5 Outdated Spring Shoe Trends That Fashion Enthusiasts Will Avoid in 2026

      I'll be honest. Spring footwear is the area where I observe trends becoming obsolete the quickest. A new season serves as a swift reminder of the styles I've simply moved past. While one can still pull off a denim trend that many consider outdated or slightly off, shoes? They reveal the truth immediately. Recently, I’ve found myself unconsciously bypassing pairs I wore consistently just a year or two ago. What’s taking their place isn’t anything drastically new. It’s more refined, subtly stylish, and frankly easier to wear. The overall feel is less about "look at my shoes" and more about "these happen to be just right." Below, I've listed the spring shoe trends I'm leaving behind and what I'm opting for instead.

      Over It: Old-School PVC Shoes

      Into It: Jelly Heels

      PVC shoes had their moment. They seemed sleek, futuristic, and "of the moment." I can still vividly recall those times. Now, they seem a bit overdone, and the current trend is jelly heels. I’ll admit they have a trendy appeal, so if you love them, go for it. Only a select few will appreciate them as much as I do.

      Gianvito Rossi

      TPU Slingback Sandals

      Schutz

      Roslyn Wedge Jelly Sandal

      Over It: Lug-Sole Derby Shoes

      Into It: Almond-Toe Flats

      I was really into lug soles at their height. Everything I owned had to feature a lug sole, and during spring, that meant derby shoes. This year, I’ll choose almond-toe flats instead. They provide a sophisticated twist on ballet flats that you’ll never want to part with.

      Old Navy

      V-Cut Ballet Flats

      Over It: Gum-Sole Sneakers

      Into It: Colorful Sneakers

      I’m leaving gum-sole sneakers behind, as they never truly captured my heart. In contrast, a subtle splash of color in sneakers is a win. It feels fresh and gives personality to every outfit.

      Tory Burch

      Hank Ballet Sneaker

      Massimo Dutti

      Split Leather Trainers With Piece Details

      DOLCE VITA

      Serina Sneakers

      Over It: Embroidery

      Into It: Subtle Embellishments

      While embroidery can be stunning, on shoes, it feels like too much for my taste. They remind me of decorative blankets, and not in a good way. In contrast, subtle embellishments provide a lovely touch to any outfit. They catch the light and add texture, and when executed well, they can be just right.

      Loewe x Paula's Ibiza

      Pebble Soft Mules

      LE MONDE BERYL

      Luna Leather-Trimmed Crystal-Embellished Mesh Flats

      Reformation

      Imogen Flat Sandal

      Over It: Platforms

      Into It: Kitten Heels

      Platforms will never really fade away for me, but they aren’t currently in vogue as they once were. Instead, fashion enthusiasts everywhere are amassing numerous pairs of kitten heels in their collections that they can hardly store. They are definitely the trend right now.

      DOLCE VITA

      Brevel Heels Oxblood Suede

      Anthropologie

      Kitten Heels