It's Official — These Are The Most Outdated Shoe Trends Of 2026

Shoes are one of the best ways to add a little personality to your outfit, and now, after several years of elevated staples, fun footwear is back. In all areas of fashion, the subtle elegance that's been trending is giving way to something more playful and expressive. Prevailing fashion styles are no longer just focused on high-quality, boring basics. Instead, the emerging sensibility is refined maximalism — pieces that express your personality while still feeling timeless and above the rapid-fire trend cycle.

So, trade out neutral colors for your favorite dramatic shades, and don't be afraid to experiment with eclectic shapes. "This includes vibrant color ways and graphic patterns, sculptural platforms and exaggerated shapes, and unexpected material mixes," Jordan Stolch, stylist at MiKADO Personal Styling, exclusively tells Women. "This shift into bold expression reflects fashion's broader turn toward maximalism and individuality, where shoes are no longer just functional; they're a statement of personality."

Fashion's overall shift toward individualized personal style means neutral white sneakers are sliding out of fashion in favor of more distinct options. "The once-beloved crisp white sneaker is losing its status as the 'default' go-to staple," stylist Jordan Stolch tells Women, exclusively. "This style feels a bit safe or generic. Instead, you can expect to see people replacing them with mixed materials and textured fabrics — which provide a more elevated look — as well as an insurgence in more color and print, beyond the go-to white."

Retro styles will be particularly popular as people look for comfortable, walkable shoes that still show off some personality. In part, that means sleeker shapes, which look more elevated and balanced than chunky, oversized sneakers. But it also means opting for slightly more maximalist details. Look for colors that are more sumptuous than the basic neutral color palette, and explore touchable textures, like the suede of these Vince Mojave Trainer Sneakers.

Chunky boots with heavy lugged soles have trended in recent years as a way to add edgy contrast to otherwise elegant and feminine looks. But these are among the outdated boot trends to step away from, as fashion is starting to favor sleeker styles. Heavy-duty shoes added weight and visual interest to an outfit when minimalist fashion was popular, but as maximalism creeps back into the zeitgeist, they feel a little too over-the-top.

Instead, shift to something a little more sophisticated and streamlined, like a riding boot, dainty ankle boot, or sock boot. "There is a lot of statement clothing coming out in 2026 — a lot of maximalism that's gonna work [its way] into stores — what goes better with maximalism than a black boot," said fashion YouTuber Anna Reid. "There's a lot of fun black sleek boots out there. We are so far away from the super chunky black boots we were wearing several years ago." A classic black boot, like these Modatrope Knee High Square Toe Boots, would interact beautifully with a funky silhouette or eclectic print.

Current shoe trends are all about fusing personality with wearability. That means teetering on precarious heels is officially out. "Super skinny, ultra-high stilettos have been a symbol of glamour for decades, but they're becoming less relevant in a zeitgeist that prioritizes comfort and sculptural design," stylist Jordan Stolch shares with Women. But these days, your outfits can have just as much personality as Carrie Bradshaw without necessarily copying her signature towering footwear.

Instead, look for ways to inject color and drama into your outfits without the raw height. "Expect to see this category replaced with more architecturally shaped, modern heels, as well as lower kitten styles, all of which balance interest and elegance with practical wearability," says Stolch. Or, you can forgo heels altogether. Ballet flats with a twist are a sure way to elevate your outfit. Modern styles, like these Sam Edelman Marley Ballet Flats, revamp this classic shoe with fresh details like a square toe shape or pony hair textures.

In 2024, the Alaia mesh ballet flat — and the plethora of dupes that it spawned — was everywhere. This style was a fun blurring of sporty and chic, showcasing texture while retaining a minimalistic allure. Plus, whether fishnet or jellies, they offered a fun pop of color in a field of fashion neutrals. But now, in part because they were once so ubiquitous, these once-trendy flats are officially out of date.

Consider swapping your mesh flats out for something with a slightly more organic feel, or a fresher silhouette. If you like the see-through effect of mesh ballet flats but want something a little more updated, try a crochet ballet flat — these texturally interesting shoes suit the whimsical, maximalist sensibility that's currently trending. Or try a mesh heel, like these Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pumps, which keep the fun texture but update the silhouette into a statement shoe that you haven't already seen on every single Instagram influencer.