5 Outdated Shoe Trends I Won't Be Wearing in 2026, Along with 5 Styles I'll Be Embracing Instead

5 Outdated Shoe Trends I Won't Be Wearing in 2026, Along with 5 Styles I'll Be Embracing Instead

      It is often said that you can learn a lot about someone through their choice of shoes. Whether they are practical, stylish, pricey, or bold, you might be surprised by how much people assess your footwear selections. I can attest to this, having an ongoing obsession with "ugly" shoes that has often invoked feelings of repulsion in many, thanks to my Margiela Tabis, witchy boots, and furry clogs. Each season introduces new shoe trends, and while not all are contentious, the most popular styles tend to be those that are more wearable. Of course, trends ebb and flow, and each year unveils shoes that are trendier, cooler, and more sought after than others. While everyone should wear what they love, if you're curious about the top footwear trends for spring 2026, you’re in the right spot.

      I've been in the front row at fashion weeks in London, Paris, and Copenhagen to observe the runways, scrolled through Instagram and TikTok for online trends (which, incidentally, is part of my job!), and studied the streets of the best-dressed cities to see what people are actually sporting. With that experience, I am well-equipped to predict what shoes are about to become popular and what styles are on their way out. Here are five shoe trends I foresee becoming outdated, along with their upcoming replacements.

      5 Outdated Shoe Trends for Spring 2026:

      1. "Out": Chunky Loafers "In": Derbies

      Style Notes: Derby shoes are making a statement as the go-to silhouette for spring among fashion enthusiasts, taking over from chunky loafers. The trend is shifting towards slimmer, softer designs. The derbies from Celine shown here are a classic flat option, but they also feature a heeled variation resembling a blend of an Oxford brogue and a ballet flat, with a Victorian flair. They are easy to style with jeans for the transitional spring-summer period or perfect for pairing with a light skirt or dress and socks. Mark my words, these will soon be everywhere.

      Shop the Look:

      CELINE

      Ballet Lace-Up Shoe in Lambskin

      These are the ones in the photo and are currently on many editors' wish lists.

      MANGO

      Lace-Up Leather Shoes

      If you'd prefer a more budget-friendly option compared to Celine, these are a solid choice.

      Lemaire

      Souris 55 Leather Derby Pumps in White

      Lemaire has been crafting derby shoes for years, offering both flat and heeled varieties.

      2. "Out": Slides "In": Jelly Shoes

      Style Notes: While slides were once must-haves for summer vacations, current trends favor flip-flops and jelly shoes. Fashion influencers might wear flip-flops beyond the beach, but they lack structure, making jelly shoes a preferable option. These began trending last year with both buckle-up styles and the pictured caged flats, but the plastic jelly material has made its presence felt across various silhouettes on S/S26 runways—think kitten heels and wedges from Farm Rio, Mary Jane ballet flats by Jimmy Choo, and the Chloe 'princess' slipper mules.

      Shop the Look:

      I really admire the color of these H&M styles.

      Farm Rio

      Rob Thong Sandals in Orange

      I have these and predict they will be a summer staple.

      Selfridges

      Square-Toe Jelly Heeled Mules

      These are generating a lot of buzz this season.

      3. "Out": Strappy Stiletto Sandals "In": Wedges

      Style Notes: With Y2K fashion being popular for a while, it’s no surprise that wedges are making a comeback. Whether it’s nostalgic Prada leather wedge heels, chunky foam flip-flops, or my favorite—strappy sandals with cork wedges that evoke memories of Paris and Nicole on The Simple Life—wedges are once again in style. While certain stiletto heels are currently trending (like the ultra-pointed sling-backs from Saint Laurent, Prada, and Acne Studios), the classic strappy stiletto sandal is starting to seem a bit dated as we approach wedding season. I personally welcome the comfort that wedges offer!

      Shop the Look:

      FARM RIO ACTIVE

      Fisherman Jelly Wedge

      Just imagine how comfortable these will be!

      ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS

      Etheria Rubber Wedge Flip Flops

      Notice the jelly plastic material on the thong strap—these shoes combine two trends in one.

      pullandbear

      Chunky Wedge Sandals

      Reformation

      Sherlyn Wedge Thong

      4. "Out": Boat Shoes "In": High Vamp Ballet Pumps

      Style Notes: Boat shoes, or ‘deck’ shoes, haven’t completely vanished; soft suede versions by Miu Miu made an appearance at Coachella and still serve as a popular 'comfy shoe' alternative to trainers. However, their appeal has lessened

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