attention, with over 5,000 social media hashtags.
With nearly one million annual global Google searches and a 22% increase in search interest in just the last three months, demand for the 3XLs continues to soar. Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian have been spotted wearing them, further boosting their popularity.
2. The Row Fisherman Sandals
Luxury shoe score: 6.97/10
For the fashion lovers seeking both style and comfort, this one’s for you. The Row’s Fisherman Sandals have gained popularity in 2025 thanks to their minimalist design. The sandals feature interwoven leather straps and a secure ankle buckle, which perfectly balances traditional features and contemporary aesthetics.
Global search interest for the Fisherman Sandals has soared by an impressive 120% across three months and has received nearly 20,000 Google searches in the past year, making it one of the ‘it’ shoes this summer.
3. Wales Bonner X Adidas Sambas
Luxury shoe score: 6.82/10
This iconic partnership has secured its place among the top three most coveted designer shoes of 2025. Captivating the fashion world, the collaboration reimagines the classic Samba silhouette by blending East African and Caribbean influences with retro aesthetics from the ’70s and ’80s.
With 21,000 global searches annually, the Wales Bonner x Adidas Sambas are in high demand, especially due to their limited-edition status. The standout ‘Studded Pack’ version features luxurious leather, metallic gold studs, and a blacked-out midsole, making it one of the most sought-after releases.
The most popular luxury shoe brands of 2025
1. Balenciaga & Louis Vuitton
Luxury brand score: 8.07/10
Tied for first place, Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton are the most popular luxury shoe brands of 2025, each scoring 8.07 out of 10. While both are forerunners in the fashion world with a strong presence, they lead in distinct ways.
Balenciaga leads with bold, avant-garde designs that challenge convention and push creative boundaries. In contrast, Louis Vuitton blends timeless elegance with a modern edge, offering a refined yet contemporary appeal.
Regarding search popularity, Louis Vuitton edges ahead slightly, with over 6.7 million annual global Google searches for its shoes, while Balenciaga follows closely with 5.5 million. Their popularity is also reflected on social media, where each brand has racked up more than 300,000 hashtags specifically related to their footwear, highlighting the widespread influence and desirability of both labels.
The priciest classic designer shoes
1. Ferragamo Rainbow Sandals
Luxury shoe price: £2,195 | €2,605 | $2,916
First introduced in 1938, the Ferragamo Rainbow Sandals were crafted for Hollywood star Judy Garland, taking inspiration from her song ‘Over the Rainbow.’ These sandals have solidified their status as a symbol of luxury and creativity in footwear. They feature an 8.5 cm platform wedge made from layered cork and are covered in vibrant suede hues. These iconic sandals cost a hefty £2,195 (€2,605 | $2,916).
2. Givenchy Shark Lock Boots
Luxury shoe price: £1,695 | €2,011 | $2,252
The Givenchy Shark Lock Boots, renowned for their distinctive design, cost £1,695 ( €2,011 | $2,252). Crafted in Italy from premium materials like calfskin leather, these boots exude luxury craftsmanship. Gaining popularity in the 2010s, these boots have become a fashion staple, thanks to being spotted on celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Lindsay Lohan, and Chrissy Teigen.
3. Christian Louboutin Kate Botta Boots
Luxury shoe price: £1,495 | €1,774 | $1,986
Priced at £1,495 (€1,774 | $1,986), the Christian Louboutin Kate Botta Boots feature an 85mm stiletto heel, a pointed toe, and a sleek, knee-high silhouette, all made complete with Louboutin's iconic red-lacquered soles. Its premium price point comes from the meticulous attention to detail and high-quality materials used to craft these boots, making them a worthy investment.
The most affordable classic designer shoes worth investing in
1. Everlane Loafers
Cost of designer shoes: £165 | €196 | $219
For fashion lovers looking for a timeless style with quality materials but without the hefty price tag, the Everlane Loafers are a great option. Thanks to their sleek silhouette and low-stacked heel, they offer versatility, suitable for both professional and casual settings.
Whether paired with tailored trousers, jeans, or dresses, this modern loafer complements various outfits, making it a great addition to your wardrobe. Priced at £165 (€196 | $219), the Everlane Loafers balance quality and affordability, positioning them as a cost-effective alternative to higher-end designer shoes.
2. Aeyde Sandals
Cost of designer shoes: £209 | €247 | $277
Aeyde Sandals are affordable luxury investments for those who want a modern take on traditional footwear. They are priced at £209 (€247 | $277) and are accessible luxury options. Combining elegance with everyday practicality, these sandals offer a clean and classic aesthetic for various seasons and occasions.
3. Loeffler Randall Leonie Flats
Cost of designer shoes: £225 | €267 | $299
Costing around £225 (€267 | $299), the Loeffler Randall Leonie Flats are crafted from soft leather, featuring a classic bow detail and an elastic bridge strap that ensures a secure fit. Their elegant design and mid-range price point make them a popular choice among those seeking luxury without the premium designer price tag.
The most expensive designer shoes of 2025
1. Louis Vuitton Footprint Boots
Cost of designer shoes: £1,910 | €2,267 | $2,537
Among the more expensive designer footwear releases of 2025, the Louis Vuitton Footprint Boots cost a whopping £1,910 (€2,267 | $2,537). Not only do the boots stand out due to their distinctive design, but they were crafted for a more premium feel.
The boots have garnered attention in the fashion world. They feature an oversized monogram pattern and rubber outsoles inspired by a bear's paw print. Notable celebrities like Justin Bieber have been spotted wearing them.
The most affordable designer shoes of 2025
1. Cos Leopard shoes
Cost of designer shoes: £155 | €184 | $206
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly way to upgrade your look for the 2025 season, then Cos Leopard Shoes are your go-to. Offering a more minimalist, fashion-forward look at a more accessible price point, this option is great for investing in trend-led footwear that elevates even the simplest outfits.
The Cos Leopard shoes cost just £155 (€184 | $206), significantly lower than other high-end luxury brands. Despite their lower price point, these shoes still feature high-quality materials like pony-hair leather and padded insoles, providing both style and comfort.
Methodology
Using sources like Harper's Bazaar and Vogue, we created a seed list of the most iconic classic designer shoes, 2025 trends, and popular shoe brands.
Using the Google Keyword Planner for the classic shoe section, we sourced the total number of global searches for each 12 months over the last 3 years (1 May 2022 - 30 Apr 2025). We also calculated the number of total searches and the average year-on-year percentage change in searches for each shoe.
Google Keyword Planner was also used for the most popular 2025 shoe trends section. We looked at the annual global Google searches from 1 May 2024 to 30 Apr 2025 and considered the three-month percentage change.
To determine the most popular brands, we searched ‘[Brand] shoes’ to get the annual number of global Google searches. We also noted the year-on-year % change for each brand.
Using each brand’s official website, we sourced the cost of each luxury shoe in GBP. On 15/05/2025, we converted this into EUR and USD using Google Finance.
The number of social media hashtags was sourced using Instagram and TikTok for each shoe across the classic and popular 2025 shoe sections.
