I very much live by the old “never say never” adage, especially when it comes to fashion trends, but there are certain shoe styles that I can say with confidence I can’t imagine myself wearing again. We live in a time in fashion when even “ugly” trends have a tendency to become wildly popular. I embrace some of them, but there are other shoe trends that I tend to say “been there, done that” about, for one reason or another (most of which have to do with seeing old photos of myself wearing them).
Style is obviously a very personal thing, so I must point out that if the shoes I’m skipping work for you, I fully support wearing them to your heart’s content. I, on the other hand, have seven alternative styles that I’m shopping for instead as of late. Keep scrolling to see which shoes I’m officially done with and which I’m buying instead.
Goodbye: Flip-Flops
Hello: Dad Sandals
I’m well aware that flip-flops made a comeback toward the end of summer 2018, but I’m opting for less flimsy styles instead, like the tourist sandals that were all over the S/S 19 runways.
Shop My Picks
Off-White Treck Strappy Sandals ($389)
Who What Wear Axel Slingback Sandal ($95)
Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle Slide Sandal ($150)
Goodbye: Brogues
Hello: Combat Boots
Brogues are one of those trends that come in and out of style, but I much prefer the look of combat boots (which are basically the boot version of brogues).
Shop My Picks
Dr. Martens Jadon Platform 8-Eye Boots ($170)
Stuart Weitzman McKenzee Combat Boot ($595)
Loeffler Randall Brady Stretch Knit Combat Boots ($395)
Goodbye: Peep Toes
Hello: Square Toes
You won’t find any peep toes in my closet, but ’90s-inspired square toes have basically invaded it.
Shop My Picks
Manu Atelier Lace Sandals ($317)
Jaggar Sprung Double Strap Flats ($128)
BY FAR Snake Embossed Slide Sandal ($446)
Goodbye: Clogs
Hello: Mules
Given that I once fell down a flight of stairs and broke my ankle while wearing clogs, I’m done with them. Mules, on the other hand, are a style I’ll never tire of.
Shop My Picks
Topshop Joel Leather Black Square Closed Mules ($115)
Zara Heeled Leather Sandals ($100)
Malone Souliers 45mm Devon Mules ($795)
Goodbye: Round-Toe Shoes
Hello: Crystal-Embellished Shoes
Round-toe shoes are a style I left behind a few years ago, and crystal-embellished shoes are one I’ve recently embraced (because they’re pretty).
Shop My Picks
Area Crystal Fringe Kitten Heels ($300)
Chloe Gosselin 110mm Tori Sandals ($556)
Steven Jersey Slides ($131)
Goodbye: Glove Shoes
Hello: Logo Shoes
Although typically not affordable, the logo-shoe trend (which shows no sign of slowing down) is a personal favorite of mine. Glove shoes, on the other hand, are a style I’ve retired after they peaked a couple years ago.
Shop My Picks
Alexander Wang 65mm Jessie Sandals ($645)
Chloé Chloé Loafers ($502)
Gucci Leather Thong Sandals with Double G ($495)
Goodbye: Flatform Sandals
Hello: Faux-Skin Boots
High flatform sandals don’t really mesh with the rest of my wardrobe, but faux-skin boots (e.g., croc, snake, and lizard) have become my favorites this fall and winter.
Shop My Picks
Paige Willa Snake Roccia Boots ($210)
Ganni Western Boots ($475)
Paris Texas Python Print Block Heel Bootie ($226)
Next up, the most comfortable shoe trends of 2020.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
This article originally appeared on Who What Wear
Read More from Who What Wear