When a shoe trend once dismissed as fleeting suddenly reappears on the feet of both Hailey Bieber and Alexa Chung within the same month, it’s hard not to take notice. Yes, we’re talking about clear heels. Once the signature look of early 2010s party girls, this transparent style is back—but this time, with a much cooler, more refined twist. Reimagined for the style sensibilities of 2025, clear heels are sweeping through fashion circles with a quiet confidence.
The resurgence of clear footwear isn’t entirely surprising when you consider the broader trend that’s taken over the fashion world: transparency. From mesh tops to sheer lace skirts and jelly sandals, the desire for light, barely-there layers has seeped into every aspect of style. Shoes, naturally, are no exception. But unlike the hyper-glam, bodycon-dress pairing of the past, today’s clear heel feels more playful, effortless, and versatile.
Take Hailey Bieber, for example. She’s worn the trend twice this summer alone—once with a custom Pucci dress for a formal event, and again while strolling in a breezy white linen set that screamed summer ease. In both instances, the clear heels didn’t just complement the outfit—they elevated it. There’s an airy lightness to the way they complete a look without overpowering it.
This isn’t just an A-lister affair. London-based fashion blogger Emily Thorne shared a vacation-ready look featuring a floral chiffon dress and barely-there clear strap heels, finished with a slim gold anklet. “Clear heels are like the highlighter of your outfit—they don’t scream for attention, but they give everything else a subtle lift,” she wrote. Her sentiment captures the essence of why this shoe style has regained its footing: it blends seamlessly, yet still stands out.
The versatility of clear shoes also plays a huge role in their revival. They work with almost everything—from silk slip dresses to structured short suits and even a pair of retro jeans. Rachel Lenz, a New York stylist, recalled choosing clear heels for a bridal client’s engagement shoot. “We tried so many options, but in the end, the clear pair brought out the lightness of the dress and added a modern touch. With a pearl anklet, it looked effortlessly chic,” she explained.
Clear shoes also offer an open canvas for accessories. With anklets, toe rings, and even shoe jewelry gaining popularity, transparent heels serve as the perfect base to experiment and personalize. Mango, in collaboration with designer Supriya Lele, recently released a pair of transparent wedge sandals with a Tabi-inspired split-toe design, paired with a sparkling diamond toe ring—an edgy, conceptual take on the trend.
Luxury brands are giving the clear heel their own twist as well. Tory Burch’s Clear Pump reimagines the shoe as a deconstructed design object. With cork for the heel and a green-capped toe, it’s less about looking invisible and more about showcasing the raw, honest structure of the shoe itself. This artistic edge signals that the clear heel is no longer about blending in—it’s about redefining minimalism.
In 2025, the clear heel doesn’t just echo the past—it evolves it. It keeps the sexiness and sleekness of its 2010s predecessor but channels it in a way that’s softer, more modern, and more wearable. Its appeal also ties into the broader aesthetic preference for bare, stripped-down design. Nude-tone outfits, “no-makeup” makeup, minimalist nails—all point toward a style philosophy that values subtlety and refinement over excess.
If you’re still unsure about jumping on the trend, start simple: a low block heel with a clear strap, or a transparent slide you can wear with just about anything. There’s no need to overthink the pairing—these shoes are designed to work with your wardrobe, not against it. Add some gold or silver ankle jewelry, a fun pedicure, and suddenly, your feet are doing all the talking—without saying a word.
As Paris-based fashion editor Louise Morel once put it, “The beauty of a clear shoe is that it doesn’t define your style—it lets you define it.” And that, perhaps, is the quiet power behind this transparent revival.
