Transparent Shoes: The Undisputed Trend in Footwear for Spring-Summer 2025

As we approach the spring-summer season of 2025, it is evident that transparent shoes will emerge as the predominant trend in footwear. Imagine Cinderella, the iconic character from fairy tales, replacing her classic glass slippers with elegant transparent vinyl models featuring wide heels, perfect for complementing both her flowing dresses and sculptural draped tops. This transformation not only reflects a change in footwear aesthetics but also serves as a perfect metaphor for exploring one of the most prominent trends on the horizon of fashion.

In the context of the runways, the unanimous adoption of this trend is remarkable, with a multitude of versions gaining prominence since the summer collections of 2023. Consequently, it is anticipated that, in less than two years, footwear that allows glimpses of the foot will once again become a central element of the upcoming season’s wardrobe.

Variations of Transparent Shoes

Among the most influential brands, Victoria Beckham has stood out for her focus on this material. The renowned British designer has presented a variety of models made from transparent plastic, ranging from classic pumps to pointed-toe mules. This versatility translates into a wide array of proposals, from the sophisticated stiletto sandals by Versace to the flat options with black details by Lorenzo Serafini. In her latest collection, Chloé ventures into experimenting with pink plastic, creating ankle-strap flip-flop sandals, as well as cupped designs from her debut, where the wooden texture contrasts with the vinyl that, when fitted to the ankle, allows glimpses of the feet through an elegant peep-toe cutout.

The Fascination with Transparency

Beyond the childhood narratives of Charles Perrault, the idea of exposing the skin of the foot to view, even in closed shoes, reveals an almost fetishistic fascination that has deep roots in the history of footwear. During the 1960s, experimentation with innovative materials led to groundbreaking proposals from designers like Beth Levine, who introduced contemporary versions such as loafers, and Roger Vivier, who in 1966 presented boots and low-heeled shoes with transparent designs. By 2025, this trend evolves toward creating a “second design” around an opaque shoe. A clear example can be seen in Rabanne’s spring-summer collection, where classic pumps are complemented by a waterproof layer in the form of a fitted ankle boot. Similarly, Tibi explores this idea in a flat, transparent boot design that reveals a satin white sock beneath.

Architectural Design in Heels

The application of materials like Lucite, which was a trend in the 1920s in accessories such as handbags, is also making its way into heels, giving shoes an even more architectural look. Versace, for example, has incorporated this material into its sandals, which are paired with red tights. The wedge version also emerges as an interesting proposal, ranging from Gucci’s colorful mules to Dries van Noten’s sandals, whose concave shape evokes the Virgule design that Roger Vivier presented in 1963.

Transparent ‘Mesh’ Footwear

Another interpretation of the transparent shoe concept manifests in versions made with a ‘mesh’ texture, subtly suggesting the visibility of the foot, much like a stocking. In nude tones, both Simone Rocha and Fendi explore this idea through lollipop heels and Louis XV shapes, which were prominent on the runways in 2019. Meanwhile, Dries van Noten joins this trend with a green, backless wedge shoe characterized by a closed cutout, while Victoria Beckham offers her take through pointed-toe derby-style men’s shoes.

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