Expiration Date: 2026—7 Shoe Trends That Are on Their Way Out

It's never too early to start thinking about your 2026 wardrobe. Why wait until the New Year to make your fashion resolutions? Every fall, I always prioritize auditing and purging my closet. First up: my shoes. My 50+ pairs have begun to spill out of my closet, and I've even had to convert a shelving unit to store them, so saying that I need a good gutting would be an understatement.

With that, I set out on an epic journey to get rid of the styles I no longer needed or wore. I also tapped my fellow Who What Wear editors for their opinions. After many discussions in the office, trend research, and my self-audit, I've concluded that seven main shoe trends are hitting their expiration dates in 2026. I'm sad too, but I'm preparing to say goodbye to my sky-high platforms and puffy shoes to make way for several far chicer and more current options.

Out: Barbie Pink

In: Chocolate Brown

With chocolate brown infiltrating our wardrobe more than ever, the hue is quickly taking over as the new default shoe color, and it's so much chicer than black. If you're going to add a bit of color to your closet this year, a pair of chocolate-brown flats, sneakers, or loafers will ensure a luxe vibe. On the contrary, we're seeing less and less of the vibrant Barbie pink that dominated not too long ago.

Out: Combat Boots

In: Sleek Knee-High Boots

Everyone needs a pair of sleek knee-high boots, and that's a fact. Even though they were once considered trendy, this style has officially graduated to staple status, so investing in a pair would be wise, as you'll wear them for so many years to come. Of course, being that boots take up the most room in our closets, abiding by a strict "one in, one out" rule is crucial, and that means one style of boots is on the way out: combat boots.

Out: Basketball Sneakers

In: Racing Sneakers

With styles like the Puma Speedcat going viral, it's clear that racing is becoming *the* sport defining the coolest sneakers at the moment, and similar low, streamlined styles are speeding ahead (sorry, I had to) of soccer- and basketball-inspired footwear.

Out: Puffy Shoes

In: Satin Shoes

There's nothing the fashion crowd loves more than novelty shoes, and Prada-esque, elegant satin is what's resonating with the insider set the most right now, and puffy shoes are decidedly on the decline.

Out: Sky-High Platforms

In: Sleek Slingbacks

Slingbacks will pretty much never go out of style, but they're set to have an even bigger impact this winter, and viral pairs from Saint Laurent and Toteme are popping up everywhere I look.

Out: Loafer Mules

In: Luxe Slippers

Hear me out: Brands are making elevated slippers to be worn outside the bedroom. The Row's Frances Slippers, which are made from a delicate silk jacquard and beloved by Kendall Jenner and Laura Harrier, are proving to be the unlikely It shoes right now.

Out: PVC

In: Rich Suede

Suede, suede, and more suede. It's the buzzword of the season, and the luxe fabric is defining the most noteworthy shoes—from loafers and sneakers to ballet flats and boots.

This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.