Trends come and go at the speed of light. One day, everyone’s wearing their “dad” sneakers, and the next it’s all about ’80s throwback pairs (or so it seems). With new shoe styles emerging all the time, it can be hard to keep up. But for anyone curious to check in with their current shoe collection, we’re sharing the status on the trends we can safely say goodbye to and which have taken their place.
Naturally, as editors, we jump at the chance to share the best styles with you whenever a new trend bubbles up From the new It brands all the fashion girls are wearing to the hottest styles we’ve alerted you will sell out first next month, you can be sure that if there’s a new shoe trend, we’ll be all over it. That said, the following styles are those we’ve simply noticed have been losing steam lately.
If you’re curious to find out which are the best shoe styles according to our editors and which styles are on their way out, keep reading, and then shop our picks below.
Skipping: Neon colors. Wearing: Chunky knee-high boots. While I’ve seen plenty of cool fashion people wearing shoes finished in bold shades like electric green and yellow, they don’t fit into the color palette I generally wear so I feel like they would be a short-lived piece in my closet. Instead, chunky knee-high boots are sitting at the top of my wish list. They’re practical with a dose of cool.
Skipping: Oxfords. Wearing: Clogs. “I want to love oxford shoes. I love them a little bit more when they have fun, chunky lug soles, but if I had to rank my favorite shoe styles, they’d fall pretty far down the list. The shoe topping that ranking at the moment is clogs. All I want to do is frump around in a pair of clogs!”
Skipping: Strappy stilettos. Wearing: Chunky loafers. “Strappy stilettos aren’t particularly relevant in my life right now, for obvious reasons, so I’m focusing more on everyday shoe trends lately. I’ve always been a big loafer person, and the chunky, ’90s inspired ones that are trending this season feel particularly cool. There are lots of good designer ones on the market but I think these Mango ones are as good as any.”
Skipping: flat ankle boots. Wearing: chunky ankle boots. “I’ve been steering clear of ankle boots with a flat sole or low heel. If it’s not chunky and a platform, I don’t want it. I love the edge it adds to an outfit and, of course, the added height!”
Skipping: High-heel pumps. Wearing: Rubber boots. “I’m steering away from ultra-high heel pumps and boots right now—especially as I’m all about comfort and practicality these days. Instead, I’m opting for rubber boots that I’m styling with slouchy socks and dresses—perfect for bracing the winter elements.”
Skipping: Dad sneakers. Wearing: Throwback sneakers. “I’m pretty much done with chunky dad sneakers—I think the trend has run its course. I always found the clunky, not-very-flattering sneakers tricky to pull off, and instead, I’m looking to the ’80s-inspired throwback sneakers that are so much more wearable. These streamlined silhouettes usually suede-trimmed and gum soles which make them an elevated pick to wear with leggings and jeans alike.”
Skipping: Platform heels. Wearing: Flatforms. “Last spring, 2020 runways were filled with platform heels, and while I love a good heel being realistic it’s going to be quite some time until I’m slipping into anything remotely uncomfortable. That being said, their shorter, cozier cousin, flatforms, are something I’m very intrigued in trying in 2021. Albeit in sneaker form, boot, or sandal form, a little boost without the discomfort of traipsing about in heels is something I can get behind.”
Skipping: Colorful shoes. Wearing: Neutral boots. “Right now, I’m not investing in any loud prints or colors because I just want super simple, goes-with-everything shoes while we’re still dealing with quarantines. For fall and winter, that means black or white boots with low heels because I can truly wear them every single day.”
Skipping: Sock boots. Wearing: Chunky Chelsea boots. “I’m kind of tired of the sock-boot trend at this point. Instead, I’m all about chunky flat Chelsea boots. Practical and chic.”
