7 New Flat-Shoe Trends That Are Way Cooler Than Ballet Flats

I hate to say it, but ballet flats might be losing some steam. Keyword might! While the utterly classic and timeless shoe will always remain just that, they’ve maintained their status at the default pair of flat shoes all year long and looking ahead at fall 2025, that number-one status appears to be slipping. That’s not to say that you should consider them “done”, but instead take a look at a number of fresher flat-shoe trends that are already vying to take their place and have a considerable impact on cool fall style.

As for what’s coming next, the coolest flats of the moment include preppy boat shoes, sumptuous suede loafers, and luxe-looking calf-hair finishes. Hybrid flats like the viral “sneakerinas” are also creating a considerable amount of buzz at the moment. All in all, there are simply too many fresh and forward flat-shoe styles emerging at the moment to accept plain ballerinas as the default. So ahead, discover which seven flat-shoe trends are set to take their place.

I don’t make the rules, but clogs are back. No, not the chunky wooden styles but low-profile suede mules that are made for minimalists. The Row’s Hugo Mules are, of course, the goal but with celeb-approved alts like the UGG Elea Slippers—just $125—it’s a trend everyone will be getting in on.