Fashion is constantly evolving, and what was once the hottest trend can quickly become a style disaster. Some shoes that once turned heads and filled Instagram feeds are now better left in the past—unless you want to risk looking outdated or, worse, downright cheap.
While trends come and go, certain footwear choices have overstayed their welcome, making even the most stylish outfit look less polished. If you’re still holding onto these once-trendy shoes, it might be time for an upgrade.
From overly chunky sneakers to outdated heels, here are 15 styles that fashion experts say are ruining your look in 2025. Will you still keep them?
1. Overly Chunky “Dad” Sneakers
Once adored for their boldness, these sneakers are now seen as cumbersome. With their oversized look, they were initially a hit for their nostalgic throwback to the ’90s dad vibe. However, the bulky aesthetic lacks the sleekness that modern fashion tends to favor.
Nowadays, fashion leans toward more minimalist designs, leaving these oversized shoes collecting dust in closets. They are a stark reminder of how quickly trends can shift. Balancing form and function, current sneaker trends prioritize comfort without the extra weight and size of their predecessors.
2. Sky-High Platform Heels
Reminiscent of early 2000s clubwear, these towering shoes now appear impractical. Once the choice for those wanting to add inches and drama to their stature, they have fallen out of favor. The extreme height and imbalance make them difficult to wear for extended periods.
Today, comfort and mobility are prioritized, leaving these platforms behind. Practical footwear that allows for movement without sacrificing style is preferable. While they might still make an appearance at themed parties, for everyday fashion, they simply don’t stand up to the modern standard.
3. Cork Wedge Sandals
Once the quintessential summer shoe, cork wedge sandals have seen better days. They were loved for their casual yet elevated look that paired well with sundresses and shorts. Unfortunately, their association with bygone fashion eras has made them less appealing.
As styles shift toward more streamlined and versatile footwear, the bulkiness of cork wedges seems out of place. Newer summer trends lean toward sleek, minimalist designs that offer both style and comfort without the weighty feel of a cork platform. They now embody nostalgia rather than a fashion statement.
4. Peep-Toe Booties
Combining the elements of both boots and sandals, peep-toe booties were once a daring choice. They offered a unique blend of style and versatility, but this hybrid design now seems neither here nor there in the fashion world.
Current trends lean towards more definitive styles rather than such hybrids. They may still be found in some wardrobes, but the lack of clear purpose has led to their decline in popularity. Today’s fashion favors distinct choices, leaving peep-toe booties as a relic of past indecision.
5. Gladiator Sandals
These once-popular sandals, a festival staple, have fallen out of fashion’s favor. Known for their intricate designs and knee-high straps, they were a hit on the festival scene. However, their complicated look feels outdated and overly elaborate now.
The simplicity of current footwear trends leaves little room for such complex designs. As fashion moves toward more straightforward and easy-to-wear styles, gladiator sandals have become a symbol of festival fashion from another era, now less seen on today’s streets.
6. Studded Combat Boots
Once the epitome of edgy style, these boots are now seen as overdone. The excessive studs and spikes that adorned them were once a strong fashion statement, but now they feel forced and outdated.
Fashion’s current direction favors subtler forms of self-expression, leaving these overly embellished boots behind. They served their purpose in defining a certain rebellious aesthetic, yet today’s trends lean towards cleaner and more understated designs. The boots now collect dust, waiting for the day when bold embellishments might return to favor.
7. Sock Sneakers
Heralded as the footwear of the future, sock sneakers once promised a revolution in comfort and style. Minimalist and sleek, they were a hit. Yet, their lack of structure now causes them to appear less stylish.
In today’s world, people seek footwear that provides both style and support. The fascination with minimalist designs has waned, leading sock sneakers to be outshone by more supportive options. They now sit at the back of shoe racks, overshadowed by more structurally sound and fashionable designs.
8. Flatform Sandals
Originally loved for their quirky, flat platform design, flatform sandals have seen their day. Their once unique silhouette now seems less flattering compared to sleeker footwear styles.
Contemporary fashion trends value elegance and simplicity, which flatforms lack. The chunkiness doesn’t align with today’s more refined tastes, making them less desirable. While they offered a playful alternative to heels, the shift towards more elegant and supportive options has pushed flatforms to the periphery of fashion.
9. Velvet Loafers
Velvet loafers once epitomized luxury in casual wear, but their shine has dulled. Seen as impractical for everyday use, the fabric’s delicate nature doesn’t hold up well against the rigors of regular wear.
As practicality and durability become more important in fashion, velvet loafers have fallen out of favor. Modern tastes lean toward leather and other robust materials that promise longevity and versatility. The once-coveted luxury of velvet now seems out of step with current fashion needs.
10. Furry Slippers as Streetwear
Wearing plush, furry slippers outside the home was once a bold statement of relaxed chic. Yet, what seemed daring is now seen as sloppy rather than stylish.
As streetwear evolves, the demand for more polished and structured looks has grown. While comfort remains key, appearance also plays a significant role, and furry slippers fall short. They’ve retreated back indoors, replaced by more fashionable and presentable alternatives suited for the streets.
11. Transparent PVC Heels
Clear plastic heels had their time in the fashion spotlight, celebrated for their modern, see-through style. However, discomfort and impracticality have overshadowed their novelty.
Today, comfort-driven trends have taken precedence, leaving PVC heels behind. The sweaty and often painful experience of wearing them is no longer appealing. While they offered a futuristic appeal, the need for practical and comfortable footwear has led to their decline in popularity.
12. Embellished Flip-Flops
Once adorned with gems and sequins, embellished flip-flops were a fun fashion statement. Now, they are seen as tacky.
The simplicity of current casual footwear trends contrasts sharply with the overly decorated style of embellished flip-flops. As minimalism takes hold, these once-loved beach essentials have fallen out of favor. They have been replaced by more understated and comfortable options that align with today’s fashion preferences.
13. Overly Distressed Sneakers
Sneakers that look excessively worn or even dirty were once considered high fashion, capturing the grunge aesthetic. Yet, this style now seems unkempt.
Fashion now emphasizes clean lines and neat appearances, leaving these sneakers behind. While they once symbolized a carefree and rebellious spirit, today’s trends favor a more polished look. This shift has led to a decline in the popularity of distressed sneakers.
14. Mule Slides with No Support
Mule slides, known for their backless ease, once offered a stylish alternative to traditional flats. However, the lack of support is now viewed as a downside.
While the effortless style is appealing, modern footwear trends prioritize comfort and structure. This preference has pushed unsupported mules to the sidelines as people seek shoes that provide better foot support. Their impracticality for long walks has contributed to their decline in the fashion realm.
15. Extreme Pointed-Toe Shoes
Sharp and sleek, pointed-toe shoes were once a staple in high fashion. However, their extreme design now feels uncomfortable and out of step with current trends.
Modern fashion embraces a balance between style and comfort, which these shoes lack. The exaggerated points, while once a bold statement, are now seen as impractical. As a result, they’ve been largely replaced by more rounded designs that offer both flair and wearability.