As a nearly 30-year-old, this is my first time witnessing the 2000s trend cycle complete a full loop. Specifically, the summer shoe trends I liked as a child and tween are now back in fashion, and I have mixed feelings about it. More notably, some of my favorite early aughts-era shoes are having a moment at two retailers where I spend a lot of time shopping: Zara and H&M.
I'm talking about the flip-flops that celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Elizabeth Olsen can't stop wearing, the strappy sandals that Rihanna has already co-signed, and the metallic heels that Florence Pugh just picked out for the Thunderbolts* press tour opportunity. What's more, classic wedge sandals have received the 2025 boho fashion treatment with enlarged stud details and chunky, comfortable soles. The new-in summer collections at both retailers are giving me a full-on blast of nostalgia.
