I Never Liked These 4 Shoe Trends, But These Celebs Convinced Me Otherwise

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(Image credit: Backgrid)

When it comes to fashion, it always pays to be flexible. As much as you might convince yourself that you'd never try a certain trend, you shouldn't be afraid to expand your horizons a bit. For me, that means experimenting in the shoe category. I've always been loyal to Vans and Superga sneakers, as well as flat sandals. They've become the cornerstone of my collection, but I'm convinced to try out other styles thanks to the celebrities below.

Spotting both Charlize Theron and Hilary Duff in platform sneakers in the same week first sparked my idea for this story. I've always associated platforms with cringe-worthy 2000s style, but they're proving that the trend can look thoroughly fresh and completely cool in 2020. From Margot Robbie to Zoë Kravitz, scroll down to see the celebrities who are convincing me to try 4 new-to-me shoe trends. 

1. Fuzzy Slides

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(Image credit: Backgrid)

I used to think fuzzy slides worked best as house shoes, but now I'm convinced that they are, indeed, socially acceptable to wear outside. Margot Robbie wears them with a romper, while mom-to-be Sophie Turner wears hers with bike shorts.

On Margot Robbie: Alice McCall romper; Ugg Joni slides; Ray-Ban sunglasses

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(Image credit: Backgrid)

On Sophie Turner: Carvela sandals; Louis Vuitton bag

2. Platform Sneakers

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(Image credit: Backgrid)

When I hear the term "platform shoes," I immediately think about the awful 3-inch platform flip-flops I bought in 5th grade but never actually had the guts to wear. These days, celebrities like Charlize Theron and Hilary Duff are making elevated sneakers look so much cooler than the early 2000s. 

On Charlize Theron: Sunday Somewhere Laura Sunglasses ($270); Louis Vuitton bag; Joie Dabnis Stripe Sneakers ($298); Werkshop Roses Face Mask ($20)

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(Image credit: The Image Direct )

On Hilary Duff: Champion sweatshirt; R13 High-Top Sneakers ($495)

3. Mary-Janes With Socks

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(Image credit: The Image Direct)

I previously thought the schoolgirl combo of Mary Janes with socks was too literal, but Zoë Kravitz just went all-out with the look—including a pleated skirt that reminds me of my Catholic school uniform—and pulled it off with aplomb. Here's hoping I look half as cool as Kravitz. 

On Zoë Kravitz: The Row flats

4. Neon Sneakers

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I've always stuck to classic black or white when it comes to running shoes, but now Jennifer Lopez makes me want to step outside my comfort zone and go for brighter colors.

On Jennifer Lopez: Nike Air Presto Sneakers

Next, Amazon's #1 dress trend—and 7 ways to wear it

Associate Director, Fashion News

Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 13 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of Associate Director of Fashion News (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.