These 7 Shoe Trends Are Officially Out

Just as new trends come in, others make a swift exit from the fashion scene—and shoes are no exception. While there are plenty of footwear trends that will ultimately stand the test of time, there are some that suddenly feel overdone and tired after they reach a point of oversaturation. Curious to find out the outdated shoe trends our editors are retiring in 2019, I asked team Who What Wear to weigh in.

Ahead, our editors are calling out the shoe trends that they’re no longer buying or putting in the resale pile and sharing seven exciting new shoe styles they’re investing in now to wear for the year ahead. Go on to see which shoes we’re ditching for our closets and find out what fashion edtior–approved styles you’ll spot us wearing instead.

Out: Naked Heels

In: Super-Strappy Sandals

"I feel like the very naked heels had a big moment that's kind of been stolen by the super-strappy sandal, which I am very into right now. I just ordered two pairs last night—whoops." — Nicole Eshaghpour, Market Editor

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Out: Pool Slides

In: Utility Sandals

"Pool slides are taking a backseat to utility sandals this season. The chunkier the better!" — Kat Collings, Editor in Chief

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Out: Sharply Pointed Heels

In: Square-Toe Shoes

"Instead of sharply pointed heels that were wildly popular in past seasons, square-toe shoes are taking over. We're seeing plenty of cool styles in the form of sandals, mules, slingbacks, and boots and I'm already on board." — Kristen Nichols, Managing Editor

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Out: Classic Rubber Flip-Flops

In: Fashion-Flops

"Classic rubber flip-flops definitely (and shockingly) had a moment last year, thanks to the street style set, but this summer, we're seeing a rise in the "fashion-flop" as I like to call them. Brands like Staud and Tibi have come out with sleek and elevated versions that are changing all perceptions of the thong sandal." — Lauren Eggertsen, Editor

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Out: Sky-High Heels

In: Sporty Sandals

"I'm saying goodbye to sky-high heels for 2019 and opting for comfy sporty-sandals instead. They're super on-trend right now and look good with dresses and jeans alike." — Judith Jones, Market Editor

Out: T-Strap Sandals

In: Asymmetrical Sandals

"I think it's over for T-strap sandals this summer. Instead, minimalists (and really, everyone) will be wearing sandals with thin, asymmetric straps à la the '90s. I just pre-ordered this Reike Nen pair and am counting down the days until they arrive." — Anna LaPlaca, Assistant Editor

Out: Sock Sneakers

In: Classic Sneakers

"Sock sneakers have been on the decline, which is fine with me since it was a trend I chose to not invest in. Instead, the only sneaker style I'll be buying in 2019 is classic ones." — Allyson Payer, Editor

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Out: PVC Shoes

In: Kitten Heels

"I think the PVC trend had its time spotlight and doesn't feel as fresh as kitten heels right now. Luckily there are plenty of stylish versions to choose from, including these Ganni ones." — Erin Fitzpatrick, Senior News Editor

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Next, the 13 pieces I'm wearing on repeat right now.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.