Published By: Devyani

From Heels to No-Heels: What Bollywood Celebs Are Wearing From the Ankles Down

Bollywood stars are stepping into a new style era, where comfort meets couture from the ankles down.

In the ever-evolving world of Bollywood fashion, where every outfit is carefully curated to make a statement, the focus is often on the outfit as a whole—from the head-turning jackets to the sparkling accessories. However, a silent revolution has been happening in Bollywood wardrobes, and it starts from the ankles down. In 2025, Bollywood celebrities are increasingly reimagining footwear as a key part of their style narrative. From towering heels to chic flats and sneakers, Bollywood's footwear game has seen a radical shift that reflects a new era of comfort, versatility, and fashion-forward thinking.

The Return of Flats: Comfort Meets Style

Once considered an afterthought when it came to fashionable footwear, flats have undergone a stylish makeover, making them a prominent feature in Bollywood’s street style and red carpet looks. The desire for comfort without sacrificing elegance is a powerful trend in 2025, with Bollywood stars opting for flats in everything from ethnic wear to modern outfits.

(@dealsfromrajasthan/Instagram)

Actresses like Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor have embraced flats as a go-to option for both casual and formal looks. Deepika, known for her elegant yet relaxed style, has been seen pairing delicate embellished flats with everything from casual kurti sets to luxe evening gowns. These stylish flats, often adorned with intricate beadwork or embroidery, are an homage to traditional Indian footwear but reimagined for the modern, global fashion stage.

(@bollywoodwomencloset/Instagram)

Sonam Kapoor, the queen of bold fashion, also champions the flat trend, incorporating them into her eclectic looks. Whether it’s pairing them with an extravagant lehenga for a wedding or matching them with a structured suit for a daytime event, Sonam proves that flats can be just as chic as heels. The beauty of flats lies in their versatility—they work across all occasions, providing comfort without compromising on style.

Sneakers: Bollywood’s New Red Carpet Staple

Sneakers, once reserved for the gym or casual outings, have made their way to the red carpet, thanks to Bollywood celebrities who are redefining the rules of glam. The sneakers trend has become a symbol of the fusion between comfort and high fashion, as stars like Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra, and Alia Bhatt embrace this trend in their off-duty and formal looks.

(@bollywoodwomencloset/Instagram)

Priyanka Chopra, known for her boundary-pushing style, has made sneakers a mainstay in her wardrobe, often pairing them with everything from chic skirts to tailored suits. She was recently seen wearing a statement white blazer dress, paired with sleek white sneakers, proving that sneakers can elevate a look, even when worn in high-fashion settings.

(@pinkvilla/Instagram)

Similarly, Alia Bhatt has made sneakers her go-to footwear for both day-to-day looks and events. Her laid-back yet fashionable vibe is evident in her pairing of sneakers with casual dresses, mini skirts, and even denim overalls, making this trend accessible to the everyday woman. The shift toward sneakers symbolizes a greater cultural change in Bollywood fashion, where practicality meets high style.

The Evolution of Flats in Traditional Wear

The marriage of flats with traditional Indian attire is another exciting trend making waves in Bollywood. Once reserved for heels or embellished juttis, Bollywood celebrities are now taking flats to the next level by incorporating them into their modern, fusion looks. Whether it’s a contemporary kurta paired with minimalist metallic flats or a lehenga choli combined with delicately embroidered slip-ons, the options for wearing flats with traditional attire have become diverse and highly fashionable.

Bollywood stars like Kareena Kapoor Khan and Janhvi Kapoor have made flats a regular part of their wardrobe choices, even for events that require grandeur. At a recent event, Kareena wore a stunning red saree with embellished flats that complemented the look without overpowering it. The sleek, understated footwear gave the ensemble a modern edge, proving that you don’t have to wear heels to look elegant and stylish.

(@loveskhushii/Instagram)

Janhvi Kapoor, known for her understated glamour, has also been spotted wearing flats with her ethnic outfits, including printed sarees and shararas. The fusion of ethnic wear with flats creates an effortlessly chic look that is both comfortable and refined. As Bollywood continues to embrace this trend, flats are becoming an essential part of the wardrobe for women seeking elegance with comfort.

The Heels vs. Flats Debate: Why Comfort is Winning

While heels are still a staple in many Bollywood wardrobes, especially for formal events, the increasing prevalence of flats and sneakers speaks volumes about the changing priorities in fashion. For years, heels were the go-to for creating that extra height and added glamour. However, in 2025, comfort is taking precedence as Bollywood stars shift their focus toward practicality without sacrificing style.

The heels vs. flats debate is no longer about choosing one over the other but about wearing both in different contexts. For example, heels still dominate red carpet events and luxury brand shows, where they can add drama and elongate the body. However, when it comes to casual outings, vacations, or even high-fashion photoshoots, flats and sneakers reign supreme. Bollywood stars like Shraddha Kapoor and Katrina Kaif have been frequently spotted trading their heels for sneakers on the streets of Mumbai, embracing a more relaxed, comfortable approach to everyday style.

The Comeback of Chunky Heels

That said, heels are not disappearing from Bollywood’s fashion scene. Instead, they are being reimagined. The chunky heel, often seen as the more comfortable alternative to stilettos, has made a comeback, adding a retro touch to modern fashion. Bollywood stars like Kangana Ranaut and Taapsee Pannu have been spotted wearing chunky heels with everything from dresses to tailored pantsuits, bringing a bold, '90s-inspired vibe back into the spotlight.

(@bollywoodwomencloset/Instagram)

These chunky heels, often paired with sleek, structured outfits or soft, flowing dresses, provide a level of comfort that stiletto heels simply can’t match. They also offer the added benefit of height without the discomfort, making them a preferred choice for many Bollywood stars looking to balance elegance with comfort.

The footwear trends of 2025 in Bollywood reflect a broader shift toward fashion that prioritizes comfort without sacrificing style. From sneakers to flats, and even the reinvention of chunky heels, Bollywood celebrities are embracing footwear choices that speak to their desire for flexibility, ease, and fashion-forward thinking.

As Bollywood continues to set trends both on and off-screen, it’s clear that the future of fashion lies in the ability to combine style and comfort in new, exciting ways—starting from the ankles down.