8 shoe trends that are in right now and 3 that are out, according to stylists

Stylist Kim Appelt told BI that prioritizing comfort is back in style, making it a great time to invest in a pair of Uggs.

Over the past few years, different iterations of the famously comfy shoes, such as Tasman slippers and mini platform boots, have become more popular.

This year, the stylist predicts the classic, tall brown boot will be trending.

Ballet flats are versatile and comfortable, and they're not going out of style anytime soon.

"Ballet flats are like God's gift to Earth," Ceila "CQ" Quarles, a designer at CQ Studios who's styled musicians and rappers, told BI. "It's a shoe that you can fit in your purse. You can't go wrong with it — it's like being barefoot."

Their ease of wear nicely fits into the current comfortability trends, and they're suitable for both street and office wear.

Sandra Okerulu, a celebrity stylist, said booties will never go out of style.

The short boots that end near the ankles can be worn for multiple occasions, making them a practical choice for your closet. They're also more inclusive for calves of all sizes than taller boots, which is a plus.

The stylist specifically recommends looking into pairs from Donald Pliner.

Whether you love or hate them, Tabis have been in the spotlight for over a year — and CQ said the split-toe shoes popularized by brands like Maison Margiela are still going strong.

"I myself own a pair that I run into the ground," she said. "I'm planning on getting at least two more for 2025."

They come in multiple styles, including flats, heels, and boots, and CQ told BI it's not too late to hop on the trend.

With big-name celebrities like Beyoncé leaning into country aesthetics, it's no surprise that cowboy boots have made a comeback. So far, it seems like the trend is sticking around this year.

"We just tapped into it because we know that it's trendy," Okerulu said. "It's fashionable, it's cute."

If you want something on trend that doesn't scream country, Appelt suggests looking into Isabel Marant's cowboy-style boots.

Both Okerulu and CQ agreed that loafers are going to be well-favored this year, largely due to trending dark-academia and preppy aesthetics.

Okerulu specifically highlighted Franco Sarto loafers, saying the brand does interesting things with textures, colors, and designs.

Okerulu said mules are going to be the perfect going-out shoe in 2025.

"Mules with a chunky heel, a slim heel, whatever you desire — those never go out of trend," she told BI.

Popular brands like Sam Edelman, Nine West, and Schutz have stylish selections of mules available if you need to refresh your collection.

CQ sees platforms — on everything from sneakers to boots — as a universally popular look for 2025.

She told BI that adding platforms to any outfit makes it "immediately hotter."

The stylist has also noticed more people sporting the elevated shoes with evening wear and in casual, everyday settings.

Although Crocs certainly made a comeback in recent years, Okerulu said you may want to hold off on buying another pair.

The stylist said she thinks the rubber shoes should only be used for practical purposes, like if you have a job where you're on your feet for a long time and need a comfortable shoe.

However, CQ said, platform Crocs are an exception as they still fit into this year's high-sole trends.

Even though loafers will be trending in 2025, Appelt said it's time to say goodbye to one style in particular: Prada's chunky loafer.

"I just feel like they had their day," she told BI.

The shoe's recognizable design and prominent logo go against the trends toward quiet luxury. People just don't want to be as obvious with their high-end clothing.

Shark boots, known for their oversized silhouette that falls down to the heel of the shoe, probably aren't a practical addition to your 2025 wardrobe.

Okerulu said they're more of a "one-time thing" due to their uncomfortable fit and over-the-top flair. They're just not versatile enough to stick around.

Minimalist styles, like booties, seem to be taking their place this year.