Top Summer Shoe Trends of 2025

Footbed Sandals

It's no secret that footbed sandals are extremely trendy right now. Not only are they a comfortable alternative to a flat non supportive sandal, they come in so many varieties it's hard to not want a pair for every occasion. Footbed sandals have evolved over the years to include options for the more casual footwear enthusiast with the OG Birkenstock sandals while also giving love to the fashionistas with higher platforms and elevated features like metal finishes, metallic details, and intricate patterns and fabrics. With so many different options, its easy to pair footbed sandals with a flowy sundress, jeans shorts, or your favorite farmer's market look to complete your fit. Shop our collection of footbed sandals.

Natural Sandals

Nothing screams summer getaway more than a woven sandal, raffia platform wedge, or cork flip-flop—each adding the perfect amount of boho flair to any outfit. These are truly cute yet timeless summer shoes. The "clean-girl" aesthetic is effortless when you pair natural materials with your favorite neutrals. Or, if that look isn't for you, add a pop of summer fun to lean into your own style. Take a look at our collection of women's natural sandals—from slingbacks, to wedges, and platform heels.

Toe-Loop Sandals

Our next couple of trends might surprise you—or maybe you’re not quite sure what they are or if they’re for you. Fear not, we’re in this journey together, and thankfully, there are plenty of options to help you find what best fits your style—and more importantly, your foot. Toe-loop sandals aren’t as scary as they sound. They’re just another type of open-toe footwear, but this time, your big toe gets a little more security with a strap that—well, you guessed it—loops around it. Check out our selection of this latest toe-loop trend. We’re sure you’ll find a pair that fits perfectly in your closet.

Jelly Sandals

Jelly sandals—although not made of jelly—are possibly just as nostalgic as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. For us '90s kids, these soft, flexible plastic shoes are not the only fashion items resurfacing from our childhood. Be sure to pair them with your favorite denim shorts, cargos, or high-waisted pants. Our personal favorite way to style jelly sandals is with a pair of white linen pants. They add a fun and interesting summer flair to your outfit, while the linen minimalism balances everything out perfectly. So what are you waiting for? Shop our collection of jelly sandals and rock that retro look in no time.

Low-Profile Sneakers

Speaking of trends making a resurgence, we can’t forget to mention low-profile sneakers. The opportunities are endless to sport some of your old favorites thanks to the adidas Barreda Decode and PUMA Bella Donna to Nike Killshot 2 and Reebok Club C 85 sneakers. These shoes have been hot for a while, and the brands don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon when it comes to new colors and silhouettes. How’s a girl to choose? Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong—bold and slim sneakers look good with just about any outfit. Dress them up or down, and they’ll take you from a girls’ night out to Sunday errands with little to no effort. Check out our full selection of low-profile kicks.

Retro Sneakers

Retro sneakers are more than just a nod to the past—they're a bold fashion statement that blends nostalgia with modern flair. These shoes channel the iconic styles of the '70s, '80s, and '90s, offering a timeless aesthetic that pairs effortlessly with everything from jeans to joggers. Whether you're after the clean lines of a tennis classic or the chunky silhouette of a vintage trainer, retro sneakers deliver both comfort and style. We know, we know—it can be hard to get over the look of a chunky dad sneaker. But thankfully, there are so many cool retro options to choose from, like the New Balance 237 or Nike Court Legacy. Check out our full selection of retro sneakers and find the one that fits your look.

Colorful Court Sneakers

Colorful court sneakers are another great option for those of us who love a sporty streetwear look. No one said these shoes are strictly for the court—wear them with jeans to a casual dinner, while grabbing groceries in athleisure, or even to the pickleball court. These vibrant kicks take the clean, structured silhouette of classic court shoes and infuse them with eye-catching hues, playful patterns, and unexpected textures. Whether you're dressing up a casual outfit or adding a pop of color to your athleisure look, colorful court sneakers offer the perfect blend of retro charm and modern flair. This season really is all about nostalgia—can you tell? Click to explore our selection of colorful court sneakers.

Feminine Details

Time to switch it up and talk about the more feminine side of this summer’s trends. Feminine details are a fun way to add a touch of summer to your outfit. With gems, flowers, and a hint of lace, you can really elevate any look. We’d be remiss if we didn’t first mention our beloved Betsey Johnson, who is the queen of adding feminine flair to any silhouette. If bold statements aren’t your thing, you can still add a touch of femininity with a simple ballet flat, kitten heel, or classic pump. Browse our full collection of feminine details —and when you’re finished, add a bow to it.

Boat Shoes

It’s summer, so we simply must include some nautical charm—and what screams salty summer ocean days more than a boat shoe? Boat shoes are the epitome of laid-back sophistication, seamlessly blending nautical charm with everyday versatility. Originally designed for life on deck, these shoes have evolved into a timeless wardrobe staple thanks to their slip-resistant soles, moc-toe stitching, and easy slip-on design. Whether you're hitting the boardwalk or enjoying endless days in the sun, you can snag a pair of Sperry Authentic Original boat shoes or try the Dockers Beacon Boat Shoe. Who’s the captain now? Click the link to explore all your boat day options.

Mesh Flats

Ballet flats have made quite the comeback this year, so it’s no surprise they’ve hit us with a hot-weather option—and thank goodness, because our toes can finally breathe while we rock one of our favorite styles all summer long. You’ll find standout styles like the Steve Madden Luxxy Mary Jane Flat, which combines a sheer mesh upper with a dainty strap for a modern twist on a vintage silhouette. A Mesh Ballet Flat from Kelly & Katie offers a minimalist look with subtle shimmer—perfect for dressing up or down. For a more fashion-forward option, try a mesh flat with a classic square toe that flatters the leg while keeping things light and breathable. Mesh flats are a great alternative to heels for those days when you just don’t want your feet to suffer. Shop our entire collection of mesh flats here.

Shop Summer Shoe Trends at DSW

It's hard to keep up with the fashion trends, it's like reorganizing your closet every week—just when you’ve finally folded all your skinny jeans, baggy pants come back in style. Trust us, we get it. If you want to shop all of our summer styles in one click, then head over to our Summer Shop. Here you can find a complete collection of footwear for summer as well as some solid classics. Need it today? Check us out on DoorDash or buy online and pick up at a DSW store near you!