The Heel Trends That Will Be Hot For Fall 2025

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To avoid looking outdated as time ventures on into fall 2025, it's important to sidestep outworn heels and adopt the season's trendiest looks. Not only will we see another wave of chic pumps on the streets, but we'll also be sipping our pumpkin spice lattes and showing off fall 2025's hair trends in stylish peep-toes and an unexpected print ... snakeskin! But they're not the only go-to footwear styles you need on your radar. 

After rearing their head as a fall 2023 boot trend, sock boots are back again (but with a modern twist, so keep your 2010 version in the closet). Stylish Mary Janes — which you can wear without looking too buttoned up — are also heating up, and they're ideal if you're looking for a shoe that offers as much versatility as the autumnal weather. Whatever your heel preference, trust us when we say fall 2025 has something for everyone.

Pumps are a widely-loved shoe for a reason, as they're incredibly versatile and an easy way to elevate even the most casual fall outfits. The new wave of popularity for late 2025 is tied to the corporate dressing trend we've seen on the runways of some of the biggest fashion houses, including Calvin Klein, whose autumn/winter runway saw an array of pumps teamed with sophisticated pencil skirts. Try Calvin Klein Women's Gayle2 Pump or Steve Madden's Women's Pump for a luxury look.

Sock boots are back, but not in the way you're probably thinking. Cynthia Kennedy, creator of Your Style Transformation Academy, exclusively told Women that the stiletto version of the boot is out for fall/winter 2025, sharing, "They don't offer much structure and often don't flatter unless styled just right. Most women want boots that feel modern and practical, especially as lifestyles shift toward comfort-driven fashion." The block heel version — like the ALDO Women's Stassy Ankle Boot or CUSHIONAIRE's Women's Russel Knit Ankle Boot — though? Very much in.

Ready to take a walk on the wild side? Animal print heels are one of the hottest trends of fall 2025, with Julia Styles leading the way in leopard-print pumps earlier in the year. If you want to be super on trend, though, try XINIUNIU Snakeskin Heels for Women or the AUMOTED Women Low Heel Pumps Slingback Heels in Snake Print, because snakeskin print heels in particular have slithered their way to the top of the trend chain. Remember, though, that the print can be divisive, so it's best paired with a simpler ensemble.

We already warned you about peep-toe heels being the formerly outdated shoe trend back in 2025, and that's no different as we head into fall. As Cynthia Kennedy previously told us, though, there's a modern way to wear style to avoid the outdated early 2010 look. "Today's peep-toe moment feels softer, more refined, and intentional. Think sculptural kitten heels, sleek mules, minimalist ankle-wrap styles — not that clunky black patent leather pump from 2011," she said, exclusively. Extra bonus? You can wear peep-toes with tights for extra fall warmth.

We know, square-toed sandals were deemed outdated shoes for spring 2025, but all that's changed as the temperature turns a little chillier. Square-toed heels are back in a big way this fall, so you won't look out of place if you sport a square-toed boot (which is perfect for chilly or rainy autumn days) to a Thanksgiving gathering. To keep it current, though, try a more rounded-off square shape, such as the Modatope Knee High Boots or the DREAM PAIRS Knee High Boots for Women.

Mary Janes are one of the formerly outdated shoe trends back in style for 2025, and they're ideal for fall because they're so versatile. You can pair a shorter, block heel Mary Jane (such as the VenusCelia Women's Mary Jane Pump) with tailored pants for an autumnal walk in the leaves or for a dressier fall celebration, a higher heel (like the Trary Platform Mary Jane) with long socks or tights and a skater dress can make a solid fall outfit staple.

If you're looking for fall 2025's hottest heel accessory, look no further than the preppy buckle. We recommend choosing shoes where it has a practical use, though, like the femflame Women's Low Chunky Heel Mary Jane Pumps (which will have you channeling your inner Blair Waldorf) or the Women's Slingback Kitten Heels from Odentina. Choosing shoes, especially boots, where the buckle is overly ostentatious and purely aesthetic, could make you look outdated, as Cynthia Kennedy previously told Women, "Boots that are overloaded with shiny metal details feel more 2013 than 2025."

As Ira Lysa, CEO of Imperial Alterations, previously told Women, super high heels are out in 2025 — and they won't be back for fall. "Heel trends have shifted from statement-making and dramatic to sleek and wearable," Lysa said while breaking down the outdated heels to step away from in 2025. "... 2025 is all about pretty, plus ease," she added. As the weather shifts, try shoes that have a heel no taller than three inches to make the most of the trendy shift back to comfier footwear.