6 Shoe Trends I'm Passing On This Winter (And 6 I'm Wearing Instead)

We do some pretty peculiar things for the sake of fashion. I have horror stories thinking about the items I forced myself into despite the discomfort. Yes, I was that girl who wore flats in the snow simply because it looked better with my outfit, which I regret very deeply. If 2020 has taught me anything, it's that comfort is key. I love to keep up with the newest trends as much as the next person, but I also like to prioritize what will keep me in my comfort zone because when it comes to shoes there's only so much I'm willing to give right now. (No blisters and freezing toes here, please!)

Scroll down to see six shoe styles that I'll be passing on this season and six that I'm going to be relying on to not only keep me stylish but feeling good, too. We love to inform you of what's new in fashion here at WWW, but we also want to keep you warm and comfortable, friends. 

Passing On: Heeled Booties

Wearing: Platform Boots

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(Image credit: @meganadelaide)

As much as I love the look a heeled bootie can give, I've been gravitating towards platform styles to give me the added height I want. They don't only edge up an outfit, but they're far more comfortable than a high heel.

Passing On: Slides

Wearing: Slippers

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(Image credit: @katcollings)

I wore slides all summer, and even almost purchased a new pair just this week, until I reminded myself that instead of the sock and slide combo, I'd rather wear a cozy pair of slippers. Lucky for us, brands have been churning out cozy pairs that look good outside of the house, too.

Passing On: Oxfords

Wearing: Loafers

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(Image credit: @sofia)

I don't know if it's just me, but I've never found oxfords comfortable. I think it's the fitted structure and flatness of them, but I'd much rather loafers. They have a more relaxed fit that pair well with socks or stockings.

Passing On: Thigh Highs

Wearing: Slouchy Boots

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

I know thigh highs are trending, but I much prefer more slouchy and relaxed tall boots. They look good with bare legs if you live in a warmer climate or with leggings and jeans when you want to layer up. 

Passing On: Flats

Wearing: Classic Sneakers

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(Image credit: @laurenegg)

The comfy flat shoe I'll be opting for this season is a pair of classic sneakers. From Converse to New Balance, they go with almost everything and will probably never go out of style. 

Passing On: Mules

Wearing: Clogs

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I used to be someone who thoroughly enjoys a thick heeled mule, but as the weather continues to drop a clog is the new easy slip-on shoe I'll be leaning towards. They may not be everyone's taste, but they add such a unique element to any look.

Associate Fashion Editor
Yusra Siddiqui is an editor who resides in New Jersey but bounces between the suburbs and NYC. (She's a Jersey girl at heart.) After interning at Who What Wear in 2019, she found her way to the team after graduating from LIM College in 2022 with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, and Nylon, but she always knew that Who What Wear was where she was meant to be. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing the latest thing fellow Gen Zers are up to on the internet, and sharing what she can about the modest-fashion market. You can also catch her dabbling in entertainment, talking about the costume choices of the latest Netflix series or diving deeper into how the plotline affects the viewers in a myriad of ways. Lastly, she likes to create content for Who What Wear's TikTok. Her personal time is spent doing similar but also different things—deep diving into almost every new TV show (Bridgerton, Gilmore Girls, and Stranger Things are favorites), planning her next local getaway (whenever that may be), and reading the latest Emily Henry or Sally Rooney novel in one sitting.