A comprehensive overview of global research on shield cutting pile foundations is offered to shed light on their development, applications, and progress. A literature review encompassing key terms and emerging trends in shield cutting pile technology is conducted. This initial step allows us to understand the current state of research and highlight areas of active investigation. Subsequently, recent research achievements are consolidated into three focal points: the transformation of shield machines, the optimization of cutting parameters, and the study of stratum response and pile bearing capacity concerning shield cutting piles. Finally, the primary research methods, mechanisms, applicability, strengths, weaknesses, and outstanding challenges of shield cutting pile foundations are summarized and discussed. Furthermore, future research directions are identified. Key findings are as follows: (1) Rapid development in shield cutting pile technology has yielded promising pilecutting results and economic benefits over the past decade, reaching a relatively mature stage. (2) Challenges persist in determining the parameters and arrangements of shield pilecutting tools, specifically in complex geological conditions where tool wear and rebar entanglement at the cutterhead are common issues. (3) The mechanism of the concrete ridge rupture surface remains incompletely understood, and existing calculation methods lack considerations for concrete strength, relying heavily on engineering expertise to design cutter spacing. (4) Selection of shield pilecutting parameters primarily relies on numerical simulations and indoor experiments, which may oversimplify real working conditions and fail to capture the complex interactions between the shield and the pile foundation during cutting. (5) Existing formulas for thrust and torque calculations vary in their simplifications and emphases, warranting improvements in generalizability and applicability. (6) Thus, the current literature predominantly focuses on surface settlement caused by cut piles and corresponding mitigation measures, rather than exploring the impact mechanisms of shield cutting pile technology.