These 5 Shoe Trends Are Everything, But These 5 Have Got to Go

I’m what you might call a shoe person. I love shoes, especially heels. As someone who stopped getting taller in the eighth grade, I’ve always been on the short side, so heels have been my best friend since I was 15 years old. I take my shoe game seriously, and while I’ve already admitted to being a heels-lover, I don’t discriminate when it comes to great shoes. Sneakers, flats, sandals, boots, you name it, I’m into it. Shoes are the delicious cherry on top of every outfit and can either take your look up a notch or totally tank it.

With that said, I have been eyeing tons of shoe trends all summer, some have been a total hit, and others… not so much. There are five shoe trends, in particular, that I can’t get enough of and five that I’m ready to ditch. The trends that I’m personally loving are platform heels, the surprising comeback of sleek wedges, thong sandals and/or flip-flops, Cinderella-inspired heels, and fisherman sandals. While chunky loafers, espadrilles, designer slides, lace-up sandals, and sky-high stilettos didn’t make the cut.

Keep scrolling to see what shoes I’m eyeing to help me stay on-trend. 

Keep: Platform HeelsToss: Chunky Loafers

It’s safe to say I am a huge platform-shoe fan. Full disclosure: I am on the more petite side and a big heels wearer, so these statuesque shoes don’t intimidate me. When it comes to this trend, I know it’s not for everyone, but I do encourage everyone to give these fun and bold shoes a try. For me, chunky loafers have just never really been the vibe. They can be great for a scholastic, new-age Gossip Girl vibe, but for this summer, I’m going to have to pass.

Keep: WedgesToss: Sky High Stilettos

I’m just as surprised as anyone that wedges are making a comeback. That being said, I am happily embracing the return of these summer shoes since they’re often super comfortable. It’s time to push those sky-high stilettos to the side. This summer, it’s all about being cool and comfortable.

Keep: Thong SandalsToss: Slides

I used to not be the biggest fan of thong sandals or flip-flops, but recently, I’ve had a change of heart. (Especially for these Gia Borghini shoes my fellow Who What Wear editor Eliza is sporting above.) I remember just a few summers ago when everyone was rushing to get their hands on a pair of designer slides to sport around the pool and while traveling, I thankfully never participated in the trend, so kicking these to the curb will be easier for me than others, but they’ve got to go.

Keep: Fisherman SandalsToss: Lace-Up Tie Sandals

Okay, I have to be honest. When I first started seeing fisherman sandals make their way into the closets of fashion people and in my Instagram feed, I wasn’t a fan. But slowly, these ugly-yet-cool sandals are growing on me. I’m not sure if I’m cool enough to style these in my closet, but I’m definitely down for the challenge. I used to love lace-up sandals, but lately, they just feel a bit dated to me.

Keep: Cinderella HeelsToss: Espadrilles

As many of you may know, I’m a sucker for anything princesscore, and these shoes fit the aesthetic perfectly. The glass-slipper vibe that these sparkly, clear heels have is so fun and chic. They're great for a holiday party but can also work for a summer party, a birthday look, or a fun vacation.

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