The Popular 2018 Shoe Trends No One Is Wearing

The lifespan of a fashion trend seems to have drastically decreased in recent years past. This is in large part thanks to good-old social media (namely, Instagram) and our ability to swiftly appoint trend status to a new piece or layering idea. It's no shocker, then, that footwear trends that were wildly popular in 2018 have all but disappeared by now. Of course, we all know the cyclicality of the trend cycle and just because it's seemingly gone now doesn't mean it won't show up again. However, because we get a thrill out of staying on top of it, we culled an edit of shoes to add to the rotation in place of 2018 trends.

Ahead, see the sandal silhouette you should invest in, what heel height is most popular at the moment, and even the best pair of boots to snag. And, should you have any holes in your existing closet, shop our picks to join the footwear fun.

The 2018 Trend: Pool Slides

Wear Instead: Fancy Flip Flops

Swap out your poolside sandals for something slightly less clunky, like a fancy flip-flop. Rest assured, the ugly shoe obsession is far from over, but for days when you're feeling something lightweight and low key, this is the way to go.

The 2018 Trend: '80s-Style Stilettos

Wear Instead: Kitten Heels

Not-so-classic pumps had a moment in the spotlight last year thanks to the influx of 1980s-inspired trends, but this spring it seems the sensible low heel is replacing it as sandal supreme.

The 2018 Trend: Sock Boots

Wear Instead: Western Boots

This time last year, sock boots in vibrant colors were everywhere. This time around in 2019, the Western-inspired cowboy boot seems to be the shoe of choice. Style with a flowy floral dress or tuck a pair of jeans into them for a bolder look.

The 2018 Trend: Sci-Fi Sneakers

Wear Instead: Classic Kicks

Futuristic trainers and ultra-chunky sneakers were perhaps the biggest shoe trend of 2018, and though they're not entirely gone from the scene, influencers and editors alike seem to be reaching for more tried-and-true kicks that have a bit more staying power (think Converse, Reebok, Nike, and the like).

The 2018 Trend: Razor-Sharp Pumps

Wear Instead: Square-Toe Heels

Brands like Balenciaga who had women wearing ultra-pointy kitten heels in droves solidified the silhouette as a must-wear for 2018. This year there's a new shape in town, and it's decidedly the square toe.

The 2018 Trend: Glitter Bomb

Wear Instead: Snake Print

If you're itching to add some texture to your look by way of footwear but, like most, have retired your super-sequinned shoes, why not hop aboard the python-print trend this spring?

Up next: The six best shoe trends of 2019 (and where to find them).