Black Shoes Are Eternally Chic, But These 7 Alts Are Much Cooler

There's nothing like finding a staple piece that you can rely on, no matter the occasion. For most of the year, these are my black shoes. Timeless, endlessly versatile and undeniably chic, black shoes in any style are guaranteed to leave me feeling put-together time and time again. However, although black footwear will never leave my capsule wardrobe, I have found myself feeling a little bored of always relying on the same colour. So for summer 2025, I've decided to invest in some new shoe colours to elevate my outfits.

As a minimalist, swapping out my neutral clothes for trendier hues felt too drastic and way out of my comfort zone. Shoes, however, are a much gentler way of injecting colour and adding more interest to my summer looks. Contrasting my white midi dress or black linen trousers with a stand-out shade will look cool and elevated, but the smaller silhouette of the shoe will still allow my outfits to feel effortless and remain on the elegant side of dressing.

Still, I'm well aware that all trends come and go, even when it comes to footwear. So for this reason, I've decided to focus my attention on some tried-and-tested hues straight from my Instagram feed. Think more subtle and wearable shades that even the most pared-back dressers among us can wear to elevate summer outfits without feeling too out there.

If you're also looking for an easy way to elevate your outfits this season, below I've rounded up seven colours that are just as versatile as your classic black footwear, but feel just that little bit cooler for 2025.

Keep scrolling to shop the seven fresh shoe colours I'm investing in this summer.

7 Trending Shoe Colours I'm Wearing for Summer 2025:

1. Off-White

Style Notes: White footwear is a summer classic, however, I often find that they look too stark against the darker colours I opt for. For this reason, I'll be investing in off-white shoes much like Debora's flip-flops (shown above) as a softer alternative that still feels fresh for the warmer months.

Shop Off-White Shoes:

AEYDE

Melody Leather Flip Flops

The summer shoe I currently have my eye on.

ME+EM

Leather Fisherman Sandal

This chic off-white hue is just as versatile the classic black fisherman sandal.

COS

Leather Ballerina Flats

2. Cherry Red

Style Notes: Red might initially feel like a very bold choice, but the colour actually pairs extremely seamlessly with both neutrals and vibrant hues alike. This season, I'm on a special hunt for the perfect pair of cherry red flip-flops.

Shop Cherry Red Shoes:

ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS

Saionara Leather Flip Flops

Pared-back, but interesting enough to add character to an outfit.

Mint Velvet

Kit Red Leather Buckle Slingback Heels

I really rate Mint Velvet shoes this season.

Puma

Speedcat Og Trainers

I've spotted so many of our editors in these.

3. Pale Yellow

Style Notes: Buttery yellow shades initially took off in 2024, and it shows no sign of slowing down. For 2025, I'm turning to paler iterations that can be paired easily with my more pared-back summer palette.

Shop Butter Yellow Shoes:

This pair went straight into my basket.

Next

Forever Comfort® Square Toe Post Low Heels

I've had my eye on these since early spring.

The Row

Liisa Kitten Heel

Great for in and out of the office.

4. Chocolate Brown

Style Notes: Chocolate brown is not just for winter. In fact, there is currently a myriad of chic summer shoe styles in this warm hue, from easy-to-style sandals to versatile trainer options.

Shop Chocolate Brown Shoes:

Reformation

Jessie Thong Sandal

Chocolate brown suede? Yes, please!

Simple, but so very effective.

ALOHAS

Tb.490 Rife Panelled Suede Sneakers

A trainer you'll reach for no matter the season.

5. Oatmeal

Style Notes: 'Oatmeal' shades like taupe and beige really come into their own throughout the warmer seasons. The perfect midpoint between dark brown and cream, you'll be able to style this hue with so many different colours, prints or patterns.

Shop Oatmeal Shoes:

These are a bestseller for very good reason

& Other Stories

Strappy Block Heel Sandals

The perfect summer event shoe.

HEYDUDE

Wendy Stretch Canvas Shoes

The chunkier sole will ensure all-day comfort.

6. Bordeaux

Style Notes: Bordeaux is another colour that you might think can only be worn when it's cold out. However, this French-girl-approved burgundy hue can work no matter the time of year, providing just the right amount of elegance to any look.

Shop Bordeaux Shoes:

Prada

Nappa Leather Ballerinas

ZARA

Flat Leather Sandals With Straps and Decoration

Breathable, comfortable, and oh-so-chic.

MANGO

Kitten Heel Sandals

These look way more expensive than their under-£40 price tag.

7. Metallic Gold

Style Notes: Ideal for any wedding guest or formal summer event outfit, a pair of metallic gold shoes will serve you well all season long. The heeled styles are forever elegant, however, opting for flat shoes in this stand-out colour will allow you to look put-together without compromising on comfort.

Bottega Veneta

Women's Stretch Lace-Up Sandal in Gold

Style with Bermuda shorts or wear with a flowing poplin skirt

ARKET

Metallic Mary Jane Flats

The asymmetric strap gives this pair an elevated edge.

Aquazzura

Almost Bare Metallic Leather Sandals

These will go with everything.