It's Official — Grandma's Closet Should Be Your First Stop For The Trendiest Winter 2025 Shoes

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Grandma shoes are hot for winter 2025. Really. Just as we were getting over the unexpected news that outdated peep-toe shoes are back in, footwear you'd expect to see on your parents' parents has officially made a surprise comeback, too. So, first things first, what constitutes a grandma shoe? It's not quite as dramatic as slipping into your meemaw's favorite pair of fluffy, tartan slippers, but it is about opting for something slightly dressier, more sophisticated, and warmer than the sleek sneaker trend that's been popular for fall. To nail this trend, think sensible, comfortable, and refined footwear with an element of nostalgia. That could mean incorporating a patent finish, a bow, or practical buckles. Mary Janes (which had a big resurgence in 2023) can also make great grandma shoes, because they're a nod to trends past in a chic way. Grandma shoes don't have to be flats, though. If you prefer a heel, opt for a chunky or low pair — two of the best heel choices for older women — to provide style and comfort.

When you're ready to take the plunge, Vertundy's Loafers are totally grandmother-approved, as are Coutgo Mary Jane Flats. If you're looking for more evening-appropriate footwear or a slight heel, try the Anxle Women's Pumps. The ShowHow Chunky Low Block Heel Mary Jane Shoes from Mofri will work, too.

We've already seen a slew of celebs rocking the grandma shoe trend, which has given us some serious inspo. In October, Naomi Watts walked us into the next season while out in New York in pointed-toe, navy blue, kitten heels. The "King Kong" star paired her practical yet stylish shoes with bright blue, wide-leg pants (which you can still rock even if you have shorter legs), and a royal blue top that confirmed monochrome outfits can be winners even on the laziest days. However, she added a light brown jacket to give the look extra dimension and texture in the cooler temperatures.

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Tessa Thompson was also a grandma shoe queen in the Big Apple. One week prior to Watts stepping out, she was snapped in thick, low-heeled, pointed-toe, red-brown shoes with gold hardware over the top of her foot. She gave us a full-on chic grandma aesthetic (in a good way) by pairing them with a baggy, bright red, leather-look maxi skirt and a beige cardigan, accessorized with a classic, black belt. Who said dressing like our grandparents wasn't cool?