5 Dated Spring Shoe Trends Fashion People Won't Be Wearing in 2026

And the far chicer things they'll be wearing instead.

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Woman wearing jeans and flats.
(Image credit: @annelauremais)
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I'll be honest. Spring shoes are where I notice trends dating themselves the fastest. A new season is always a quick reminder of which things you have simply moved on from. You can still get away with a denim trend many people consider to be outdated or slightly off, but shoes? They tell on you immediately. Lately, I've caught myself subconsciously reaching past pairs I wore nonstop just a year or two ago.

What's replacing them isn't anything wildly new. It's more elevated, a little quieter, and honestly easier to wear. The overarching vibe is less "look at my shoes" and more "these just happen to be perfect." Below, see the spring shoe trends I'm moving on from and what I'm wearing instead.

Over It: Old-School PVC Shoes

Into It: Jelly Heels

Woman wearing jelly heels.

(Image credit: @levelshoes)

PVC shoes had such a moment. They felt sleek, futuristics, and "right now." I still remember those days clearly. Now, they're starting to feel more try-hard, and the trend of the moment is jelly heels. I must admit they're on the trendy side, so if you love them, go for them. Only a select few will adore them as much as I do.

Over It: Lug-Sole Derby Shoes

Into It: Almond-Toe Flats

Woman wearing jeans and almond-toe flats.

(Image credit: @annelauremais)

I was so into lug soles at their peak. Everything I owned had to have a lug sole, and during the spring that happened to be derby shoes. I'd go for almond-toe flats instead this time of year. They're an elevated take on ballet flats that you'll never want to toss.

Over It: Gum-Sole Sneakers

Into It: Colorful Sneakers

Woman wearing baggy brown pants and burgundy sneakers.

(Image credit: @hannahlovey)

Gum-sole sneakers will stay in gym class for me, as they just never truly won me over. A subtle pop of color in the sneaker department, however, is a win. It feels fresh and adds personality to every outfit.

Over It: Embroidery

Into It: Subtle Embellishments

Woman wearing embellished heels and a mesh dress.

(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Embroidery can be beautiful, but on shoes, it is a bit too much for me. They remind me a bit of a decorative blanket and not in the best way. On the other hand, subtle embellishments are a great special touch to any outfit. They catch the light and add texture, and when done right, they can never be too much.

Over It: Platforms

Into It: Kitten Heels

Woman wearing black kitten heels.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Platforms will never truly die in my eyes, but they aren't on fire right now like they used to be. Instead, fashion people everywhere have so many pairs of kitten heels in their closets that they can't fit them all. They are just the moment.

Sierra Mayhew
Sierra Mayhew
Fashion Editor

Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of industry experience to the editorial team. Since joining in 2021, she has made her mark by blending luxury and accessible fashion, decoding runway trends, and curating must-have shopping lists. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra translates editorial expertise into viral social content, making fashion engaging for a new generation. Her unique perspective is rooted in her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.