Spring 2026's Most Outdated Shoe Trends

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Gone are the days of heavy-duty snow boots and their accompanying salt stains, because the arrival of spring means a new lineup of shoe trends. While spring means embracing a greater variety of shoe styles, a new season in a new year also means that trends have changed. 2026 has plenty of outdated shoe trends — combat boots and bright white sneakers don't fare well this year — and there are outdated heel trends to step away from as well.

But the shoe trends for spring 2026 are specifically varied, with moods that are both elegant and intentional. For those who can't shake their maximalistic splendor, there are still trending styles that leave room for the self-expression that's so important in fashion. For those who lean toward minimalism — think of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's outfits that are still on trend today — there are shoe styles to satisfy. To better explain what to avoid and what to wear instead, Women spoke with fashion stylist and lifestyle expert Joseph Katz of The Katz Walk. "For 2026, much of the influence comes from new creative directors redefining heritage houses, as well as a continued emphasis on versatility and wearability," Katz tells Women, exclusively. "There's a strong return to refined minimalism — sleek leather sandals, elongated toes, low-profile silhouettes — balanced by playful, fashion-forward moments like sculptural heels and unexpected textures." Katz explains that spring 2026's trendiest shoes are polished and expressive, without looking overworked. With that in mind, here are the outdated shoe styles to avoid. 

For everyone who loves a chunky sneaker, the spring 2026 shoe style forecast will come as a bit of a blow. Stylist Joseph Katz tells Women, exclusively, that this shoe style is on its way out. "One style that's clearly losing momentum is the ultra-chunky, oversized sneaker," Katz explains. "After several seasons of exaggerated soles and heavy proportions, the look is beginning to feel visually overwhelming and less aligned with the refined direction fashion is moving toward." The chunky sneaker dominated shoe trends for a long time, gaining traction around 2018 in its more contemporary iteration, and these "dad shoes" became a solution for comfort and walkability while staying on trend. 

But comfort is always in style, and Katz recommends a slimmer sneaker for a trendier solution. A ballet flat-inspired sneaker offers the same walkability as its chunky predecessor but without the bulk. Katz also notes that sleeker soles and slimmer shapes work well with both structured trousers and classic denim. "For spring 2026, the mood is minimal but considered," Katz shares. "You'll see these slim sneakers in soft neutrals for a quiet luxury feel, as well as unexpected pops of color that add personality without overpowering the outfit. It's less about statement bulk and more about subtle sophistication." Vogue amplified this sentiment, recommending sneakers with vintage-inspired designs, like the Adidas Samba OG and the Puma Speedcat sneakers. 

The glove flat, meant to feel like a second skin on the foot, is taking an elevated step into spring 2026. Joseph Katz explains to Women that the classic, ballet-style flat was great for its comfort and versatility; however, the simple shoe doesn't quite offer enough. Instead, the trend for 2026 is glove-inspired pumps. 

These pumps take the best of the glove flats and add a sensible heel to the mix. "These sleek, foot-hugging pumps create a sculptural, elongated line and feel more polished than their flat predecessors," Katz tells Women, exclusively. "The fit is close and intentional, almost like a tailored garment for the foot." This is not to say that stilettos are back by any means. The key to these pumps, Katz warns, is a refined heel height. The shoes should still be practical and walkable. Who What Wear celebrated the return of the nostalgic '90s kitten heel, and this is a great direction to take. The heels should embody structure and a discreet sensuality. "It's less about overly delicate minimalism and more about controlled, confident refinement," Katz adds. These shoes are intentional and play well with the rest of your wardrobe. 

There's no way to completely leave flip-flops behind, and Joseph Katz admits to their undeniable practicality and versatility while speaking with Women. However, for the sleekest style trends in spring 2026, the flip-flop shouldn't be a primary shoe choice, as it's being replaced by a more sophisticated sandal. "While the flip-flop will always have its place, especially for casual beach dressing, we're seeing a clear shift toward the backless loafer as the more refined alternative for spring 2026," Katz tells us. 

Flip-flops remain useful, but the backless loafer gives a more intentional, polished feel to warm-weather footwear. The backless loafer also gives an entire look a more professional finish because open-toed shoes, especially flip-flops, can be iffy in workplace settings or more formal environments. Even The New York Times tackled the ongoing dilemma about open-toed footwear at work. This is one of the reasons why Katz recommends the backless loafer. "It's effortless without looking underdressed," he adds. "This shift speaks to a larger trend: women want comfort, but they also want structure and sophistication. The backless loafer delivers both — making it one of the standout silhouettes for the season." Since you can get so much mileage out of a backless loafer, a sleek pair is worth the investment. 

Heavily decorated shoes made their cyclical movement around the sun and became trendy again in the early 2020s, reaching a zenith around 2024. Rhinestone embellishments and crystal Mary Jane flats were everywhere, showing the rampant popularity of glitzy footwear. But this is not the case in spring 2026. "Overly embellished shoes drenched in crystals and heavy metallic hardware are taking a step back this spring," Joseph Katz tells Women. "After seasons of high-shine excess, the mood is shifting toward softer, more romantic detailing." 

This doesn't mean that the style has shifted toward ultra-minimalism, by any means. Katz notes that delicate embellishments, like 'floral appliqués, subtle sequins, and lighter decorative touches' are the wave of the future in terms of personalized shoes. "The effect is statement-making yet refined — elegant with just the right splash of playfulness," Katz adds. Glamour stressed that 2026 shoe trends certainly embraced embellishment, but the added decals — like delicate rosette and floral details on shoes or touches of beading — were wearable rather than impractically decorative. The shoes of spring 2026 are meant to elevate outfits without adding complications to your wardrobe.