As a fashion writer, I’m constantly on the hunt for pieces on the cusp of turning mainstream. Leopard print shoes are a style that’s excluded from this category, with the animal fabric already covering every shoe trend and type imaginable. When you can’t beat them, you join them, which has led me to a quest to uncover the best leopard print shoes for myself.
The adage “a leopard doesn’t change its spots” might ring true, but as evidenced by the plethora of leopard print shoes currently available, it’s clear that there are variants that are a cut above the rest.
The feline pattern first appeared on the runway in 1947—an arrival made possible by Christian Dior’s debut collection in a design he entitled “Jungle”. Since the mid-century, leopard print has dotted the creations of French maisons like Saint Laurent and Alaïa and London-based labels including labels Charlotte Simone and House of Sunny. By the ‘90s, leopard print dominated the trend cycle and could be seen anywhere from the screen (The Nanny’s Fran Fine) to the street (Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s street style.)
Now, thanks to an association with the mob wife aesthetic, leopard prints have fallen back in fashion’s favour. (You just need to look at the rise of the leopard print jeans trend for proof.)
Leopard print shoes offer a chance for you to literally walk on the wild side. If wearing leopard print heels with a little black dress, they punctuate your silhouette with a Sofia Loren sensuality. Leopard print flats bring contrast to classic looks and juxtapose a minimal colour palette with an eye-catching tone. Leopard print trainers, like the viral Adidas x Wales Bonner Sambas, are an effortless and comfortable way to embrace the trend while bringing an unexpected touch to tried-and-tested outfit formulas.
(Image credit: @lenafarl)
Even A-listers like Gigi Hadid and Rihanna are adherents of the movement, albeit with a more maximalist twang. Expensive looking high street options from COS, Mango, & Other Stories and H&M round out the style. The best thing about leopard print shoes is that they’ll never go out of style, meaning you can buy them now and wear them for the next ten years at least. All it comes down to it choosing your preferred shoe shape—mules, ballet slippers, mesh, kitten heel or knee-high—and letting the print do the rest.
Below, see and shop my edit of the best leopard print shoes.
The Best Leopard Print Shoes
1. The Best Leopard Print Trainers
Style Notes: Trainers have come a long way from being worn just for working out. Now, countless trainer outfits make up our modern uniform. Leopard print trainers can dress down structured outfits, sharp jackets and tailored staples while also elevating casual looks.
Shop the Shoe:
M&S Collection
Leather Leopard Print Trainers
These trainers look far more expensive than they are thanks to the added pony hair texture.
Parisian women always rely on Sézane, one of the best French fashion brands, for elevated basics like these leopard print shoes.
The Bella Hadid-approved SL 72 OG sneakers have had a roaring makeover.
Flatforms are a great way to add extra milage to your look without a heel.
Gola x Anthropologie
Elan Leopard Trainers
Brown and blue is a celebrity-approved colour combination that just works, and we love how this style bridges the whole gamut of each shade.
2. The Best Leopard Print Flat Shoes
(Image credit: @kristencabat)
Style Notes: As we’ve already mentioned, leopard print shoes can come in a variety of styles. But we’d argue that none are more elegant than leopard print flats. Dainty shapes like ballet slippers and preppy takes like the French girl-approved Mary Janes become a bit more city-ready when coated in the animal style. Still, they remain feminine and delicate, especially when paired with satin trousers or mini dresses.
Shop the Shoe:
COS
Leopard-Print Pony Hair Ballet Flats
The leather buckle and grommets make this style feel quite punk, but still super classy thanks to the sleek pointed toe.
ZARA
Animal Print Ballet Flats
I love how the strap also features the leopard print.
M&S Collection
Leather Leopard Print Chisel Toe Ballet Pumps
This style features all the biggest shoe trends, from a leather strap to a square toe and bow accent.
Reformation
Bethany Ballet Flat
Take cues from Reformation and pair your mesh shoes with a barn jacket for that town-meets-country chic look.
ALAÏA
Criss Cross Leather-Trimmed Leopard-Print Calf Hair Ballet Flats
Leopard is a motif long associated with Alaïa, but the addition of criss-cross straps make this print quite playful—even Jennifer Lawrence thinks so!
3. The Best Leopard Print Boots
Style Notes: While the Fall/Winter 2025 season has already proven that snake print boots and leopard print coats continue to dominate. (Looking at you, Khaite). Yet, for those of us who already own both of these timeless styles, leopard print shoes like boots are a sophisticated way to incorporate the print into our outfits.
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ba&sh
Boots Clerette Leopard
You’ll feel like a member of the Spice Girls in these.
Reformation
Remy Knee Boot
Mint Velvet
Mint Velvet Textured Leopard Pointed Ankle Boos
The curve heel and ankle length are such sophisticated touches.
STAUD
Wally Leopard-Print Calf Hair Ankle Boots
These Staud boots feature a more abstract leopard print, but we think that makes all the difference. Truly, no one else will have a pair like these.
GIANVITO ROSSI
Leopard-Print Velvet Knee Boots
The velvet finish on these Gianvito Rossi styles are ready for the dance floor.
4. The Best Leopard Print Heeled Shoes
Style Notes: Ahead of your next soirée, allow us to show you why leopard print shoes should be your next heel investment. The print certainly makes a statement, but it’s neutral enough to be paired with the pastel satin and vibrant sequin party dresses that are already in your wardrobe. Better still, they deliver a high-voltage injection to monochromatic outfits like little black dress looks.
Shop the Shoe:
MANGO
Leopard-Print Heeled Shoes
Slingbacks are the sophisticated shoe trend you can always rely on.
ZARA
Animal Print Slingback High Heels
Or, for something a little more flirty, why not go for this dual strap iteration?
Saint Laurent
Cherish Slingback Pumps
Invest in quality with these kitten heels from Saint Laurent.
FERRAGAMO
Ely Leo Leopard-Print Pony Hair Sandals
A peep toe, t-bar strap and curved heel? Yes. Yes. Yes.
PARIS TEXAS
Lorena Leopard-Print Suede Mules
These mules are begging to be worn out.
5. The Best Leopard Print Loafers
Style Notes: While I’m not entirely anti-trainer, I, like many others, find myself gravitating toward a loafer, ballet flat or boot instead of their sportier counterparts. Loafers are a style I constantly reach for, irrespective of the season. I love styling them with a mini dress in summer to bring a more polished shape to an otherwise floaty look and wearing them with denim jeans come winter for that collegiate chic effect. Leopard print loafers introduce a new element into these timeless outfits without requiring any further thought. A look that does the legwork for you? Talk about working smarter, not harder.
Shop the Shoe:
H&M
Fuzzy Leather Loafers
Penny loafers have been given a primal update.
ZARA
Animal Print Leather and Sheepskin Loafers
I love the moccasin details on these.
PARFOIS
Leopard Print Leather Loafers
These are made from 100% leather, so you know they’re quality.
TOD’S
Gommino Leopard-Print Calf Hair Loafers
Tod’s Gommino are synonymous with artistry, heritage and craftsmanship. And now, the ultimate non-boring shoe.