You Won't See My Fellow Fashion Editors Wearing These 9 Shoe Trends This Summer

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

There's no one I trust more for fashion advice than my co-workers. I mean, they make a living off of researching trends and browsing the greatest retail sites. They always deliver with decisiveness and a great perspective, so I hit them up when I was clearing out my shoe section, and I'm sure you can understand why.

With so many trends floating around, I was curious to hear which ones Who What Wear editors are skipping and shopping. One overarching theme that you'll see in their responses is that most of us are saying goodbye to chunky and oversize footwear for sleek and chic styles. It seems like less will be more, and I couldn't be happier to hear that. Read on to find out which shoe trends are worth the splurge this summer.

Skipping: Chunky Sneakers

Shopping: Sleek Retro Styles

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(Image credit: @bobbyschuessler)

"I'm putting my super-chunky sneakers aside and opting for cool retro silhouettes instead. I'm actually currently testing out this Kyx subscription service. I'll basically be living in a pair of Nike, New Balance, or Golden Goose sneakers with denim cutoffs and an oversize button-down shirt this summer."

Shop the trend:

Skipping: Punchy Platforms

Shopping: Sleek Mules

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

"I know they're trending hard right now, but you just won't see me in platforms this summer. When I want to amp up my look, I'm instead favoring sleek mules that are easy, versatile, and '90s inspired. I wear them constantly with everything from relaxed jeans to minidresses, and I know it's a trend that will have longevity in my closet."

Shop the trend:

Skipping: Chunky Loafers

Shopping: Fisherman Sandals

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(Image credit: @joiedejude)

"I'm setting aside my chunky loafers that feel a little too weighty for the warm-weather months. Instead, I'll be wearing cool and comfortable fisherman sandals that exude a luxurious look."

Shop the trend:

Skipping: Cowboy Boots

Shopping: Something With More of an Edge

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(Image credit: @elizagracehuber)

"Though I won't be getting rid of my cowboy-boot collection for good, I will be stowing them away for a bit starting this summer and opting for more rugged and edgier boots instead. Kicked off with Balenciaga's Cagole boots, the rough-around-the-edges boot trend is all I can think about for summer. I'd pair it with minidresses, maxi dresses, and skirts as well as cutoffs."

Shop the trend:

Skipping: Stark-White Shoes

Shopping: Saturated Colors

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

"It wasn't a conscious decision, but I don't really wear stark-white shoes anymore. They were so popular a few years ago, and they just feel a bit dated now. What I am shopping for lately is color. I recently realized that all of my shoes are neutral colored, so I promptly ordered a pair of orange sandals."

Shop the trend:

Skipping: Traditional Espadrilles

Shopping: 2022 Updates on the Classic Style

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(Image credit: @nicoleakhtarzad)

"Traditional espadrilles will probably come back in the future, but for now, I'm not as into them. Instead, I'm eyeing fresh, new takes on the classics."

Shop the trend:

Skipping: Dad Sneakers

Shopping: Strappy Sandals

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(Image credit: @gracejoshua13)

"When it comes to shoe trends for summer, I'm passing on the dad sneakers. This trend used to be the sneaker vibe everyone was obsessed with, but personally, I'm over it. Instead, I'll be wearing strappy, heeled sandals all summer. You can style them with basically every outfit, from midi-dress looks to jeans with a good button-down. Strappy sandals feel fresh and youthful to me, and I'm looking forward to wearing them all season."

Shop the trend:

Skipping: Barbie Shoes

Shopping: Ballet Flats

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(Image credit: @fashionwithjazz)

"As much as I love heels and am obsessed with seeing Barbie shoes on other people, I've come to the stark realization that I own way too many pairs of heels at this point. So this summer, I'm going to try to bring more practical shoes into my life by adopting the ballet-flat trend. It's the perfect way to wear cozier shoes and wear something cute!"

Shop the trend:

Skipping: Flat Flip-Flops

Shopping: Buttery-Soft Leather Sandals

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(Image credit: @_sierramayhew)

And finally, it's my turn! It wasn't long ago that we saw a resurgence of the normcore flip-flops all over fashion people. That moment was something I never got into. I love dressing up, so I am going to continue to pass on that style. What I'm loving right now is how elevated soft, folded leather sandals look. They look so expensive (even when they're not) and make an outfit feel so of-the-moment.

Shop the trend:

Up Next: I Tried Every Shoe Trend You Need to Know for Summer—I'm Losing It Over These 10

Associate Editor

Sierra Mayhew was always destined to work in fashion, but she didn't know it at first. Growing up with no choice but to wear a rotation of school uniforms and activewear, her love for fashion really blossomed when she moved away for college and was able to finally define her very own personal style. Shortly thereafter, she interned at Elle magazine and instantly knew that editorial was for her. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, she worked for ShopBazaar, contributing regularly to Bazaar.com, and finally made her way to Who What Wear, where she is an associate editor. When she’s not working, you can catch her always trying to catch a flight, rollerblading through New York City traffic, or exploring the latest luxury vintage boutique.