Boho style has always been about free-spirited, laid-back vibes—but even the breeziest look can start to feel dated if you’re not careful. The key to keeping boho fresh in 2025? It’s all in the shoes. The right pair instantly updates floaty dresses and wide-leg pants, while the wrong ones can drag your outfit straight back to the early 2010s (and not in a cool way).
To help you navigate the new boho era, we’ve rounded up 6 shoes that modernize the aesthetic—and 6 that keep it stuck in the past.
1. Sleek Western Boots (Pointed Toe)
Embrace the frontier spirit with a refined edge. Minimalist pointed-toe western boots offer a fresh twist on the classic cowboy style. With their smooth leather finish and understated silhouette, they enhance the boho aesthetic without overpowering it. Picture these boots paired with a flowing maxi dress, adding a touch of structure and sophistication.
These boots are not just about style; they’re about making a statement that speaks to both tradition and modernity. With a nod to the old West, they bring a sleek elegance to today’s fashion landscape.
2. Flatform Sandals
Step into summer with flatform sandals that perfectly marry height with comfort. Their chunky silhouette offers an updated look, ideal for pairing with breezy dresses or wide-leg pants. These sandals bring a sense of casual elegance to any boho ensemble, effortlessly elevating your style.
Flatform sandals provide a subtle lift while maintaining comfort, ideal for long walks on the beach or city explorations. Their modern design keeps the boho vibe fresh and appealing, making them a must-have for the fashion-forward.
3. Sculptural Block Heels
Sculptural block heels are a masterpiece of contemporary design. Featuring artsy shapes and clean lines, they add a unique touch to floaty boho pieces. These heels are more than just footwear; they are a statement of individuality and creativity.
Perfect for those who appreciate art in fashion, these heels provide structure and sophistication. Whether you’re attending an art show or a garden party, sculptural block heels offer an elegant counterpoint to the whimsicality of boho prints.
4. Barely-There Strappy Heels
For those who love the elegance of simplicity, barely-there strappy heels are the ideal choice. These minimalist shoes let your boho prints take center stage, providing a balance that makes your outfit breathe.
Strappy heels offer a chic touch without the fuss, perfect for evening events or casual gatherings. Their understated elegance complements the boho spirit, allowing you to embrace femininity with a modern twist.
5. Modern Fisherman Sandals
Modern fisherman sandals bring a fresh update to a classic design. With clean leather finishes, they balance out romantic boho looks without overshadowing them.
Ideal for both men and women, these sandals offer versatility and comfort, making them perfect for outdoor adventures or casual city strolls. Their contemporary appeal keeps the boho vibe grounded in elegance, ensuring you stay stylish and comfortable on every journey.
6. Lug-Sole Boots
Lug-sole boots redefine the boundaries between rugged and refined. Their robust sole adds an edge to boho styles, preventing them from feeling overly soft.
In monochrome leather, these boots are versatile enough for city streets or countryside paths. They inject a hint of rebellion into the gentle world of boho fashion, making them an essential addition for those who dare to stand out.
7. Classic Gladiator Sandals (Knee-High)
Once the darling of festival fashion, knee-high classic gladiator sandals now carry the weight of nostalgia. Their intricate straps and bold design were once the hallmark of boho style, yet today they can date an outfit.
These sandals evoke memories of carefree days but may hinder contemporary boho expressions. While they hold a place in boho history, their literal interpretation of style makes them less fitting for modern wardrobes.
8. Fringe Boots
Remember the era when fringe was the ultimate boho statement? Fringe boots carried that torch, but today they sing a tune that’s unmistakably early-2010s. While undeniably fun, they can overwhelm rather than complement modern takes on boho.
Their playful nature and eye-catching movement once captivated, yet now require careful styling to avoid feeling dated. Fringe boots remain a nod to the past, perfect for themed parties but challenging to integrate into a sleek contemporary look.
9. Cork Wedge Sandals
Cork wedge sandals once symbolized the laid-back charm of boho style. Their natural materials and laid-back design were staples of summer fashion. However, today’s boho leans towards cleaner, more sophisticated lines, leaving cork wedges feeling outmoded.
While they offer comfort, they lack the sleekness required for modern boho aesthetics. These sandals still hold a place for those seeking comfort over trend, but they may not be the best choice for those aiming to stay on the cutting edge of fashion.
10. Suede Ankle Booties with Embroidery
Suede ankle booties with embroidery once dominated the boho scene, their intricate patterns offering a touch of whimsy. However, as boho trends evolve, these booties can feel overly theme-y, harking back to a bygone era.
Their charm remains undeniable, especially for those with a fondness for vintage styles. But for those seeking a contemporary boho look, these boots might not align with today’s streamlined elegance.
11. Beaded or Feathered Moccasins
Beaded or feathered moccasins tell a story of cultural richness and creativity, yet in the context of modern boho fashion, they risk appearing costume-like. While they celebrate a vibrant history, they contrast sharply with today’s sleeker styling.
These moccasins are perfect for cultural events or themed occasions, but integrating them into contemporary boho fashion requires a delicate balance. For those who cherish tradition, they offer a meaningful connection to the past, albeit a challenging fit for current trends.
12. Tie-Dye Slip-On Sneakers
Tie-dye slip-on sneakers exude a carefree vibe, capturing the essence of youth and rebellion. However, in the world of boho fashion, they can skew too casual, risking a juvenile appearance.
While fun and vibrant, these sneakers may not align with the more sophisticated and polished direction of modern boho trends. They’re a nostalgic nod to playful style, suitable for youthful expressions but potentially misleading for those striving for an effortless elegance.