Summer is here, which means sandals are officially back (I'm loving fisherman sandals and wedges) and my toes, in all of their glory, are outside. While I'm the poster child for a naked pedicure, I always appreciate spotting a gorgeous splash of unexpected color or flecks of shimmer on someone else's toes. Because there's no time like the present to lock in on top summer 2025 pedicure trends, I've taken it upon myself to consult with the pros and find the polish shades and toe art that's having a moment.
It's a given that you'll see pops of vibrant hues, but the color of the season? Coral (my condolences to all of the nude lovers) and pastels like lavender and baby pink. "Summer pedicure colors are all about fun and freshness," says Lucy Tucker, a UK-based celebrity nail tech. "These shades pop in sandals, look amazing on holiday, and offer something for everyone, whether it's a bold punch or a soft, elegant tone."
Designs run the gamut, but I predict we'll see plenty of nods to classic looks, like the micro French pedicure, glazed and chrome finishes, and negative space art. There's truly something for every pedicure preference. Here, the nail experts share their top picks for summer 2025 pedicure trends that will have you running—not walking—to the nearest salon.
Coral Craze
All of the experts agree that this orange-red hue is going to be on everyone's toes this summer. Whether you call it coral crush, vibrant coral, or coral punch, everyone is flocking to this warm, bold color to add a bit of glow to their pedicure. "This bright, warm-toned coral sits perfectly between pink and orange," says Thea Green, founder of Nails.INC. "It’s vibrant without being overpowering, making it a versatile pick that complements a wide range of skin tones. The popularity of coral pedicures is further boosted by its ability to pair seamlessly with summer wardrobes, from beachwear to evening attire."
The Micro French
French pedicures and manicures had everyone in a chokehold during the ‘90s and 2000s. While bold colors and designs slowly edged this design out, this summer it's back in an updated form: the micro French pedicure. "I like a Micro French because anything thicker on a pedicure can be a displeasing look," says celebrity nail artist, Elle Gerstein. "If you do it on shorter nails, it elongates the nails where a typical French manicure can cut it in half. On a short nail, no matter what, a Micro French will give the illusion of the nail looking longer."
If a normal pink-and-white French isn't your vibe, you can replace pink and white with a pop of color, such as neon, pastel, or metallic.
Soft Square
While nail shapes for manicures are always evolving, when it comes to pedicures, there are a handful of nail shapes that generally crop up. This summer, soft squares reign supreme. "It's a modern shape that flatters every foot," says Tucker. "It’s tidy and grown-up but still relaxed. It gives a polished look that feels fresh, and it works beautifully with both solid colors and subtle designs."
Glazed Pastel Chrome
This metallic chrome pedicure stuns on the red carpet
A few years ago, the glazed donut trend took our faces by storm, also infiltrating nail art, thanks to celebrities like Hailey Bieber. While dewy will always be in, manicure and pedicure designs have moved on to an upgraded version: glazed pastel chrome. "Glazed donut is done, it’s about replacing it, and this is done with really sheer washes of chrome," says Gerstein.
Citrus Yellow
Move over butter yellow, there's a new hue in town, and this time it's taking a note from a different food group: citrus. "I love this because it’s energetic, happy, complements a tan, and vibes with the fabrics of summer clothing," says Gerstein. "It’s in a lot of nail art designs, sunsets, lemons, limoncellos. We need to be happy right now, and it’s so fashion forward with accessories, shoes, and makeup on the runway."
Classic Cherry Red
Whether it's lipstick or nail polish, classic cherry red is iconic for a reason and will always be in style. "Cherry red is a standout nail color for summer 2025 due to its timeless appeal and alignment with current fashion and beauty trends," says Green. "The red hue also complements various skin tones, and I have seen many celebrities showcasing the trend through fashion and pedicures."
Purple Pastels
This pastel purple pedicure pops in strappy heels.
Pastels aren't just for spring; they'll make their mark on pedicures this summer, particularly in subtle hues like lavender and lilac. Tucker notes that pastels bring a "fresh, modern edge to pedicures," while remaining "flattering and feminine." Gerstein explains: "They have a fresh feeling with airy vibes. It can play neutral on olive skin tones, too."
Negative Space Nails
Negative space nails are a fun yet simple design element that can easily level up any pedicure. "Negative space paired with isolated chromes creates movement and can give toes a light-catching finish," says Gerstein.
This pedicure is perfect for open-toed heels
The Milky Pedi
"The milky pedicure trend is celebrated for its clean, minimalist aesthetic," says Green. Characterized by its soft, semi-sheer white polish finish, it offers a versatile look that makes it a favorite for both casual beach days and formal events this summer. "This is one of my go-to pedicures, as milky tones provide a luxe, fresh finish that works seamlessly with your entire wardrobe," says Green.
Micro Glitter & Shimmer
It wouldn't be summer without a bit of shimmer and glitter. However, this summer's pedicures are all about keeping it low-key with shades of polish imbued with tinier flecks of shimmer. "A lot of the collections for summer have added a little glitter—micro glitter," says Gerstein. "It's a minimal aesthetic."
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Meet the Experts
A natural born nail artist, Elle Gerstein opened her own business at age 17, with over 80 clients per week. Now one of the industry's top artists, Elle is world renowned for her cutting-edge nail shaping, and her understanding of color, texture and trends. For Elle, nail styling means creating the ultimate glamour. Her celebrity clientele includes Lindsay Lohan, Blake Lively, and Kelly Ripa.
Thea Green is a world leader in beauty, founder of global beauty brands Nails INC and INC.redible Cosmetics. Thea founded Nails INC in 1999 after recognizing a gap in the market for the US model of walk-in, efficient, great quality and great priced manicure bars. Since launching Nails INC 25 years ago, the brand is renowned for innovative, first-to-market products, rooted in culture, relevancy and stocked the world over. Nails.INC is nimble and reactive to trends and still paving the way with innovative and game-changing product on a daily basis. From raising $300,000 from investors in 1999 to becoming a member of The British Empire in 2011 for services to the beauty industry, Thea remains the driving force behind the brand with global stockists, 13 stand-alone nail bars in the UK, and 7 stand-alone bars in Japan.
With a career spanning 26 years, Lucy Tucker is one of the most sought-after celebrity manicurists in the industry. Her A-list clientele includes stars such as Sydney Sweeney, Yara Shahidi, Anne Hathaway, Julianne Moore, and Millie Bobby Brown. Renowned for her exceptional speed and professionalism, she is a go-to expert for red carpet events, movie sets, high-profile advertising campaigns, and editorial shoots. A respected name in the beauty world, she has also made regular appearances on London’s This Morning television show, both showcasing nail art demonstrations and contributing as a panelist on topics affecting the nail industry.
