As Paris Fashion Week takes over the runways and sidewalks, one thing has become abundantly clear: 2025 is the year of statement-making footwear. While classic silhouettes remain wardrobe staples, today’s luxury consumers are gravitating toward bold reinventions, nostalgic revivals, and designs that toe the line between comfort and couture.
Recent data from Slingo has revealed the most Googled and socially shared designer shoes of the year — a definitive glimpse into what the world is stepping into. From clunky maximalist sneakers to minimalist sandals and retro-inspired collaborations, these styles are dominating both digital feeds and physical closets.
Here’s an in-depth look at the most searched, styled, and snapped designer shoes of 2025, backed by numbers, trends, and cultural relevance.
1. Balenciaga 3XL Trainers
900,500 Annual Searches | +22% Search Surge in 3 Months
At the top of the list is Balenciaga’s 3XL Trainers — the most polarizing and powerful shoe of the year. With their exaggerated chunky profile and oversized laces, these sneakers have transcended their ironic design to become a streetwear staple. Originally met with skepticism, the 3XL silhouette is now everywhere: on red carpets, at airport terminals, and dominating social media feeds.
Fuelled by a recent Kim Kardashian sighting and over 5,000 hashtags on Instagram alone, the sneaker’s rise is backed by real demand. With global searches approaching a million annually, the 3XL has cemented its status as the breakout star of the luxury sneaker space.
2. The Row Fisherman Sandals
19,800 Annual Searches | +120% Search Surge in 3 Months
On the opposite end of the spectrum, The Row’s Fisherman Sandals offer quiet luxury at its finest. Clean, secure, and understated, the sandal merges old-world utility with modern elegance. Crafted in premium leather and sitting on minimalist soles, this style is being embraced by fashion insiders who favor craftsmanship over logos.
The Row — known for reshaping minimalism — has turned the once-humble fisherman sandal into a fashion must-have. With a 120% jump in online interest, the style proves that 2025’s luxury crowd is still deeply invested in functional, elevated simplicity.
3. Wales Bonner x Adidas Samba “Studded Pack”
One of the most searched collaborations of the year
Grace Wales Bonner’s continued partnership with Adidas has given rise to one of the most culturally rich sneaker stories of the year. The Wales Bonner x Adidas Samba “Studded Pack” blends 1970s football nostalgia with Caribbean craftsmanship, resulting in a product that’s both highly wearable and deeply symbolic.
With supple leather finishes, hand-stitched details, and a limited-edition design, the Samba’s status as a fashion grail is well-earned. The shoe appeals equally to sneakerheads, collectors, and editorial stylists, positioning it as a cultural artifact as much as a shoe.
4. Miu Miu Ballerina Loafers
Miu Miu continues to lead the balletcore trend, and in 2025, it’s their ballerina loafers that have caught fire. Think structured soles with dainty straps — combining the polish of a loafer with the grace of a ballet flat. It’s the perfect balance of prep and performance, beloved by Gen Z and millennial tastemakers alike.
Seen everywhere from TikTok GRWMs to Vogue’s street style snaps, Miu Miu has proven that hyper-femininity can also be power dressing.
5. Loewe Flower Petal Heels
For those leaning into maximalist aesthetics, Loewe’s petal-shaped heels offer sculptural drama. Designed by Jonathan Anderson, these heels are less about wearability and more about making a statement. Floral-inspired architecture on each step makes them an art piece — and a social media magnet.
Perfect for editorial shoots and gala appearances, they’re defining a new era of surrealist fashion in footwear.
6. Alaïa Mesh Mary Janes
With a nod to both ‘90s minimalism and contemporary edge, Alaïa’s mesh Mary Janes are this year’s dark horse. Lightweight, breathable, and elevated with signature cuts, these heels have been seen on everyone from Hailey Bieber to fashion editors in Copenhagen.
Their versatile design allows them to move from daywear to evening effortlessly, adding modern elegance to a nostalgic silhouette.
7. Chanel Quilted Combat Boots
Chanel continues to blend utility with luxury, and their quilted leather combat boots are the new winter staple for 2025. Set on chunky soles with the maison’s iconic stitched detailing, these boots are favored for their functionality without sacrificing signature French sophistication.
Equally at home on snowy streets or high-fashion runways, they signal the return of durable glamour.
8. Bottega Veneta Orbit Sneakers
Following the success of their Puddle Boots, Bottega Veneta’s Orbit Sneakers have surged in popularity. Sleek yet futuristic, with technical fabrics and curving lines, these sneakers exemplify the brand’s move into high-performance fashion.
Pairing runway aesthetics with ergonomic design, they cater to luxury consumers who want comfort without compromise.
9. Gucci Horsebit Slingback Pumps
The revival of the Gucci Horsebit Slingback in 2025 is no accident. Under creative director Sabato De Sarno, Gucci is embracing the codes of retro luxury — and the Horsebit, one of the brand’s most iconic motifs, is leading the charge.
Timeless, refined, and incredibly wearable, this style is favored by professionals and partygoers alike.
10. Prada Moto Boots
Utility meets rebellion in Prada’s Moto Boots, which fuse biker aesthetics with couture polish. With rugged hardware, lug soles, and clean leatherwork, these boots embody Prada’s continued exploration of strength in femininity.
They’re not just fashion boots — they’re armor, and in 2025, every wardrobe needs a pair.
Final Step: Footwear as Identity in 2025
From maximalist sneakers to heritage-inspired sandals and everything in between, designer shoes in 2025 are more than accessories — they’re expressions of personality, culture, and status.
Whether you lean minimalist, avant-garde, or nostalgic, this year’s most-searched styles offer something for every fashion identity. With demand driven by both data and desire, one thing is clear: the most powerful fashion statements this year start from the ground up.
