I'm Taking a Break from These 7 "Outdated" Winter Shoe Trends and Choosing These Alternatives Instead.

      When it comes to outfits, I often express my personality through shoes. As a shoe lover (and a former shoe brand owner), I appreciate all kinds of footwear—even those I'd personally never wear. Long live the ugly shoe! I welcome the sneakerina! Bring on the Crocs! Send me the quirkiest laces and the most unusual embellishments. I adore these just as much as I enjoy the classics, whether it's a white trainer or a black leather boot. Winter feels like a particularly good time to experiment with new styles in footwear.

      When bundled up, our shoes can speak volumes for us. While style is subjective, I want to share some winter shoe trends that I believe are outdated and that I'm opting to skip this season in favor of other styles that have caught my eye. But don't get rid of those so-called outdated shoes—I can assure you they'll make a comeback in the future. This season, I'm swapping out my combat boots and sparkly party shoes for more sophisticated options (think almond-toe boots and red heels). If you love sporty styles and collecting sneakers, I'm trading out chunky trainers for nimble, lace-up ballet-inspired designs. I also find the idea of replacing fur-lined boots with functional lug-soled brogues appealing. I'm also happily re-embracing clogs this season, which pair much better with wool socks and warm tights than the trending ugly-but-beloved split-toe shoes that are everywhere this year. Ready to refresh your shoe collection this winter? Here's a detailed look at the outdated trends to replace temporarily and why their alternatives are ideal for your winter capsule wardrobe.

      The Outdated Winter Shoe Trends I'm Skipping This Season:

      1. **Stopping: Furry Boots**

       **Wearing: Lug-Sole Brogues**

       Style Notes: A recurring theme in this article is my strong emphasis on functionality, especially in winter footwear. It's often cold and wet, so you need shoes that can handle these conditions while also expressing your style. Lug-soles are great at this. Instead of furry boots this season (which get soaked quickly unless treated), opt for a lug-soled version. Not just boots—lug-soled brogues and loafers are a unique shift from your usual choices.

       **Shop Lug-Sole Brogues:**

       The moment I spotted these, they went straight onto my winter wish list. The buckle provides a refined contrast to the chunky sole.

       These look adorable on their own or paired with funky socks.

       **Whistles**

       Chocolate Suede Chunky Lace Up Shoe

       Prefer suede? This pair is perfect for styling with jeans.

       **Dr. Martens**

       3989 Smooth Leather Brogue Shoes

       Trust Dr. Martens for shoes that stand out from the crowd.

      2. **Stopping: Toe-Split Shoes**

       **Wearing: Clogs**

       Style Notes: Regardless of their polarizing nature, split-toe shoes can be fun. However, splitting your toes in winter isn’t as enjoyable. Clogs are just as fun, allowing for pairing with wool socks and tights to keep warm. I rediscovered my passion for clogs this year after spotting a pair on a woman at Heathrow that I couldn't stop thinking about (kudos to her for inspiring me to check out ME+EM). The last time I wore clogs was at age 11, and they’ve become much more stylish since then. There are plenty of options, from traditional wooden soles to flat-soled Birkenstocks.

       **Shop Clogs:**

       **Russell & Bromley**

       Slingback Heeled Clog

       The all-black style with studs and no seams makes this pair extremely cool.

       **BIRKENSTOCK**

       Boston Suede Clogs

       Birkenstocks are famous for their comfort, and I love that they’ve been trending for years. This frosty suede is a beautiful shade.

       **LE MONDE BERYL**

       Agnes shearling-lined leather clogs

       A chic interpretation of the wooden and shearling-lined clogs that were popular in the early 2000s.

       **Vagabond Shoemakers**

       Effie Mules

       Vagabond consistently impresses me with their quality, especially for the price.

      3. **Stopping: Glitter Heels**

       **Wearing: Red Heels**

       Style Notes: While glitter heels can be fun for parties, a red heel is undeniably more chic in my opinion. To make a statement that still feels sophisticated, follow Ingrid’s example and choose red heels this festive season. They stand out against a sleek all-black outfit while adding color to your look. They also work for other special occasions throughout the year, not just in winter.

       **Shop Red Heels:**

       **Re