Outdated Heel Trends To Step Away From In 2025

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Despite recent footwear trends leaning more toward comfort, heels will never be declared totally out-of-date. But, even though the ever-popular, height-elevating style is here to stay, not all styles are created equal. Several footwear pieces we loved in 2024 and even further back just aren't cutting it in 2025.

"In recent years, heel trends have shifted from statement-making and dramatic to sleek and wearable. And if 2022 was about sky-high stilettos and teetering up there on platforms, 2025 is all about pretty, plus ease," Ira Lysa, CEO of Imperial Alterations, exclusively tells Women.com. "For the modern consumer, comfortable fashion design is being sought after in heels that are just as beautiful as they are functional," she adds, noting, "Clean lines, modest heel heights, and classics like suede and patent leather are the heroes, set to make waves in 2025." 

But what are we swapping out to make room for our trendy new shoes? With comfort and practicality leading the way this year, there are several outdated trends you heel-y need to step away from to stay fashionable.

Sky-high stilettos aren't riding high anymore

For so long, sky-high stilettos were the go-to heel for so many of our favorite stars, with celebs like Jennifer Lopez regularly showing off her killer legs in a pair. But, as great as they are for helping us look taller and making our leg muscles pop, in 2025 they're starting to seem outdated and impractical.

"In my opinion, the extreme stilettos are falling out of fashion because they are so unwearable," Ira Lysa exclusively shares. She suggests a traditional kitten heel or modern block kitten heel instead, explaining, "[They] give you glamour and wearability."

Chunky platforms are out, too

Chunky sneakers were deemed one of the shoe trends to avoid in 2025 unless you want to look outdated — and now, it seems the platform version can be added to the list. "Chunky platform heels that had made a strong return are also on the decline," Ira Lysa tells Women.com exclusively. That's because we're seeing a shift to cleaner lines in our footwear. Fashion stylist and lifestyle expert Joseph Katz recommends swapping chunky styles for sleeker slingbacks, telling us, "[They provide a] relaxed vibe with an elegant touch."

Wedges are outdated in favor of more versatile heel shapes

Unsurprisingly with chunky platforms being deemed outdated, the wedge shoe is also one to skip in 2025. Wedges have been popular for a while (largely thanks to them being more comfortable and easier to walk in than a classic heel), but this year, Ira Lysa explains we're seeing a shift away from chunky and clunky styles as we embrace simpler, more versatile shapes that elevate the classic look.

Micro-heel mules are changing heights

It's also time to get rid of the micro-heel mules we've seen everywhere over the past few years. As cute and versatile as they may be, they've had their moment in the sun, and we're now seeing strap versions with larger or no heel, or understated, pointed-toe mules trend instead. Try Rekayla Mules With Adjustable Strap or Coutgo's Women's Studded High Heel Mules for something more modern.

Overly embellished and loud print mules aren't hot for 2025, either

We're not saying to ditch heeled mules entirely in 2025, but steer clear of the slip-on style if they have an abundance of embellishments or a loud print. That's because the year's shoe trends have clean lines and being understated in common.

"Consider minimal mules in neutral shades, sleek ankle-strap heels or a pointy-toe pump in suede or patent," Ira Lysa says, exclusively. "These are timeless options that look great on all ages and that you can wear casually or to a nice event with minimal effort."

No heel heels aren't trending anymore

The once-sought after heelless heels we once saw on the likes of Lady Gaga and Kim Kardashian are officially out. Ira Lysa exclusively tells us, "For the modern consumer, comfortable fashion design is being sought after in heels that are just as beautiful as they are functional." But this tough to walk in footwear isn't comfortable and certainly isn't practical, which is why now is a good time to purge them from your wardrobe.

Barbie pink heels are over

Bright pink, uber-feminine heels formed a big part of the Barbie obsession summer of 2023, but the vibrant, bubblegum, Barbiecore shade isn't winning in the shoe world anymore. Hot pink was named an outdated color trend in spring 2025 — and it's not making a comeback via our heels anytime soon. "As trends move toward understated elegance and earthy hues, the hot pink wave is expected to subside," Joseph Katz says exclusively, instead suggesting soft pastel and natural tone (including rich browns) heels will take their place.

Super pointed heels are making way for softer shapes

Super pointed-toe heels were back and better than ever in 2023, but, in 2025, we're seeing less dramatic shaped footwear take center stage. "The extreme pointed toe of past seasons is giving way to softly squared or almond-shaped toes — elegant, but with enough structure to be on-trend," Amanda Massi, a personal and celebrity stylist, tells Glam while discussing the outdated heel trends you should ditch asap. The likes of AHZEHRSE's Square Toe Comfortable Pumps will give you an on-trend shape, as will C.Paravano's Slingback Almond Toe Block Heel Pumps.

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