This spring is all about shedding the old and welcoming the new. I've already done my closet clean-out, and it seems like other editors at Who What Wear have too. I trust my stylish coworkers' taste and was curious to know their thoughts on which dated flat-shoe trends they're pressing pause on and the ones they're wearing instead. I was not disappointed by their recommendations and thought I would share them with you all.
You can obviously wear whatever you want; I'm a big believer in that sentiment, but if you're in search of guidance on what's trending this spring and want a fresh look for the season, these insights are for you. From Mary Janes to chunky loafers, you'll want to know what else is considered dated this spring.
Keep scrolling to learn about the flat-shoe trends my fashionable peers are pressing pause on and the ones they're opting to wear instead.
Audry Hiaoui, Associate Shopping Editor
"I tend to stay away from trends, so when I choose flat shoes, I usually stick to a classic pair of ballet flats that never fail me. That said, I’ve been looking for something for extra-long spring walks, and I’m considering a breathable mesh pair from one of my favorite brands, Camper."
Wearing: Breathable Ballet Flats
Pressing Pause: Trendy Flats
Shop More Breathable Flats
Nikki Chwatt, Associate Fashion Editor
"As a 5’1” fashion person, I rarely wear flats; however, there are times that I do. So if you catch me on that special occasion this spring, you'll likely only see me in elevated flip-flops. Think leather or suede styles with a thin-to-medium-width thong upper. While ballet flats, Mary Janes, and strappy sandals are fine, flip-flops offer a more polished look and feel very 2026."
Wearing: Flip-Flops
Pressing Pause: Mary Janes
Shop More Flip-Flops
Sierra Mayhew, Fashion Editor
"The days of wearing chunky, stomper loafers are long gone. I'm talking the type of loafers that had a bit of a flatform and heavy, thick soles. My preference now is a sleek pair that feels incredibly timeless."
Wearing: Sleek Loafers
Pressing Pause: Chunky Loafers
Shop More Sleek Loafers
Anna LaPlaca, Senior Fashion Editor
"I'm pressing pause on Mary Jane flats at the moment. While I always found them charming on other people, they felt too saccharine for my personal style. Instead, I'm finishing a lot of my outfits with glove flats these days, especially this brown suede pair that features a V-shaped vamp. The silhouette is wearable but so modern."
Wearing: Glove Flats
Pressing Pause: Mary Janes
Shop More Glove Flats
Daniela Guevara, Assistant Social Media Editor
"I never owned mesh netted flats because I knew it’d be a trend that wouldn’t last in my closet personally. I am excited about T-strap flats. I own this pair from Everlane and have walked miles in them. The T-strap trend is one I noticed in the fall but am excited to wear more this spring once I can put my snow boots away! I like that the cutout feature adds dimension to a look and is just timeless."
Wearing: T-Strap Flats
Pressing Pause: Mesh Flats
Shop More T-Strap Flats
Josephine Hadjiloucas, Assistant Shopping Editor
"I’m politely passing on the classic almond-toe ballet flat and instead reaching for a V-cut glove flat. French-woman flat-shoe trends have landed on the glove flat as a chicer alternative to the traditional ballet flat. It looks best when worn with white denim and a funnel-neck utility jacket or a pair of low-rise trousers and a boatneck top."
Wearing: V-Cut Glove Flats
Pressing Pause: Almond-Toe Ballet Flat
Shop More V-Cut Glove Flats
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognizable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality, and real-world wearability.
We regularly try pieces ourselves, including everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes; speak to external experts and fashion insiders; and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.