PSA: It’s time to get a new piercing, and this one requires zero healing time. While we haven’t unlocked a magic technique for your earscape, we have caught wind of the pierced shoes trend taking fashion by storm. Stemming from the “Toryssaince” and now available from a wide range of brands, the phenomenon is like jewelry for your footwear (an accessorized accessory, if we’ve ever seen one) and as wearable as it is eye-catching. Ahead, learn all about the pierced shoes phenomenon, from what this category actually means to tips on working it into your style.

What Are Pierced Shoes?

In recent seasons, “pierced” has been a popular descriptor for shoes that feature a prominent metal detail, most often feeding through or near a cutout. Just like with a real piercing, the metal accent serves as the jewelry—whether it literally feeds through or is an optical illusion. While many of the most popular pierced shoes feature an actual cutout, some other styles have gotten the moniker simply for having a prominent abstract metal piece.

About the Trend

While some preexisting styles might fit the descriptor, the first pierced shoes of this modern wave showed up on the Tory Burch spring 2023 runway, in the form of slingback flats and mules. The classic New York designer had started out with a more traditional uptown sportswear aesthetic, but she’s taken things in an edgier direction over the past few years, with the innovative footwear being one of the most exciting signals. With modern It girls like Alex Consani, Paloma Elsesser, and Emily Ratajkowski now regulars on the brand’s runway, the “Toryssaince” has effectively captured the fashion world’s attention, joining the likes of Chloé in driving the trend conversation.

Burch has consistently included pierced footwear in her collections ever since, expanding into pumps, boots, and more as well as bringing the effect to handbags. This consistency has paid off, as her fresh designs have gotten increasing attention each season. The shoes have gone viral, with countless fans posting content of their favorite styles and some even sharing their entire “freaky” shoe collections.

The shoe style has hit a fever pitch in 2025, as a wider range of brands have joined the conversation. JW Pei has a Mary Jane-adjacent take, while Cult Gaia’s Joslyn boots feature a horseshoe-shaped motif similar to the jewelry used in many actual piercings. On the subtler side of things, twists on classic metal details like eyelet have been happening across styles like ballet flats, loafers, and clogs, with lacing and bold accents offering the avant-garde spin that takes these shoes into “pierced” territory. The category’s relative newness has welcomed an abundance of creativity: It’s a truly exciting time to invest in a pair of statement footwear.

The Appeal

Pierced shoes are just one variation of the “freaky” and “weird” styles taking over footwear trends. From Tabis to barefoot runners to furry textures, a trend-forward wave of “ugly” shoes has made its mark on runways as well as the collections of your most fashion-oriented friends. A growing appetite for strangeness and maximalism has slowly rebelled against the quiet luxury movement, allowing for personalized style and twisted interpretations of chic to shine once again.

While the pierced look is decidedly fresh, prominent metal accents have been trending across the accessories realm for quite some time. Modern takes on studded handbags are a top fall trend, while jewelry has leaned into bolder pieces (think: sculptural cocktail rings and playful brooches) that make the case for themselves as central outfit components. Whether you love a sneaker charm or you’re looking for a cool-girl twist on your favorite silhouettes, it’s only natural that these motifs have extended to footwear—and pierced shoes feel like the perfect fall twist if you were a fan of summer’s toe ring sandals.

How to Style

Pierced shoes are bold, but they’re also more sophisticated and wearable than you think—making it possible to style them in several ways. For the office, a pair of pierced mules or flats will beautifully spice up a tailored ensemble or understated midi dress. Paired with bold ’80s earrings, sporty sunnies, and/or a statement trench, you have an on-trend ensemble that still means business.

If the “weird” element of pierced shoes excites you most, don’t be afraid to double down. Bohemian style staples, divisive nostalgic pieces (like newsboy caps and bandage dresses), and vivid trending hues of orange and chartreuse will all further characterize your look as confidently in-the-know. And, of course, nothing will complete your look like a Labubu or similarly conversation-sparking bag charm.

Standout Pierced Shoes to Shop

Ready to get pierced? The below selects highlight just a sliver of the bold, metallic possibilities to discover—and the trend is just getting started, so we imagine even more innovation is coming soon.

Ulla Johnson Top (more sizes here), Chan Luu Pants, Prada Sandals (sold-out, more colors here and here, similar here ), Metier Tote (similar, less expensive here), Sherman Field Necklace

There’s a richness to brown that feels luminous, like bronze warmed by late light. It moves easily from deep espresso to soft caramel, offering depth across a single shade. Texture brings the palette to life with smooth leather, brushed suede, stretched knit, and glossy satin and silk, each catching light in its own way. Paired with neutrals or metallics, brown finds a subtle distinction, making it a shade to return to again and again.

October 3, 2025