Fashion trends may come and go, but some shoes are forever tied to a specific time and place. Whether it was a pair of UGG boots that ruled high school hallways or Balenciaga’s chunky sneakers that defined streetwear, certain shoes have left a lasting mark on pop culture.
From the early 2000s’ platform sandals and ballet flats to the high-fashion sneakers of today, each year brought a new must-have shoe that had everyone running to stores (or frantically searching online). Looking back, it’s fun to see how our shoe choices evolved—and how some trends just keep coming back.
So, let’s take a nostalgic walk down memory lane and revisit the most iconic shoes of every year since 2000. These are the pairs that defined fashion, sparked trends, and, in many cases, completely took over the world for a moment in time. Let’s dive in!
1. 2000 – Steve Madden Slinky Sandals

Nothing screams Y2K like these chunky platform slides. Whether paired with low-rise jeans or a mini skirt, these shoes were the go-to for effortless cool.
2. 2001 – UGG Classic Short Boots

The ultimate cozy-girl shoe, UGGs were spotted on celebrities like Britney Spears and Paris Hilton. Love them or hate them, you couldn’t escape them.
3. 2002 – Nike Shox Sneakers

Nike’s futuristic, springy sneakers had everyone bouncing through the early 2000s. They were sporty, stylish, and came in every color imaginable.
4. 2003 – Manolo Blahnik Campari Mary Janes

Thanks to Sex and the City, designer heels became the ultimate status symbol. Every fashion-forward woman dreamed of slipping into a pair of Manolos.
5. 2004 – Platform Flip-Flops (Roxy, Rocket Dog, Steve Madden)

Flip-flops got a serious lift in 2004, making casual beachwear look a little extra. Bonus points if you paired them with a Von Dutch trucker hat.
6. 2005 – Christian Louboutin Pigalle Pumps

The red sole revolution took over, making Louboutin’s signature pumps the ultimate luxury shoe. Whether at a club or on a red carpet, they were impossible to miss.
7. 2006 – Tory Burch Reva Ballet Flats

Comfort met chic with these sleek ballet flats, complete with the signature Tory Burch medallion. They became the unofficial uniform of every city girl on the go.
8. 2007 – Jeffrey Campbell Lita Boots

Towering platforms and chunky laces? Tumblr fashionistas couldn’t get enough. These boots dominated street style with their bold, sky-high silhouette.
9. 2008 – Gladiator Sandals (Steve Madden, Sam Edelman, Michael Kors)

Inspired by ancient warriors (and the runway), gladiator sandals took summer fashion by storm. Whether knee-high or ankle-length, they were a festival favorite.
10. 2009 – Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars

A timeless classic made a major comeback, thanks to the indie and hipster wave. Whether scuffed-up or crisp and new, Chucks were everywhere.
11. 2010 – TOMS Canvas Slip-Ons

One for one, one for all—TOMS were comfy, lightweight, and came with a feel-good mission. They were the perfect blend of casual and charitable.
12. 2011 – Isabel Marant Wedge Sneakers

Who knew a sneaker with a hidden wedge could be so stylish? Celebs like Beyoncé and Miranda Kerr turned these sporty-chic shoes into a must-have.
13. 2012 – Valentino Rockstud Pumps

Edgy yet elegant, Valentino’s Rockstud heels became an instant icon. Whether in patent leather or bold neons, they were spotted on every fashionista.
14. 2013 – Nike Free Runs & Roshe Runs

Athleisure was on the rise, and lightweight sneakers were the new everyday shoe. The Nike Roshe and Free Runs were comfy, stylish, and perfect for running (or just looking like you did).
15. 2014 – Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers

White sneakers took over, and the Stan Smith led the pack. Simple, sleek, and versatile, they paired perfectly with everything from dresses to joggers.
16. 2015 – Adidas Superstar (Pharrell & Kendall Jenner Hype)

The three-stripe classic had a major comeback, fueled by collabs and celeb endorsements. Superstars were the ultimate sneaker for cool girls everywhere.
17. 2016 – Rihanna x Puma Fenty Creepers

Leave it to Rihanna to make a sneaker that sold out in seconds. The thick platform soles gave everyday streetwear a punk-inspired twist.
18. 2017 – Balenciaga Triple S Sneakers

Chunky, “dad” sneakers took over high fashion, making the Triple S a street-style staple. Love them or hate them, they made a statement.
19. 2018 – Gucci Princetown Loafers (Fur-Lined & Classic)

Luxury met loungewear with these effortlessly chic slip-ons. Whether fur-lined or sleek leather, they were a fashion insider’s go-to.
20. 2019 – Dr. Martens Jadon Platform Boots

The grunge revival was in full swing, and nothing screamed cool girl like a pair of platform Docs. Tough, stylish, and surprisingly comfortable, they were everywhere.
21. 2020 – Crocs (Collabs with Post Malone, Bad Bunny, and More)

Crocs went from ugly to ironically cool, thanks to high-fashion collaborations. Suddenly, everyone wanted a pair—especially in bold, limited-edition styles.
22. 2021 – Bottega Veneta Puddle Boots

Rubber boots became high fashion with Bottega’s oversized, statement-making puddle boots. Perfect for rainy days—or just flexing on Instagram.
23. 2022 – New Balance 550 & 327 Sneakers

New Balance officially shed its “dad shoe” label and became the sneaker brand of the moment. The 550 and 327 were vintage-inspired, effortlessly cool, and impossible to keep in stock.
24. 2023 – Miu Miu Ballet Flats & Mesh Flats

Balletcore made a major comeback, and delicate, ultra-feminine flats were suddenly everywhere. Whether classic or sheer mesh, they became the shoe of choice for fashion’s it girls.
25. 2024 – Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 & Adidas Samba (Projected Trends)

Minimalist, retro sneakers are still ruling the scene, with Onitsuka Tiger and Adidas Samba leading the charge. Expect to see them paired with everything from baggy jeans to tailored suits.
26. 2025 – Maison Margiela Tabi Ballerina Flats

In January 2025, fashion enthusiasts gravitated toward several standout footwear trends that seamlessly blended style, comfort, and innovation. Maison Margiela Tabi Ballerina Flats lead the way in predicting “the” shoe trend of the year. The iconic Tabi design was reimagined in ballerina flats, offering a unique blend of avant-garde style and everyday comfort.