The Toe-Forward Revolution: 2025’s Hottest Shoe Trends and the Rise of Footwear as Fashion’s New Spotlight

What if your feet were the ultimate fashion statement? Summer 2025 is witnessing a bold shift in footwear, where thongs, mesh, diamonds, and crystals are stealing the spotlight from traditional accessories. From Chanel’s embellished-toe sandal to Kylie Jenner’s suede clogs, the fashion world is redefining style by celebrating the foot. This trend, dubbed the “footaissance” by fashion writer Liana Satenstein, is blending sensuality, nostalgia, and innovation to create a year of toe-centric fashion. Whether you’re pairing flip-flops with a tailored blazer or embellished toe rings with suede sandals, the summer 2025 shoe scene is unapologetically bold.

The Rise of Toe-Centric Footwear: From Thongs to Toe Rings

The summer 2025 shoe trends are defying conventions, with toes becoming the new focal point in fashion. Thongs, once a casual staple, are now embellished with crystals, diamonds, and suede textures, transforming them into luxurious statement pieces. At Maison Margiela’s runway show, the cloven-toe Tabis sparked insider fascination, while Jimmy Choo’s spangly metallic heels—reissued in 2025—echoed the iconic open-toe Manolos from Sex and the City, now reimagined for a new era.

Liana Satenstein, a fashion writer in Brooklyn, has been tracking this toe-forward movement for years, calling it the “footaissance”. In her Neverworn newsletter, she highlights how toes are becoming a symbol of both sensuality and individuality. “Unlike the curves achieved via cosmetic surgery, these natural foot features are overtly celebrated,” she says. Chanel and Prada have embraced this trend, with thong sandals appearing on runways and streetwear alike.

The interest in toe-centric designs is not just aesthetic—it’s cultural. Rick Owens, the renowned designer, teased a new venture by launching an OnlyFans account focused on feet, calling it an “interesting way of addressing aging”. “There’s a sensual allure to the curve of an ankle and the play of light on a toe,” he said in a recent interview, highlighting the moodiness of open-toe footwear. This shift reflects a broader trend where fashion is no longer about hiding the feet but showcasing them with precision and flair.

Boho-Chic Revival: Suede Sandals, Minimalist Clogs, and the Return of Footwear as a Statement

The boho-chic aesthetic is making a powerful comeback, with suede sandals and minimalist clogs leading the charge. Chemena Kamali, the new creative director for Chlo, has catalyzed this revival by reviving the clog as a luxury item. Her collections, which blended modern minimalism with textural depth, were captured by Victorvirgile and Gamma-Rapho for Getty Images, showcasing how clogs are now both functional and fashionable.

Lemaire, Herms, and Kiko Kostadinov have embraced this trend, showcasing thong sandals paired with toe socks and floral prints. These designers are redefining boho-chic, where suede and open-toe styles elevate casual wear to high fashion. “The clog is not just a shoe—it’s a statement of comfort and elegance,” says Satenstein, highlighting the trend’s versatility.

The spring/summer 2025 runways also celebrated suede and minimalist silhouettes, with slip-on shoes and floral-patterned clogs dominating the scene. Victorvirgile’s images of Chlo’s clog collection showcase the interplay of textile artistry and modern minimalism, proving that boho-chic is not just a retro nod but a modern movement. This revival echoes the global embrace of comfortable, expressive footwear, where luxury meets everyday wear.

Celebrities and the Footwear Fetish: Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and the Toe Ring Phenomenon

Celebrities are playing a pivotal role in popularizing summer 2025’s footwear trends, with Rihanna’s diamond toe ring and Kim Kardashian’s Yeezy heeled thongs setting the tone. Rihanna’s 2023 appearance with a crystal-encrusted ring on her middle toe sparked a fashion frenzy, with other stars like Leandra Medine Cohen (formerly The Man Repeller) joining the trend. “A suede sandal with a solitaire diamond feels like a fashion statement,” Cohen said, highlighting the contrast between casual style and luxury accessories.

Chan Luu, the luxury jewelry brand, has capitalized on this fetish by launching a line of toe rings that blend casual and statement pieces. Their “Caprice” and “Ripple” designs, featuring hefty crystals and thin metallic bands, have become must-haves for fashion-forward individuals. Tessa Tran, the CEO of Chan Luu, emphasizes that “bigger is better” when it comes to toe jewelry, aligning with the trend of bold, statement accessories.

This celebrity-driven fashion movement also includes influencers like Jalil Johnson, who dared to pair flip-flops with a blazer, creating a modern contrast. “I think flip-flops look fantastic with a suit, especially when paired with beachy textures like suede,” Johnson said. His bold choice reflects a broader trend where footwear is no longer subtle but central to the overall look.

The Future of Footwear: Sustainability, Nostalgia, and the Power of the Toe

As summer 2025’s footwear trends evolve, sustainability and nostalgia are shaping the conversation. Havaianas flip-flops, a nostalgic nod to the 2000s, have been reimagined with modern color palettes and eco-friendly materials. Kallmeyer, a designer, featured Havaianas on models in its spring 2024 lookbook, proving that retro styles can coexist with modern values.

The future of footwear also leans into technological innovation, with brands like Vibram and Ancient Greek Sandals pushing the boundaries of comfort and style. Vibram’s FiveFingers shoes, once a fashion-forward choice, have now become a symbol of minimalist design, with their “phalangeal pleasure” being celebrated in fashion circles.

Meanwhile, the footaissance is sparking debates about body image and self-expression. Liana Satenstein notes that “toe cleavage” is not just about showing skin but about redefining beauty standards. “This trend is both sensual and subversive, challenging the norms of fashion,” she said. The role of footwear in the fashion industry is becoming more diverse, with designers and celebrities collaborating to create styles that embrace the foot as a canvas for expression.

Key Takeaways

• Summer 2025 is all about toe-centric footwear, with thongs, mesh, and embellished styles taking center stage. This trend, driven by designers like Chemena Kamali and celebrities like Rihanna, reflects a shift in how fashion celebrates the foot as a statement piece.
• Boho-chic is making a powerful comeback, with suede sandals and minimalist clogs leading the revival. Lemaire, Herms, and Kiko Kostadinov are redefining the genre, where textured fabrics and floral prints merge with luxury and everyday wear.
• Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Rihanna are driving the toe ring fetish, with brands like Chan Luu capitalizing on the trend. “Bigger is better” is the mantra for statement toe jewelry, highlighting how fashion is evolving to celebrate individuality and playfulness.
• The footaissance is sparking debates about sustainability and body positivity, with brands like Havaianas and Vibram reimagining retro styles for modern audiences. This shift proves that footwear is no longer just functionality but a cultural statement.
• As summer 2025 unfolds, the intersection of fashion and footwear is defining new aesthetics, from suede sandals to embellished toe rings. This trend is here to stay, offering a fresh perspective on how style is expressed through every part of the body.