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14 Most Gift-Worthy Shoe Picks for Her
We’re stepping into full-fledged gifting season, and if you’re still on the lookout for a spot-on gift to pamper the woman in your life with — something that fuses wearability (read: she won’t use it once and forget about it) with the kind of stylishness her high standards will approve of — there’s nothing better than a pair of on-trend, affordable, and comfy-to-the-max shoes.
Maybe she keeps complaining that her sneakers (you know, the ones she’s had since she met you decades ago) are growing thin in the sole and look gray versus their original off-white. Or maybe your wife has a myriad of holiday parties coming up and would benefit from a set of designer pumps that pay dividends in classiness. Whatever it is, shoes are, contrary to popular belief, a Christmas gift that’s far from boring. They won’t fit in her stocking, but the right ones will bring an instant smile to her face as she tears the wrapping paper off the box her new kicks are already housed in.
Because Yuletide is a bit over two weeks away — where does the time go? — we’ll mostly be spotlighting gift-ready footwear options here that are capable of getting to your door well before then (there are a few exceptions to this rule, like the Larroudé Cyprus Boat Shoe, which can only be pre-ordered and is set to arrive sometime in mid-January). The featured bestsellers from Nordstrom, though, can land under the tree in as little as two days… as long as you’re a Nordy Club member.
Shopping for a woman who’s chronically online, and thus susceptible to the latest sartorial trends, proves to be no small task. That’s why WWD Shop‘s footwear gift guide for 2025 is full of only the most It-girl-approved options. What exactly is trending this season when it comes to the things we put on our feet? Loafers with a bit more oomph than usual to them (peep our snakeskin-clad suggestion below); black, leather riding boots of the knee-high variety; and fuzzy shoes (especially those silhouettes that you wouldn’t expect to see swathed in faux fur or shearling). We have all that, and more, here — so all you have to do is memorize your credit card number and those three fun digits on the back.
Fill up your cart with 2025’s best shoes, for the woman who has everything… and yet still gazes longingly at every designer store window when she’s out on city dates with you.
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adidas Samba OG Shoe
The adidas Samba is an O.G. — what more needs to be said? In all seriousness, the Kendall Jenner–, Bella Hadid–, and Hailey Bieber–worn shoe has seasonless appeal that will please her from winter to spring and back again. Its signature gum outsole keeps things steady, while that suede-blessed upper aces looking texture-rich without ever overdoing it. We love this particular style’s indigo and scarlet stripes, which will readily match with her denim, cashmere sweaters, bright-red maxi skirts, and so much more.
Price upon publish date of this article: $110
On Cloudnova 2 Shoe
If you thought On sneakers are made solely for activities that get your heart rate up, think again. She doesn’t have to be either a runner or a track star to squeeze much use out of the brand’s top-rated Cloudnova 2 silhouette, whose heel pad offers extra speed while that Speedboard midsole ensures stability without sacrificing flexibility. We approve of the runner’s breathable and soft mesh upper, bio-based foam crafted from renewable materials, and 14-millimeter heel-to-toe drop (for context, this metric makes the shoe good for heel strikers and helps it absorb impact better). Trust us: This is a white sneaker for women that she’ll be willing — even excited! — to show off under a dress. Yes, it’s that versatile.
Price upon publish date of this article: $170
Coach Outlet Soho Sneaker
Already donned by Ella Emhoff and Bella Hadid, Coach’s new-this-year Soho Sneaker is a living legend. Slightly chunky in a Gen Z–sanctioned way, the stepper is equipped with ample cushioning and smooth leather that will level up the looks of her most formal and most casual ensembles alike. A detail that will make her giddy each time she thinks of it (or sneaks a glimpse)? That map of Manhattan etched on the sneaker’s sole, making it ever so thoughtful… just like you will be when you think to buy her this trending shoe for the new year.
Price upon publish date of this article: $145
Coach Udele Sport Slide in Signature Canvas
Tropical vacay in the works? Skip the flimsy flip-flops and get her this Coach Udele slide, which stands out from the slip-on crowd by way of its coated canvas upper adorned by a repeating “C” pattern common to the brand, contoured footbed that will mold to her foot shape, and ability to stay on even as she speed walks down the pool deck to meet you — two piña coladas in hand. Color-wise, you can make a choice between the pictured Olive or other quiet-luxury shades like tan and the red-tinted Black Currant.
Price upon publish date of this article: $95
Salomon XT-6 Sneaker
You didn’t need us to tell you that Salomons are hot, in a very particular, “I live downtown and order expensive coffees” way. If she’s made it clear that the French, circa-1947 brand interests her, the XT-6 sneaker is an ideal introduction to its world. Unisex and high-performing, it’s a good fit for hikes, runs, and casual strolls in the neighborhood alike. Some features we’d be remiss not to note: the shoe’s dual-density cushioning, alignment technology that controls pronation, laces that tighten with a single pull, and the kind of foot-skimming construction that will make it feel almost sock-like.
Price upon publish date of this article: $180
Ugg Women’s Classic Short II Boot
We said what we said last month: All she wants for Christmas is a pair of Uggs. Make this wish a reality, Santa-style, by snagging this Classic Short II Boot — a veritable icon from the label that you absolutely can’t go wrong with. An early 2000s hit, it’s been embraced by everyone from Sarah Jessica Parker to Rihanna. If your wife or girlfriend‘s feet are perpetually freezing, the boot’s famous sheepskin lining will have her covered (it’s also moisture-wicking, kicking foot odors to the curb).
