As the winds of fall 2025 start to shift, so do our wardrobe essentials. Amidst cozy knits and layered textures, footwear plays a starring role in elevating everyday outfits. Nordstrom’s Associate Fashion Director, Linda Cui Zhang, has provided her expert insight into the shoes that not only matter this season but also set the tone for modern style. Whether you’re embracing nostalgia, leaning into bold aesthetics, or seeking versatile staples, these trends promise to refresh your fall shoe collection with undeniable elegance.
Every season introduces its own narrative in footwear, and fall 2025 is no exception. From sleek silhouettes to functional designs, this year’s trends offer something for everyone. Linda has identified the must-haves that combine comfort and chicness seamlessly. So, let’s dive into the season’s hottest styles and discover the pairs you won’t want to miss.
1. **Retro Foam Favorites**: Nostalgia takes center stage with retro foam sneakers that harken back to ’70s high school track practices. Featuring thinner foam bands around the soles, these sneakers bring a vintage athletic vibe that is effortlessly stylish. Pair them with wide-leg jeans or a breezy fall dress for a look that’s equal parts laid-back and polished.
Free People Aces Sneakers and New Balance’s 574 Core Sneakers dominate the scene, offering a mix of heritage-inspired designs and everyday wearability. With brands like Veja and Tretorn also embracing this trend, there are plenty of options to suit your personal style. These retro foam designs are not only fashion-forward but also incredibly versatile.
Product on Amazon: CUSHIONAIRE Women’s Score lace up Sneaker +Comfort Foam, Wide Widths Available
Price: $44.99
Rating: 4.0 with 336 ratings
Sole material: Rubber
Outer material: Faux Leather
Closure type: Lace-Up
Water resistance level: Water Resistant
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2. **Extra-Slim Soles**: Minimalism meets retro in this trend, where slim soles redefine sneaker silhouettes for fall. Perfected by luxury houses like Dries Van Noten and Stella McCartney, this style emphasizes streamlined designs and a sleek, understated aesthetic. Think of them as the ideal bridge between fashion-forward looks and practical wear.
Adidas Tokyo Sneakers and Vivaia’s Cristina Derby Flats exemplify this slim sole trend. These sneakers are perfect for pairing with tailored trousers or cropped pants, ensuring your fall outfit remains effortlessly chic. Whether dressed up or down, they offer the finesse of high style with the comfort of daily wear.
Product on Amazon: Memory Foam Insoles for Women, Replacement Shoe Inserts for Work Boot, Running Shoes, Hiking Shoes, Sneaker, Cushion Shoe Insoles Shock Absorbing for Foot Pain Relief, Comfort Inner Soles Pink US 9
Brand: Brand: LTOHOE
Price: 9.99 USD
Rating: 4.3 Total reviews: 10717
Color: Women Pink-6mm
Product Benefits: Foot Pain
Use for: Foot
Material: Memory Foam
Features:
1. These insoles are made of 6mm and 8mm memory foam, which offers long time cushion and feet support, helps planter facilities and foot pain relief. Active Carbon Particles keep your feet dry and fresh all day.
2. LTOHOE memory foam insoles help you enormously when working or standing all day as the memory foam absorbs pressure on your legs. Shock absorbing insoles for long-distance walking, hiking or running.
3. Great choice for your insoles replacement. They would make your boots and shoes much more comfortable!
4. Super lightweight and washable inner soles. Please choose your shoes size or size down, base on your feet fat or slim and shoes space.
5. They are the ideal gift for your wife, friends, mum or grandma. For their health and comfort. Offer the insoles to her and impress them.
Top Review from US: “I recently purchased these Memory Foam Insoles and I have to say, they’ve exceeded my expectations. I spend long hours on my feet, and these insoles have made a noticeable difference in both comfort and support. The memory foam offers a soft yet firm cushioning that molds to the shape of my feet, providing much-needed relief from foot pain.”
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3. **Court-Ready Kicks**: Court sneakers with gum soles are back, and they’re here to stay. Adidas Sambas continue to reign supreme, while heritage designs from Puma and Nike are making a strong comeback. With their retro flair and sporty undertones, these sneakers add effortless cool to any wardrobe.
Style them with crew socks for a nostalgic throwback that pairs perfectly with both casual and semi-formal outfits. With options like Puma Palermo Sneakers and Nike Killshot 2 Sneakers, court-ready kicks are destined to be a season favorite.
Product on Amazon: CS50 Lightweight Pickleball Court Shoe with Non Marking Rubber Sole Suitable for Indoor and Badminton Sport
Brand: Brand: SOLM8
Price: 59.99 USD
Rating: 3.8 Total reviews: 51
Sole material: Rubber
Outer material: TPU + Mesh
Closure type: Lace-Up
Features:
1. BREATHABLE & LIGHT- Breathable air mesh upper with synthetic overlays for lightweight comfort and support.
2. DURABLE PROTECTION: High-density outsole provides unsurpassed durability from heel-to-toe. Lightweight EVA midsole for shock absorption and comfort.
3. ANTI SWIVEL RUBBER- Non-marking rubber outsole designed for use on all courts. Anti-swivel rubber acts as a shock absorber to enhance agility, allowing you to play your best on the tennis, pickleball or badminton court.
