First dates are already a minefield. Will the conversation flow? Will they look like their profile pic? Will you spend the entire time wondering if you’re about to get love-bombed?
While you can’t control every aspect of the night, you can control your shoes—and trust me, they matter. The wrong pair can send all the wrong signals, and before you know it, your date is mysteriously “losing service” halfway through texting you back.
So if you’re actually hoping for a second date, avoid these 10 first-date footwear disasters at all costs. And if you are trying to get ghosted? Well, go ahead and wear #10.
1. Crocs

Listen, I get it—Crocs are comfortable. But wearing them on a first date? You might as well show up in pajama pants and a Snuggie.
Crocs are the universal sign of “I made no effort, and I don’t care if you know it.” Even if you’re meeting for something casual like coffee or a daytime walk, there are a million better choices—sneakers, loafers, literally anything that doesn’t scream, “I just came from gardening.”
Unless your date is a die-hard Crocs stan or a lifeguard, leave these at home.
2. Five-Toe Shoes

Vibram five-toe shoes are great for people who love to “feel the earth beneath their feet”—but unfortunately, they’re also great at making your date question all of your life choices.
There’s just something deeply unsettling about shoes that outline every single toe like a glove for your feet. Plus, let’s be real—are you going on a romantic dinner or training for a Tough Mudder?
If you want them to be more focused on your shoes than your personality, these will do the trick. Otherwise? Stick to normal sneakers.
3. Beat-Up Sneakers

A trendy pair of clean, stylish sneakers? Totally fine.
But a pair of dusty, fraying, dirty sneakers that look like you wrestled a raccoon in them? Absolutely not.
Shoes set the tone for your outfit, and if yours look like they just survived a natural disaster, you’re not exactly sending the best first impression. Your date might start wondering:
- Do you care about anything in life?
- Do you own a washing machine?
- Are you lowkey a sneaker hoarder?
The only thing worse than wearing filthy sneakers on a first date? Pairing them with socks that have holes. Please, for the love of romance, retire these immediately.
4. Sky-High Heels You Can’t Walk In

A killer pair of heels can elevate any outfit, but if you can’t actually walk in them, you’re setting yourself up for pure chaos.
Nothing kills first-date chemistry faster than hobbling like a baby deer down the sidewalk or gripping your date’s arm like you’re scaling a mountain.
If you love heels, choose ones you can comfortably wear all night. Otherwise, you’ll spend more time wincing in pain than actually enjoying your date.
5. Flip-Flops

Flip-flops are fine for a pool day, but on a first date? Absolutely not. First of all, flip-flops make that weird slapping noise with every step—which is not the soundtrack your date wants to hear all night.
Second, they offer zero style points, and even worse? Zero foot protection. Third, exposed toes are risky territory—especially if you haven’t given yourself a pedicure in a minute.
If you’re thinking, “But they’re comfortable!” so are literally hundreds of other shoes that don’t look like you just left a dorm shower.
6. Dirty UGG Boots

Yes, UGGs are warm and cozy. But on a first date? They look like you forgot to change out of your loungewear.
Dirty, slouchy UGGs tell your date:
- “I wasn’t sure if I was leaving the house today.”
- “This date was not worth picking a better shoe.”
- “I might still be wearing last night’s pajamas.”
Unless your date is at a ski lodge, opt for a polished ankle boot instead.
7. Heavy Work Boots

There’s rugged chic, and then there’s showing up looking like you just clocked out from a 12-hour shift at a lumberyard.
Chunky, steel-toed work boots are heavy, clunky, and give off the wrong vibe for a first date. You want them to think “sexy and put-together”, not “I just installed drywall before this.”
If your work boots double as weights at the gym, swap them for a sleek Chelsea boot or a stylish sneaker.
8. Over-the-Knee Latex Boots

Thigh-high boots can be sexy, but if they’re shiny, skin-tight, and look like something worn by a superhero villain, they might be a bit too much for a casual first date.
They say confidence is key, but showing up looking ready to fight crime or break hearts in a film might be a little intimidating.
There’s a time and place for latex thigh-highs—and it’s probably not your first dinner date at an Italian restaurant.
9. House Slippers

Slippers are for lounging at home, not for meeting a potential future partner.
If your shoes look like you just rolled out of bed, your date might wonder:
- Do they even want to be here?
- Did they forget where they were going?
- Are they planning to order takeout and leave halfway through?
If your shoes have faux fur and memory foam soles, it’s time to pick something that actually belongs outside.
10. LED Light-Up Sneakers

If your shoes glow in the dark, flash different colors, or look like they belong in a kindergarten talent show, please leave them at home.
This isn’t a rave or a ‘90s throwback party—it’s a first date. Keep the statement sneakers stylish, not blinding.