Price upon publish date of this article: $190
Larroudé Cyprus Boat Shoe in Brown Leather and Ivory Shearling
Marina Larroudé’s namesake brand has managed to win over Kaia Gerber, Sydney Sweeney, and other A-listers over the years: working months ahead to predict the trends that will dominate the footwear industry. In this case, it’s boat shoes, and Larroudé is elevating the classic American style via shearling (a true cold-weather blessing), nautical-coded laces, removable pom poms for extra flair, and sumptuous-looking napa antique leather. She’ll soon be styling the Cyprus with baggy jeans, formal trousers, and lounge-worthy sweatpants — just you wait.
Price upon publish date of this article: $337
M.Gemi The Olivia Loafer
Snakeskin is one of those things that never seems to go out of style, and we’re not mad about that one bit. We already told you that loafer upgrades are en vogue for winter 2025, so take that as a sign to invest in The Olivia from M.Gemi, an editor-vetted brand whose popular shoes and bags are made by artisans out of Italy. The loafer keeps things sophisticated with its hand-stitched vamp, suede lining, and edges also painted by hand. M.Gemi even reveals the exact artist behind the masterpiece: His name is Marco, and he’ll make your wife very happy this Christmas.
Price upon publish date of this article: $348
Veja V-90 Leather Sneaker
Chances are you’ve spotted Vejas on your boss, next-door neighbor, and Kate Middleton by now. The brand’s universal allure is undeniable, and the V-90 sneaker is a no-brainer buy that spotlights Veja’s best qualities (top-notch craftsmanship, modern edginess, and comfort included). Its upper is equipped with strategically placed perforations, which will add breeziness to her walk and leave discomfort in 2025. As for that dark-blue “V” detailing? It will signal to all passerby that she is a “V”ery important tastemaker.
Price upon publish date of this article: $180
Vince Camuto Hamden Slingback Pump
She’s one classy lady, so her heel collection needs to be nothing short of that. Vince Camuto’s Hamden is a pump that has elegance in its very DNA; an angled heel, pointed toe, and buckled slingback strap come together here to create something that can go just as well with a fancy-pants cocktail gown as with a model-off-duty look marked by straight-leg jeans, a turtleneck, and a trench coat. Securing a happy mood for the woman of your dreams couldn’t be simpler. Just add this Nordstrom favorite to cart (and keep it a secret for the time being).
Price upon publish date of this article: $99
Vivaia Tyler Waterproof PufferTherm Warm Boot
We adore Vivaia’s viral sneakerinas, but the Oprah-approved brand has another recent release you should not only keep on your radar but shop before sizes for all colorways — and not just most of them — sell out completely. The Tyler is a waterproof bootie whose bells and whistles end up fully justifying that $200 price tag. Its PufferTherm tech doles out all-day warmth, also promoted by that wool-based insole. A double-layer outsole, meanwhile, will allow her to step out into multiple inches of snow without fear of the streets becoming a Slip ‘N Slide. Want to treat her to even more protection from the harsh elements? Grab Vivaia’s PufferTherm Leg Warmer add-on, whose color options match that of the boot’s.
Price upon publish date of this article: $199
Blondo Camrin Waterproof Boot
Knee-high leather boots will always run the footwear show every fall and winter. A drop-dead-gorg addition to any dressy or corp-core ‘fit, the style offers ample coverage, covetable lift, and the kind of attractive sheen that can only come from leather of the finest quality. Meet the Camrin shoe from Blondo, a now-on-sale selection that sits on a chunky block heel and is fully waterproof. The boot is praised for accommodating wide calves (rare!) and being “roomy enough for a thick sock,” according to one Nordstrom reviewer.
Price upon publish date of this article: $169.99
Christian Louboutin Miss Z Pump
What she’s long been waiting for: a designer heel from Christian Louboutin. Though your lucky lady might never have explicitly asked for something from the fashion house known for its giveaway red soles, we’re here to urge you to get it anyways (she’ll think of you as somewhat of a mind reader). The Miss Z in particular is a celebrity magnet through and through. Debuting at Louboutin’s spring/summer 2025 show, it’s been seen on the feet of Nicole Kidman, Doja Cat, Jessica Alba, and more. A red carpet staple, the fade-resistant, patent leather pump also deserves to be part of her collection… especially in that hard-to-turn-away-from Vintage Rose hue.
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,045
Sorel Out N About IV Chillz Waterproof Duck Boot
And finally, if it’s a mountain adventure that’s on the horizon for you as a couple, make sure she’s prepared by scoring this Sorel hot pick. The boot might have a funky name, but the Out N About IV Chillz’s powers are no laughing matter. What to love? Its waterproof, full-grain leather upper, 100 whole grams of insulation, traction-optimized rubber outsole for staying firm on your feet across no shortage of surfaces, and vulcanized rubber shell that serves as an added layer of defense. Guard her (and her feet) at all costs.
Price upon publish date of this article: $140
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Meet the Author
Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD and FN. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska frequently covers must-shop footwear that’s perfect for gifting (or keeping all to yourself).
