Fashion moves fast, and what seemed trendy last year might feel completely outdated this summer. Some shoe styles that once dominated Instagram feeds and sidewalks are now collecting dust in closets everywhere.
While personal style is always important, certain summer footwear trends have simply run their course. Here are eight shoe trends that are starting to feel tired and overdone.
1. Platform Heels
Remember when adding five inches to your height seemed like the ultimate power move? Platform heels dominated red carpets and night-out looks for years. These towering shoes promised confidence and drama with every step.
Unfortunately, their reign feels forced now. Walking became a balancing act rather than a graceful stride. Many fashion lovers discovered that comfort trumps height when you actually want to enjoy your evening out.
Modern shoe trends favor sleeker silhouettes that don’t require special walking techniques. The chunky, overwhelming look of extreme platforms now feels more costume-like than chic.
2. PVC Pumps
Transparent shoes seemed revolutionary when they first appeared. PVC pumps promised to match every outfit while adding a futuristic edge to any look. Celebrities and influencers couldn’t get enough of these see-through statement pieces.
The reality proved less glamorous than the hype. Sweaty feet, uncomfortable plastic materials, and that awkward squeaking sound made wearing them an ordeal. Plus, keeping them clean became a full-time job.
Fashion has moved toward natural materials and breathable designs. The plastic fantastic moment has passed, leaving these shoes feeling artificial and impractical for everyday wear.
3. Neon Sport Sandals
Hiking gear invaded city streets when neon sport sandals became unexpected fashion statements. These technical-looking shoes promised adventure-ready style for urban explorers. The brighter the color, the more fashionable they seemed to be.
The trend felt forced from the beginning, trying to make purely functional footwear into high-fashion statements. The loud colors and bulky designs overwhelmed most outfits rather than complementing them.
Outdoor-inspired fashion has evolved toward more subtle, earth-toned options that actually work for both city and nature. The neon sport sandal moment feels like a brief experiment that didn’t quite work out as planned.
4. Rubber Slides
Pool slides somehow became street style essentials, popping up everywhere from grocery stores to fancy brunches. These chunky rubber sandals promised ultimate comfort and effortless cool. Everyone seemed to own at least three pairs in different colors.
The trend reached saturation point when luxury brands started charging hundreds of dollars for glorified shower shoes. The novelty wore off quickly once people realized comfort doesn’t always equal style.
Current footwear preferences lean toward more refined casual options. While slides still work for actual pool days, wearing them as everyday fashion statements feels lazy rather than intentionally relaxed.
5. Tall Gladiator Sandals
Ancient Rome inspired modern wardrobes when gladiator sandals climbed up legs like fashionable armor. These intricate lace-up designs promised to make every outfit look editorial and sophisticated. The more straps, the better seemed to be the motto.
The complexity became exhausting rather than exciting. Getting dressed took forever with all those buckles and ties. Plus, the tan lines they created looked more like accidents than intentional style choices.
Minimalist sandal designs now dominate summer fashion. Simple, clean lines feel more elegant than elaborate strap systems. The gladiator moment feels overwrought compared to current preferences for understated sophistication.
6. Platform Sneakers
Athletic wear got the platform treatment, creating these hybrid monsters that confused both gym-goers and fashion enthusiasts. Platform sneakers promised the best of both worlds: sporty vibes with added height. They dominated street style photos for several seasons.
The contradiction became too obvious to ignore. These shoes looked athletic but performed terribly for actual activities. The added bulk made them impractical for walking, let alone running or exercising.
Sneaker culture has returned to appreciating classic silhouettes and genuine performance features. The platform experiment feels gimmicky now, lacking the authenticity that makes great sneakers timeless rather than trendy.
7. Platform Flip-Flops
Beach footwear got the platform treatment, transforming simple flip-flops into towering statements. These elevated versions promised to make casual beach days feel more glamorous. The contradiction between laid-back vibes and dramatic height created an interesting tension.
The impracticality became obvious quickly. Walking on sand or wet surfaces in platform flip-flops turned into a safety hazard. The added weight made them uncomfortable for extended wear during actual beach activities.
Summer comfort has reclaimed priority over artificial height. Regular flip-flops or sleek sandals now feel more appropriate for warm-weather relaxation. The platform version feels like trying too hard rather than embracing effortless summer style.
8. Espadrille Wedges
Mediterranean vacations came home through espadrille wedges that promised instant European chic. These rope-soled shoes became the uniform for anyone wanting to channel coastal sophistication. Every fashion blogger seemed to own them in multiple colors.
The trend peaked when every fast-fashion retailer started producing cheap versions that fell apart after a few wears. The quality declined while the market became oversaturated with identical-looking options.
Summer shoe preferences now favor more diverse silhouettes and materials. The espadrille wedge feels predictable and overdone, lacking the fresh appeal that originally made them special. Their moment in the sun has definitely passed.