I’ll admit it—I’ve held onto some heels a little too long. You know the ones: sky-high stilettos I can barely walk in, peep-toes I haven’t worn since 2017, and those sparkly party shoes that haven’t left my closet in years. So this year, I decided to get serious about refreshing my shoe game. To find out which styles are officially over in 2025—and what’s taking their place—I reached out to a stylist who works with women over 40, 50, and beyond.
Her advice? It’s not just about comfort (though that matters). It’s about streamlining, modernizing, and avoiding the subtle style traps that can age your whole look. Whether you’re standing in front of your closet wondering what still works or you’re just curious if your favorite heels have stood the test of time, here’s what she says we should all be leaving behind this year. Spoiler: it’s time to let go of more than just those cork wedges.
1. Extremely Pointy-Toe Stilettos
Once the epitome of power dressing, extremely pointy-toe stilettos now seem more like fashion relics. The aggressive angle and sharp design can age even the most modern ensemble. Many find them impractical, as they are notorious for causing discomfort and toe cramping. In 2025, the shift is towards sleeker almond toes or softly squared shapes that promise comfort without compromising style.
This evolution is not just about aesthetics but also about practicality. As busy lifestyles demand more adaptable fashion choices, it’s clear why these stilettos are making their exit.
Goodbye to toe-crunchers and hello to grace and ease! This change is a small step towards a more comfortable fashion future.
2. Lucite or Clear Heels
Lucite or clear heels made waves in the early 2000s, thanks to the influence of pop culture icons. They were the go-to for a daring, attention-grabbing look. Fast forward to 2025, and these see-through shoes feel costume-y, lacking the sophistication that modern minimalism demands.
While they once dazzled, today they seem out of place amidst the sleek lines and neutral palettes that dominate. Fashion now calls for subtlety and refinement, leaving these acrylic wonders behind.
If you’re aiming for polished elegance, it’s time to let go of the transparent trend. The style world is moving on, embracing shoes with more substantial and elegant materials.
3. Sky-High Platform Pumps
Sky-high platform pumps, once the life of any party, now feel like relics from a bygone era. Their towering height and chunky silhouette can overwhelm an outfit, giving off an overly “clubby” vibe. They had their revival, but in 2025, these pumps are stepping aside for more balanced designs.
Today’s fashion emphasizes proportion and practicality. The focus is on comfort and ease without losing flair. As we embrace a more grounded approach, these towering platforms fade into the background.
The shift is towards shoes that complement rather than overshadow. It’s time to say farewell to these sky-high giants and welcome styles that gracefully walk the line between statement and subtlety.
4. Thin Kitten Heels with Slingbacks from the Early 2000s
Not all kitten heels have fallen out of favor, but the thin, spindly versions with slingback straps from the early 2000s certainly have. These heels, beloved for their delicate appearance, now clash with the structured tailoring that defines 2025.
As fashion moves towards stronger silhouettes, these flimsy designs seem out of sync. The modern trend leans towards solidity and presence, where shoes anchor an outfit rather than fade into the background.
For those looking to stay stylishly current, it’s best to leave these nostalgic pieces in the past. Instead, opt for kitten heels with a bit more substance, reflecting the robust yet refined aesthetic of today’s trends.
5. Wedge Heels with Cork or Raffia Soles
Wedge heels with cork or raffia soles once epitomized casual, beach-ready chic. However, their laid-back appeal now reads as frumpy when contrasted with the sleek, polished looks of 2025.
As fashion gravitates toward more refined finishes, these chunky soles feel out of step. The trend is towards flatforms or espadrilles with cleaner lines and modern materials.
By updating this classic style, designers aim to marry comfort with elegance. It’s time to trade in those beachy wedges for footwear that can transition seamlessly from day to night, embodying the sophistication that defines the current fashion landscape.
6. Decorative or Glitter-Covered Evening Heels
Once the toast of gala nights, decorative or glitter-covered evening heels have lost their sheen. Heavy embellishments that previously dazzled now feel reminiscent of prom nights gone by. Fashion in 2025 favors subtlety, opting for understated elegance over overt flash.
The preference is for shoes that enhance rather than overshadow an ensemble. Metallics or satin finishes are now chosen for their ability to add a touch of luxury without excess.
As the focus shifts towards timeless elegance, it’s goodbye to the glitter-infused glam. The modern style narrative appreciates nuanced beauty, leaving behind the ostentatious glimmer of the past.
7. Peep-Toe Heels
Peep-toe heels once offered a flirty peek at one’s pedicure, but in 2025, they’re considered passé. The awkward styling of peep-toes no longer aligns with the streamlined designs in vogue today.
Fashion now prioritizes cohesive, elegant lines, making peep-toes feel out of place. They interrupt the flow of an outfit, where continuity and simplicity are key.
For those aiming to keep their shoe game sharp, it’s wise to move towards closed-toe styles or those with minimalistic cutouts. The focus is on creating silhouettes that are seamless and sophisticated, leaving the peep-toe charm firmly in the past.
8. Cone Heels
Cone heels, with their sculptural flair, were once the darling of the avant-garde fashion scene. However, these hard-to-wear shapes have not stood the test of time. What was previously considered edgy now appears gimmicky in the streamlined world of 2025 fashion.
As style leans towards wearability and elegance, cone heels seem more like art pieces than practical footwear. The preference today is for designs that complement the foot’s natural shape and offer versatility.
As the avant-garde wave subsides, it’s clear: cone heels have had their moment. They now make way for styles that balance innovation with comfort, reflecting a more grounded fashion ethos.
9. Heels with Lace-Up Ankle Ties
Lace-up ankle tie heels once brought a playful touch to footwear, but their time in the spotlight is waning. These strappy designs often appear busy, detracting from the overall outfit and cutting off the leg line in an unflattering way.
In 2025, the trend favors clean, minimalist lines, with shoes that elongate rather than segment. Ankle ties complicate rather than enhance.
For those who desire a sophisticated look, the recommendation is to choose shoes with simple ankle straps or entirely backless designs. This shift embodies the streamlined elegance that modern fashion celebrates, leaving the lace-up trend behind.