The red carpet has always been a stage for bold fashion statements, with towering heels long reigning as the go-to choice for Hollywood’s elite. Award But in 2025, a surprising shift took center stage at award shows across the United States: flat shoes. From ballet flats to loafers and embellished Mary Janes, flats have swept the red carpets of major events like the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and American Music Awards, redefining what glamour means in today’s world. This trend isn’t just about comfort—it’s a cultural shift, blending elegance, practicality, and a rejection of outdated norms. Let’s dive into how flat shoes are stealing the spotlight and why they’re here to stay.
A New Era of Red Carpet Fashion
For years, high heels were synonymous with red carpet glamour. They elongated the silhouette, added drama, and were seen as a must for A-listers aiming to make a statement. But in 2025, stars are rewriting the rulebook. At the 82nd Annual Golden Globes on January 5, 2025, in Beverly Hills, celebrities like Zendaya and Ariana Grande opted for sleek, elegant flats that matched their stunning gowns, proving that height isn’t everything. Similarly, at the SAG Awards on February 23, 2025, in Los Angeles, flat shoes made waves, with stars like Pamela Anderson choosing minimalist designs that complemented their outfits without stealing focus.
This shift isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a response to changing cultural attitudes. The infamous “#flatgate” controversy at the Cannes Film Festival in 2015, where women were reportedly turned away for wearing flats, sparked a global conversation about gendered dress codes. Celebrities like Julia Roberts, who went barefoot at Cannes in 2016, and Kristen Stewart, who ditched her heels mid-event in 2018, pushed back against the idea that glamour requires discomfort. By 2025, this rebellion has evolved into a full-fledged trend, with award show organizers in the U.S. embracing more relaxed dress codes. The SAG Awards, for instance, saw a mix of playful and polished flat styles, reflecting a broader acceptance of individual expression.
Why Flats Are Taking Over
The rise of flat shoes on the red carpet is driven by more than just comfort. Fashion trends are cyclical, and 2025 has seen a revival of styles like ballet flats and Mary Janes, which are both chic and versatile. According to Pinterest Trends, searches for “ballet flats” in the U.S. surged by 190% in May 2025 compared to May 2023, far outpacing the 53% growth in searches for high heels. Google Trends also reported that searches for “Mary Janes” nearly doubled globally in 2025 compared to 2023, signaling a growing appetite for these timeless styles.
Designers are capitalizing on this demand. At New York Fashion Week in September 2024, Tory Burch reintroduced the Reva, a round-toe ballet flat that sold millions in the 2000s but had been out of production since 2017. The relaunch was a hit, with celebrities like Margaret Qualley sporting similar styles at the Golden Globes. Luxury brands like Miu Miu and Alaïa are also leading the charge, offering flats that blend high fashion with wearability. Alaïa’s crystal-embellished Mary Janes, priced at $1,350, ranked fourth on Lyst’s list of the hottest fashion products in 2024, showing that flats can be just as luxurious as their heeled counterparts.
Comfort is a key factor, too. Red carpet events often involve hours of standing, posing, and mingling, and stars are prioritizing shoes they can actually walk in. “I think people want alternatives, and shoes they can move in,” fashion journalist Mosha Lundström Halbert told CNN. This sentiment resonates with celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, who made headlines at Cannes in 2023 for wearing black flip-flops under her Dior gown—not as a protest, but because her intended heels were too big. In 2025, stars are making intentional choices, opting for flats that are both stylish and practical.
Standout Moments from 2025 Award Shows
The 2025 award season has been a showcase for flat shoes, with celebrities using them to make bold yet approachable statements. At the Golden Globes, Ariana Grande paired her ethereal Loewe bustier dress with delicate Aldo slingback flats, creating a cohesive look that was both dreamy and grounded. Zendaya, always a red carpet standout, wore custom Louis Vuitton ballet flats in burnt orange to match her gown, proving that flats can elevate a look without overpowering it.
The SAG Awards brought more variety. Pamela Anderson floated down the blue carpet in a white silk Dior gown paired with minimalist flats, embodying effortless elegance. Meanwhile, Colman Domingo, one of the season’s best-dressed men, opted for sleek Valentino loafers, showing that flats aren’t just for women. The American Music Awards on May 26, 2025, in Las Vegas saw a mix of styles, with artists like Becky G choosing embellished platform flats for a touch of sparkle, while Machine Gun Kelly went casual with Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars.
These moments highlight a key aspect of the flat shoe trend: versatility. Flats can be glamorous, understated, or bold, depending on the design and styling. From sequined Chanel ballet flats to The Row’s minimalist Dune thong sandals, the options are endless, allowing stars to express their individuality while staying comfortable.
Redefining Glamour for a Modern Audience
The flat shoe trend is more than a fashion moment—it’s a reflection of broader societal changes. Red carpets have long been a platform for setting trends, and in 2025, they’re signaling a move toward authenticity and inclusivity. The pushback against rigid dress codes, like the perceived heels-only rule at Cannes, has paved the way for stars to prioritize personal style over tradition. “We’re re-examining a lot of tropes right now in society when it comes to how women are meant to present,” Lundström Halbert noted, highlighting the shift toward outfits that resonate with real life.
This trend also aligns with a growing emphasis on sustainability and practicality in fashion. Flats, especially those from brands like Tory Burch or The Row, are investment pieces that can be worn beyond the red carpet, unlike sky-high heels that often collect dust after one event. Consumers are taking note, with retailers reporting strong sales of flat styles like suede loafers and mesh Mary Janes, which are set to dominate spring 2025 wardrobes.
What’s Next for Red Carpet Fashion?
As the 2025 award season continues, flats are likely to remain a staple. The upcoming Oscars, set for early March, will be a key moment to watch. Will stars continue to embrace flats, or will heels make a comeback? Given the momentum behind brands like Miu Miu, which offers 14 flat shoe styles priced from $875 to $1,790, it’s clear that flats have staying power. Designers are also experimenting with bold textures and colors—think metallic silver Mary Janes or animal-print ballet flats—ens myosin that flats remain a focal point of red carpet looks.
For fans and fashion enthusiasts, this trend is exciting because it’s accessible. Unlike couture gowns or towering stilettos, flats are something anyone can incorporate into their wardrobe. Whether you’re inspired by Zendaya’s sleek Louis Vuitton pair or Pamela Anderson’s minimalist Dior flats, there’s a style for every taste and budget.
Conclusion
The dominance of flat shoes on the 2025 red carpet marks a turning point in fashion. No longer just a practical choice, flats are a symbol of empowerment, comfort, and modern glamour. From the Golden Globes to the American Music Awards, stars across the U.S. are proving that you don’t need heels to shine. As this trend continues to evolve, it’s clear that flat shoes are not just a passing fad—they’re redefining what it means to be glamorous in 2025 and beyond.
For more on the latest red carpet trends, check out Vogue’s coverage of the 2025 Golden Globes or CNN’s report on flat shoes at Cannes. Stay tuned for the Oscars to see how this trend unfolds
More :- New FDA Guidelines Push for Stricter Regulations on Vaping Products Nationwide
