Expiration Date: 2025—7 Shoe Trends That I Think Are on Their Way Out

There's nothing like the start of a new year to kick yourself into action, whatever that may mean for you. While I don't necessarily believe in making resolutions, I do like to go into January with a clean slate (literally), which is why I always make it a priority to audit my closet at the start of the New Year and naturally do a good bit of purging. 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 storing them, so saying that I need a good gutting would be, well, an understatement.

With that, I set out on an epic journey to get rid of the styles I no longer needed or wore. But 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 2025. I know, 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.

What's important to note is that these are just personal preferences of mine and my fellow editors. If you love a platform heel and they work with your look, then by all means, continue as you were!

Pausing: Bright Barbie Pink

Trying Out: Chocolate Brown Tones

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

Pausing: Hiking Boots

In: Sleek Knee-High Boots

I would always recommend owning a pair of sleek knee-high boots. 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.

Pausing: High-Top Sneakers

Trying Out: Racing Sneakers

Between viral pairs like the Puma Speedcat and Adidas Taekwondo, it's clear that racing is becoming *the* sport defining the coolest sneakers at the moment, speeding ahead (sorry, had to) of soccer- and basketball-inspired styles.

Pausing: Puffy Shoes

Trying Out: Satin Shoes

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

Pausing: Sky-High Platforms

Trying Out: Sleek Slingbacks

Slingbacks will pretty much never go out of style, but they're set to have an even bigger impact in 2025, with viral pairs from Saint Laurent and Toteme popping up everywhere we look.

Pausing: Loafer Mules

Trying Out: Luxe Slippers

Hear me out: Brands are making elevated slippers to be worn outside the bedroom. The Row's Frances pair, 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 Shoes

In: Rich Suede

Suede, suede, and more suede. It's the buzzword of the season, and as fall progresses into winter, the luxe fabric will be defining the most noteworthy shoes—from loafers and sneakers to ballet flats and boots.