The Peep-Toe Shoe Trend Is Back—and Against All Odds, I’m Into It

Among all the body parts to accentuate, fashion designers have recently taken a keen interest in the toe. They’re splitting pumps down the front and turning them into hooves akin to Maison Margiela’s cleft-toe Tabis. They’re sending out toe ring sandals with built-in bijoux and mesh flats that put your pretty pedicures on full display. According to the Spring 2025 runways, the peep-toe shoe is quietly stepping into position as one of the season’s biggest spring shoe trends.

Not everyone, however, will be thrilled that the party-in-the-front shoe is making a comeback—“toe cleavage” still isn’t for everyone. But before rushing to judgment, consider that designers are approaching this peek-a-boo style differently now. In an era defined by naked dressing, footwear is fashion’s final frontier as creatives work their way from head to toe. This time around, the peep-toe has a far sexier, more considered point of view than its early-aughts predecessors. Like a keyhole neckline or a strategic cut-out at the waist, there’s something undeniably alluring about a piece that reveals just a sliver of skin—or toe.

Tory Burch’s Spring 2025 collection was a prime example of the subtly sultry shoe trend in action: the American designer sent out peep-toe heels that flashed just three-quarters of the big toe—a flirtatious wink in footwear form.

The coy approach to peep-toes continued as Fashion Month progressed. Catherine Holstein of Khaite unveiled front-slit pumps that New York women instantly crowned their number-one in-the-know spring shoe. Acne Studios made its enthusiasm for toe-forward designs unmistakable, with slouchy knee-high open-front boots adorned in patent and florals. Meanwhile, Prada revived its frilled peep-toe platforms, first shown in Fall 2008, and at Miu Miu, Mrs. Prada doubled down on the toe-centric trend by showcasing cone heels with a missing chunk at the cap.

But designers didn’t stop at their springtime peepers. Fast-forward to the Fall 2025 runways, and sultry shoes were back in full force—think cutout knee-high boots at Prada, funky wedge sandals at Fendi, and ventilated mules at Victoria Beckham. One season might signal a playful, flash-in-the-pan moment. But a second, back-to-back showing? That confirms the trend isn’t just dipping a toe in—it’s got a firm foothold.

Street-style stars also help cement the peep-toe’s staying power. Katie Holmes has been spotted wearing open-toed heels to A-list events, Daisy Edgar-Jones brings Tory Burch’s flirtatious versions as plus-ones to parties, and Lady Gaga, ever the maximalist, leans into open-toed thigh-high boots for live show tapings.

And in addition to freeing your toes for the world to see, the peep-toe revival makes something else clear: in a trend cycle that moves at warp speed, the most unexpected styles often have the most lasting impact. Fashion has a history of embracing the divisive—ugly-chic sneakers, low-rise jeans, and the peep-toe is no exception. Given the opportunity, the industry will always fall head over heels for a controversial shoe that sparks conversation. So you might as well make peace with it—this trend isn’t going anywhere in 2025—and maybe book a pedicure, just in case.

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