Outdated Heel Trends To Step Away From In 2026

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As fashion continues moving away from pure aesthetics and leans into comfort and practicality (just like we've seen with 2026's hottest denim trends), our heels are following suit. "Since the pandemic, what women want in footwear has changed quite a bit. When women began going back to work and to events, they realized that they're no longer willing to suffer for the look of a sky-high stiletto," Cynthia Kennedy, personal stylist, image consultant, and creator of Your Style Transformation Academy, exclusively tells Women. "Now, women want designs they can wear all day. They prioritize support and comfort and heels that they can move in without immediate discomfort," Kennedy adds. But pain-inducing heels aren't the only outdated trend to step away from in 2026.

There's also been a dramatic shift toward more versatile heels amid the skyrocketing costs for almost everything, including clothing and footwear. Kennedy explains that, while there was a time when buying specific shoes for one event — like a friend's wedding or a birthday party — was the norm, that's not an option for many of us anymore. "Instead [women are] wanting their footwear to move across their wardrobes and pair just as easily with denim and tailored trousers as they do with dresses and skirts," she says. So, to ensure you're getting the most out of your shoes when it comes to versatility, comfort, and cost, Kennedy is revealing the outdated heel trends to avoid and the styles to slip into instead.

Those pesky, pencil-thin stilettos were declared outdated in 2025 — and they won't be making their way back anytime soon. "The suffering seems like a distant memory of the pre-pandemic days and something the majority of women refuse to endure for the sake of how something looks," Cynthia Kennedy exclusively explains, noting the impractical footwear may look good, but can be seriously painful. Instead, she recommends continuing to embrace lower block heels or even kitten heels (which are among the best heel choices for older women) to stay current and comfortable.

Much like stilettos, barely-there heels have also lost relevance due to their impracticality. "As tailoring becomes more easy and relaxed and silhouettes are getting bigger, these shoes can look out of place and unbalanced," Cynthia Kennedy tells us, exclusively. Instead, she recommends sturdier, more obvious footwear that's less likely to break, like the Dream Pairs NILE Pumps or the Roserwish Chunky Block Platform Heels. "A high-vamp shoe gives more coverage of the foot at the top, and therefore more support and stability, while still feeling elegant," she says.

We've seen minimalism dominate fashion and footwear trends in recent years, but overly simplistic shoes are out in 2026. Maximalism is back in a big way, so rather than reaching for heels that are understated and blend into the background, embrace the likes of embellishments, beading, loud patterns, or even fringe. Joristimo's Slingback Kitten Heels with Beads and Sequins bring the drama in a sophisticated way, while the VenusCelia Charming Lady Slingback Pumps combine intricate embellishments with a practical low heel.

Platforms aren't totally outdated, but super clunky versions are being sidelined in favor of a less bulky silhouette. "Today's styles are much more refined, having slimmer profiles, intentional proportions, and sculptural or angled features," says Cythia Kennedy, exclusively. The Mary Jane from CELLENZ has a low platform and structured toe that's great for work or play, while Stuart Weitzman's Sabrina Platform gives us an old school '70s vibe. "This mix of nostalgia while still feeling current is why platforms are likely to stay popular," Kennedy says.

Pointed-toe heels were big in 2023, but that love for the dramatic, elongated shoe shape has slowed down. "They can appear harsh and too severe, particularly with the softer, more relaxed clothing silhouettes we are now seeing," Cynthia Kennedy exclusively explains. She recommends ditching them for softer aesthetics, like rounded points, square, or almond-toed shoes. The rounded square-toe Demoshine Block Heel Platform is a more versatile and sturdy option, as is like the Calvin Klein Women's Jatlee.

Mules are classics for a reason, but the traditional aesthetic isn't so hot in 2026 as we move toward modern twists on traditional silhouettes. The current way to rock a mule is with a wedge heel, which is easy to walk in but can elevate and contemporize any 'fit. The Metallic Heeled Mules in Gold from Kluolandi will tap into the high vamp vibe trending this year (and they're anything but boring), while Bangteuo's Knit Square Toe Mules offer a practical, day-to-day option.

It's no secret that cowboy boots have been having a major moment (including being one of winter 2025/2026's continuing hottest boot trends). Going deeper into 2026, though, the classic low-heeled version has undergone a heel and style upgrade. The modern take is more about dialing down traditional patterns for a simpler look, while a higher block heel will make the style feel more current. The Franco Sarto Jaxon Mid-Calf Heeled Boot will still work long after the cowboy trend is over, as will the Putu Knee High Western Boots.