The Most Outdated Shoe Trends In 2024
Thanks to TikTok, it seems like shoe trends change faster than the seasons do. There's no better evidence of that than the past few years. Between 2020 and 2023, fashion saw a total 180 with shoe trends; from conventionally 'ugly' shoes like Crocs becoming popular thanks to aesthetics like eclectic grandpa and cottagecore, while court shoes brought hyper feminine aesthetics to the forefront.We also saw wrong shoe theory take off, allowing people to get creative with mismatching colors.
2024 is bringing with it a few big shoe trend changes of its own, and it's even throwing out a few of the trends that we only saw take hold last year. Chunky sneakers? Already out. Rounded ballet flats? They're gone too! But don't worry, because we've got your back when it comes to finding out what's hot, what's not, and how to upgrade your looks to make them super trendy for the months ahead. To do that, we've rounded up six of the most outdated shoe trends and revealed what you'll want to be sporting on your feet instead to be totally on trend.
Black boots are getting an upgrade
Okay, so we still believe that black boots are timeless, but when it comes to the big shoe trends for 2024, the classic black boot is getting a stylish upgrade. Instead of the darker, rugged engineer boots we saw a lot of in fall 2023, the way to wear boots this year is to go nude. Of course, we don't mean strip off to rock your boots. What we do mean is opt for nude-colored boots, so think shades like tans or beiges for a chic and modern addition to your wardrobe.
Chunky sneakers are slimming down
The Sporty Spice aesthetic has already taken over 2024, which means more and more of us have been reaching for our sneakers to channel the athleisure of Mel C herself. But while 2023 saw a resurgence of '90s-esque chunky trainers, this year, the trend is all about slimline sports shoes. So instead of bulky, chunky soles, or 3D logos and ridges, opt for a simple and slimmer silhouette without too many added extras.
Matte finishes are no more
Shoes with a simple, matte finish will always have a space in our wardrobe, but this year, they're best kept towards the back. That's because 2024 is more about bringing a little shine to your shoe style. That doesn't mean you have to go too crazy with sparkles and glitter (unless you want to, of course!) but a luxe, patent finish is a big shoe trend for the year. This can be incorporated into literally any shoe that you fancy – from flats and heels, to boots, and everything in between. Metallic shoes are still in, and that's a great way to bring the style and the shine.
Totally flat flats are out
We totally get that flat shoes are all about comfort and ditching the heel, but hear us out on this: There's a more modern way to bring that comfort into your footwear. For 2024, instead of wearing the classic ballet flat that had a resurgence in 2023, elevate your look (literally) by opting for shoes with a little lift a la the platform flat. That doesn't mean you need to rock a heel, just try something with more of a sole that runs all the way across the shoe.
Rounded ballet flats are going pointed
Speaking of ballet shoes ... The rise of coquette beauty in early 2023 brought us back to the twee aesthetics of the 2010s, with ballet-inspired shoes like the Miu Miu flat becoming the It-Girl footwear. For 2024, though, the feminine flat shoe is getting a slight upgrade. If you prefer flats over something with an elevated sole, ditch the classic, rounded edge for something with a more pointed toe. The angular shape is a more sophisticated twist on the traditional, balletcore-inspired footwear, bringing a more polished upgrade to your outfits without sacrificing comfort.
Square toe heels are turning to points, too!
It's not just ballet flats that are getting a pointy upgrade, though. You've more than likely have seen that square heels have been super hot for a while now – particularly when it comes to open toes heels with a thick frontal strap. But, sorry to break it to you, square-toe heels (including mules), are looking like they've had their day. The 2024 way to wear stylish heels is to go for the more elegant, pointed toe. These look great under trendy, wider pant styles. If you're not feeling the point, then try something rounded instead. If you find that's too homely, look for styles in a trendy color like red, or a fun design like metallic.