Fashion moves fast, and summer shoes are no exception. The wrong pair can drag your whole outfit back a few seasons—while the right one instantly signals style confidence, ease, and relevance. As we step into summer 2025, it’s time to retire those silhouettes that no longer serve you and embrace the shoes that feel modern, intentional, and full of personality. Whether you’re pairing them with breezy dresses, Bermuda shorts, or sharp tailoring, these are the styles to skip—and the ones that will keep your summer wardrobe feeling fresh, elevated, and totally of the moment.
1. Basic White Dad Sneakers
Ever since they emerged as a staple of the normcore movement, basic white dad sneakers have enjoyed widespread popularity. However, their reign is waning. The market’s oversaturation, coupled with a lack of innovation in design, has led to their decline in appeal. Once viewed as the epitome of effortless cool, they now signal a dated look.
These sneakers, while comfortable, fail to align with the sleek, modern aesthetics gaining traction in 2025. As fashion evolves, shoes that lack versatility and a refined silhouette are being swapped out for more contemporary alternatives. Remember, style is about adaptability and growth, something dad sneakers have struggled to maintain.
2. Espadrille Wedges
Espadrille wedges were the quintessential summer shoe of the 2010s. Known for their casual resort-style, they’ve now become synonymous with dated vacation wear. Their bulky appearance fails to complement the minimalist and edgy vibes that are taking over 2025.
While they once paired effortlessly with sundresses and beachwear, these wedges now seem out of place amidst streamlined silhouettes. As fashion gravitates towards cleaner lines and innovative designs, espadrille wedges find themselves at the back of the closet.
The shift towards simplicity and sophistication means it’s time to retire these once-beloved shoes and opt for footwear that resonates with today’s fashion-forward sensibilities.
3. Plastic Flip-Flops
Although practical and easy to wear, plastic flip-flops are losing their style edge. Once the go-to for casual outings, they now lack the fashion impact that modern summer footwear demands. Replaced by more intentional flat styles such as slides and fisherman sandals, these simple flip-flops have fallen out of favor.
They offer little in the way of fashion expression or trend alignment. As the focus shifts to footwear that balances utility with style, plastic flip-flops lag behind. The growing preference for designs that can transition from beach to city life has left these basics in the dust.
Embrace the change and explore more stylish alternatives for your summer adventures.
4. Cork Platform Sandals
Cork platform sandals, with their boho appeal, once dominated the summer scene. However, their heavy and clunky nature has made it difficult for them to fit into 2025’s streamlined fashion ethos. They don’t offer the versatility needed in today’s fast-paced world.
The shift towards sleek, grunge-inspired footwear leaves cork platforms behind, as they struggle to complement modern outfits. As fashion moves towards adaptability and clean lines, these sandals are being sidelined for more versatile options.
Moving forward, light and elegant designs are taking center stage, urging us to leave bulky platforms in the past and embrace a more refined summer style.
5. Overly Embellished Gladiator Sandals
Overly embellished gladiator sandals, with their intricate straps and towering designs, have lost their charm. Once a symbol of bold style, these sandals now appear overly complicated and difficult to wear. Their detailed design often clashes with the clean lines that define 2025’s fashion landscape.
These sandals, while eye-catching, fail to flatter modern silhouettes. As a result, they’re being replaced by simpler, more elegant footwear that can easily transition between outfits.
The desire for easy-to-style shoes means that gladiator sandals, with their complex nature, are being left behind. Simplified footwear with a touch of elegance is the new must-have for any contemporary wardrobe.
6. Ballet Flats with Bows
Ballet flats adorned with bows have long been a staple of feminine style. However, as 2025 beckons, these sweet and traditional designs are being replaced by more architectural versions. The rise of sharp, cooler aesthetics means that bow-trimmed flats no longer hold the appeal they once did.
While they were once the epitome of elegance, today’s fashion-savvy individuals are opting for footwear that offers a modern twist. The transition to sleek and edgy designs signals a shift away from the overly ornate.
As fashion continues to evolve, classic styles are being reimagined for a contemporary audience, leaving traditional ballet flats as a relic of the past.
7. Sculptural Kitten Heels
What are your options, though? Sculptural kitten heels bring a breath of fresh air with their unconventional designs and low-rise appeal. Featuring twisted heels, square toes, and unique finishes like mesh or metallic, these shoes offer both comfort and a directional edge.
Embraced by fashion houses like Khaite and Aeyde, these heels are perfect for those who want to make a statement without sacrificing comfort. They blend seamlessly with both casual and formal attire, making them a versatile choice for any wardrobe.
The fusion of art and practicality in these heels marks a new era in footwear design, encouraging fashion enthusiasts to experiment with bold, innovative styles.
8. Techy Sport Sandals
Techy sport sandals are redefining the boundaries between fashion and functionality. Drawing inspiration from elevated Teva-style designs, these sandals incorporate luxe materials for an upscale look.
Their versatility makes them ideal for the outdoorsy-urban hybrid lifestyle that’s gaining popularity in 2025. Perfect for exploring both cityscapes and nature trails, they offer a practical yet stylish solution for any summer adventure.
The blend of form and function in these sandals showcases the future of footwear. As comfort and style harmonize, techy sport sandals become a must-have for those seeking to balance active lifestyles with contemporary fashion.
9. Toe-Ring or Minimalist Flat Sandals
Simplicity meets sophistication in toe-ring or minimalist flat sandals. With sleek leather straps and asymmetrical or toe-loop detailing, these sandals provide an elegant and modern touch to any outfit.
Their understated design complements a variety of styles, from Bermuda shorts to long tailored skirts. As the minimalist movement continues to influence fashion, these sandals offer a timeless, versatile option for those seeking elegance without fuss.
The resurgence of minimalist aesthetics in footwear highlights a return to basics, with a focus on quality materials and craftsmanship. These sandals are a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, well-made designs.
10. Retro Mules (90s/00s-inspired)
Retro mules are making a comeback with their nostalgic charm and practical design. Drawing inspiration from the 90s and 00s, these mules feature mid-height heels, square toes, and finishes ranging from croc-stamped to glossy.
Their easy slip-on style offers instant polish, making them a perfect pairing for jeans, dresses, or tailored shorts. As retro trends continue to influence modern fashion, these mules provide a delightful blend of past and present.
The renewed interest in vintage-inspired footwear signals a desire for both comfort and style, with retro mules standing out as a versatile choice for any wardrobe.
11. Ballet Flats 2.0
Ballet Flats 2.0 are redefining a classic with contemporary flair. Featuring square or almond toes, mesh fabric, and metal hardware, these flats provide a flat yet edgy option for fashion-forward individuals.
Designers like Miu Miu and The Row have breathed new life into this style, making it a must-have for 2025. The updated silhouette and materials reflect a shift towards innovation and individuality in footwear design.
These flats offer a versatile and chic option for both casual and formal occasions, proving that classics can be reinvented to meet the demands of modern fashion enthusiasts.
12. Metallic Footwear
Metallic footwear is adding a futuristic touch to summer outfits with its bold, shiny finishes. From gold and silver to chrome effects, metallic shoes are catching the eye of fashion enthusiasts everywhere.
These strappy sandals and sleek loafers offer a striking way to elevate even the simplest ensemble. As the fashion world embraces a futuristic aesthetic, metallic footwear stands out as a symbol of innovation and style.
The appeal of metallics lies in their versatility and ability to transform any outfit. They’re a reflection of the cutting-edge trends that are shaping the future of fashion, offering a gleaming addition to any summer wardrobe.