4. MULTIZONE IMPACT PROTECT LINER: The unique optimal material combination of hard, soft and different density foam/EVA creates a SOLM8 customized protection system to absorb multi zone impact, provide support and comfort in various playing positions on court.
5. heelGUARD: Molded TPU heel counter offers increased abrasion-resistance and support for multi-directional foot movement while on court.
Top Review from US: “I use this for badminton on a wood surface. The quality and design are on par with leading brands like Yonex or Li-Ning (may be even slightly better). My ankle feel very much supported for jump shots and excellent traction when reaching for drops. Amazing feel for the shoe and mid plate will prevent twisting of foot as it is very sturdy. I love this shoe. I highly recommend it for any badminton or racquet sport player like Squash, Pickleball, Racquet ball. You can tell that finish quality is impeccable.Update: 8/2/2024.I also gifted this to my cousin, who loves this.I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS SHOE COMFORT AND PERFORMANCE COMPARED TO YONEX. WAY LESS EXPENSIVE AND BETTER THAN YONEX OR MIZNOU.”
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4. **Slick Silver Statement**: Silver shoes are stealing the show this fall, offering a metallic twist to traditional sneaker designs. Seen on fashion week attendees across the globe, silver is the new neutral that blends effortlessly into your wardrobe.
Steve Madden Madrid Sneakers and Adidas Taekwondo Sneakers capture this trend beautifully, combining street style with futuristic elegance. Whether paired with denim or a flowy maxi dress, silver sneakers add a touch of boldness to your ensemble without overshadowing it.
Product on Amazon: Bandolino Women’s Laura Loafer
Price: $39.50 – $55.30
Rating: 4.2 with 21 ratings
Origin: Imported
Sole material: Synthetic Rubber
Outer material: Polyurethane (PU)
Closure type: Pull-On
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5. **Ballet Sneakers**: This quirky fusion of ballet flats and sneakers is the most daring trend of the season. With influences from cutting-edge labels like Simone Rocha, brands like Steve Madden, Puma, and Zara have put their unique spin on this hybrid style.
From Steve Madden’s Scooter Sneakers to Zara’s Split Leather Lace-Up Ballet Flats, these shoes bring a playful yet sophisticated vibe. They’re perfect for those who want to make a statement without compromising on comfort. Whether styled with midi skirts or tailored slacks, ballet sneakers add a whimsical touch.
Product on Amazon: PPQ Women’s Jazz Shoes Lace-up Sneakers Modern Dance Shoes Air Cushion Platform Walking Dance Shoes
Brand: Visit the PPQ Store
Price: 36.99 USD
Rating: 4.2 Total reviews: 348
Fabric type: Mesh
Origin: Imported
Sole material: Rubber
Outer material: Textiles
Features:
1. Thoughtful Upper Design: Knitted mesh fabric technology is delicate and soft, light and breathable, allowing your feet to be fully relaxed, and you can enjoy comfort anytime, anywhere when dancing.
2. Flexible Dance Shoes: The MD soles are bouncy for durability and traction, 360-degree bending and twisting at will, giving your feet a barefoot experience.
3. Lightweight & Fashion: Dance shoes heel height is about 1.96 inches, stable and comfortable, it can modify the overall proportion of the leg curve and elongation, Ultra light and flexible for amateur & professional dancer.
4. Cushioned Sole: The unique professional full sole with air cushion provide reliable grip, good protection and sufficient cushioning, make our dance sneakers the ideal choice for modern dance, aerobics classes and daily wearing.
5. Suitable occasions: Jazz dance, foxtrot, quick salsa, latin, cha cha, waltz, rumba, swing, samba, disco, jive, tango, flamenco, tap or some other special occasion. Excellent dance starts with good quality shoes.
Top Review from US: “These are great! Very comfortable on the feet. Colors are fun. When I’m teaching multiple classes, jazz shoes are not giving me the support I need. These shoes function well for dancing and working on various moves. The teen girls in one class, and several parents, have asked where I got them. They thought they looked great!”
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6. **The Dad Sneaker Revival**: Gender-inclusive and comfort-driven, dad sneakers are making a stylish return. New Balance, Asics, and Nike have all perfected this chunky, retro-inspired silhouette. Jennifer Lawrence’s streetwear approach highlights their versatility, as they can be paired with anything from tailored suits to casual activewear.
With options like the New Balance 1906R sneakers and Asics Gel-1130s, dad sneakers bring a nostalgic yet contemporary edge to your fall wardrobe. Their blend of comfort and style makes them a must-have for every fashion enthusiast.
Product on Amazon: Skechers Women’s D lites Me Time
Price: $35.24 – $52.05
Rating: 4.6 with 12019 ratings
Sole material: Rubber
Outer material: Trubuck Leather, Heathered Jersey Knit
Closure type: Lace-Up
Water resistance level: Water Resistant
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As we close this journey through Fall 2025’s most exciting shoe trends, it’s clear that this season is all about embracing individuality, utility, and boldness in your footwear choices. Whether you gravitate towards retro aesthetics, futuristic designs, or timeless classics with a twist, there’s a pair waiting to elevate your wardrobe. So why wait? Step into the season with confidence and style, knowing you’re walking in the shoes that truly matter.
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