3 Tired Shoe Trends That Are Aging You

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They might be relatively small, but the right shoe can have a major impact on your overall look. Whether you like a coordinated, polished look or believe in using wrong shoe theory to elevate your outfits, your shoes are a styling choice that transforms your clothes into an outfit that reflects your personal taste. If fashion is about self-expression, then there aren't necessarily any wrong choices when it comes to picking your footwear. In fact, operating outside the trend cycle is part of cultivating a timeless, unique style. "A lot of things that are important to hold on to are the ones that are special and emotional and potentially rooted in a specific trend or time period," explained stylist Allison Bornstein in a 2024 interview with The Cut. Still, when it comes to shoes, some choices can inadvertently age you, because they're awkwardly shaped, unflattering, or just too retro. If you want to look modern, then it's worth skipping a few of the outdated trends that run the risk of looking out of touch.

In recent years, there's been a preference for the comfort and ease of oversized looks, from baggy jeans to heavyweight shoes. That's due, in part, to the COVID-19 pandemic, which got us reaching for more relaxed and supportive styles. But now, trends are beginning to swing in the opposite direction, toward more elegant styles. Of course, good support remains an important consideration when picking shoes, but it's no longer the only consideration.

"While comfort is key, shoes with clunky heels and dated, orthopedic styling can unintentionally age a look," stylist and content creator Joseph Katz, who offers fashion insights and style tips on his YouTube channel, The Katz Walk, exclusively explains to Women. "Instead, opt for designs that marry comfort with a modern silhouette — think sleek lines and streamlined shapes like Solbliss." Plenty of sneakers conceal advanced structural technology inside more fashion-forward silhouettes, like Dr. Scholl's Time Off Win Sneaker, which means you can stay fashion-forward while keeping light on your feet.

Square-toed shoes might be super edgy and '90s coded, but don't look for them among the outdated trends that are coming back with a vengeance. That's because, while definitely a statement, this sturdy shape is awkward and clunky. It can leave you looking like you're either bound for elementary school or retirement.

"The square-toe shoe often reads as conservative and outdated," says Joseph Katz, who says this style can easily age wearers. "It tends to add visual weight and lacks the refined feel of more current styles. Swap them out for a more modern, contemporary look." That doesn't mean you need to squeeze your feet into a super pointed toe. Almond or round toe shapes will give you the comfort of a square-toe, without all the excessive visual weight. Katz particularly recommends reaching for a metallic option for a refreshing twist, such as the Vionic Uptown Willa Loafer.

For several trend cycles, there's been a preference for thick, lug soles that offer some serious visual weight to a look. These unwieldy shoes have included everything from clunky dad sneakers to heavy-duty motorcycle boots. But now they're among the outdated shoe trends you don't want to be caught dead wearing.

This utilitarian look is on the way out in favor of more graceful, feminine shoe styles. Even outsized running kicks are giving way to sleeker styles like the adidas Classic Samba. In part, according to Joseph Katz, this is about a return to more flattering styles. "Chunky, heavy soles can overwhelm the foot and visually shorten the legs," he explains to Women. "A slimmer, more sculpted sole gives a lifted, modern look without sacrificing support. Brands like ECCO offer stylish, comfort-driven options that still feel current and flattering." He suggests the ECCO Sculpted Alba Slingback for an option that balances comfort with sleekness.