From ballet flats to stilettos, the gathered, elasticated style is back—driven by Y2K nostalgia and fashion's embrace of easy, feminine dressing.
The scrunch shoe has emerged as the standout footwear trend for late summer, offering a playful refresh to classic silhouettes through its signature gathered, elasticated edge. This detail is now appearing across ballet flats, loafers, and heels, with numerous styles available this season.
The style first gained traction as a flat in the early 2000s, when Lanvin's elastic-trim Ballerina Pump became a cult favorite. Created by the house's late creative director Alber Elbaz and reintroduced in 2023, the soft, malleable design quickly reestablished itself as a defining shoe. Two decades after its original debut, the gathered look has returned—propelled by Y2K nostalgia and fashion's renewed interest in effortless, feminine aesthetics.
The scrunch shoe's appeal lies in its practical construction: designed to mold securely to the foot, it offers comfort for active days without sacrificing style. The category has since expanded dramatically, now encompassing bold colors, classic neutrals, bow-adorned ballet flats, and edgy stilettos.
For styling, garnet ballet flats pair well with vintage jeans and puff-sleeve cardigans for a romantic effect, while black versions work with sweeping maxi skirts and crisp cotton button-ups for desk-to-dinner versatility. Satin styles can substitute for traditional evening heels.
The scrunch pump category has also seen notable recent launches. Gucci introduced its Vittoria Pump in patent leather as part of the spring/summer 2026 collection, while Margaux released its Roma 40 heel earlier this year.
Senior fashion commerce editor Dale Arden Chong specifically recommends the Margaux design: "This is the perfect little heel; the leather is incredibly soft, and while they don't roll up, they do fold down nicely and fit into my work bag when I need to wear something else for my daily commute! I love these peeking out from under my pants or with a cropped style that'll show them off."
The scrunch loafer offers an accessible entry point for those who typically avoid the style. The gathered back softens the classic shape while maintaining polish, allowing pairing with office attire or casual denim. Standouts include Miu Miu's Ruches Loafer and Prada's Shuffle Loafer, alongside elevated leather and suede options suited for fall transition.