Outdated Shoe Trends You Don't Want To Be Caught Wearing During Summer 2025

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

When choosing summer shoes, there are three important things to consider: whether they feel comfortable, offer ventilation, and give you confidence. But it's also nice to know your footwear is modern and trendy, which means avoiding outdated trends that make us feel dated and dowdy. But with so many footwear styles flooding the market and social media throwing new trends and fashion aesthetics our way daily, it can feel impossible to keep up with what's hot.

Luckily, we have experts to keep us in the know. To help you step into summer 2025 with your best foot forward, we exclusively chat with San Diego-based personal stylist and image consultant Cynthia Kennedy. Kennedy gave us the deets on what shoes are sizzling for the season and which aren't. We have good news for slimline sneaker fans... but not so much for lovers of the classic T-strap sandal.

It's always tempting to pull out a pair of classic T-strap sandals when summer rolls around. They're easy to wear and go with almost any outfit, but they're dated, which is why we're trying something different in 2025. "While once a go-to for easy summer dressing, T-straps now feel overly delicate and a little dated," Cynthia Kennedy explained. "They often lack the support or style impact today's consumer is after."

To stay on trend, put the T-straps in the back of your closet (at least for now) and try something chunkier with bolder straps that will give your feet and ankles more support. "Expect to see wide-band slides, asymmetric straps, and sculptural toe shapes that feel more modern and grounded — especially square and oval toes with chunkier bases that offer more presence and comfort," Kennedy shared. Try Ankis Comfortable Flat Sandals or Dr. Scholl's Women's Island Glow Strappy Flat Sandal for something more substantial but still summer appropriate.

Chunky dad sneakers have dominated the footwear world for a while now, with everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Mindy Kaling getting in on the trend. But, as comfy as they may be, chunky sneakers were officially declared an outdated shoe trend for spring 2025 and that will continue as the weather gets even warmer. "They've reached saturation — and feel a little too heavy, especially with lighter summer silhouettes," Cynthia Kennedy explained.

That doesn't mean you can't still rock sneakers, but opt for a slimmed down pair if you want to stay trendy. Summer 2025 will be more about toned down, delicate and streamline silhouettes, with minimalist leather trainers back on the rise. "Enter the sleek retro runner or elevated sport sneaker," Kennedy said. "The vibe is clean, athletic, and low-profile — more 'quiet luxury,' less 'sneakerhead,'" she added. She recommended giving Adidas SL 72s or Onitsuka Tigers a go.

Though flip flops will always have a place in our summer wardrobe because of their practicality, to be in for the season, save your basic, rubber versions for a casual trip to the beach or a day lounging by the pool. "They don't offer support, don't contribute to the outfit, and just feel a little lazy next to more intentional styling happening in summer 2025," Cynthia Kennedy said.

Kennedy recommended trying a totally different sandal style to stay trendy. The looks that will be as hot as the weather? Sporty-looking platform slides, like Amazon Essentials Slide Flatform Sandal, or toe-ring sandals, such as Fitory's Slide Sandals Flat Toe Ring Thongs with Cross Strap. You could also try a molded footbed sandal for extra comfort that can take you from the office to the beach. "These options feel just as easy to wear, but give structure, style, and intentionality to warm-weather looks," Kennedy said.

Though we were super excited by the ballet flat revival of 2023, unfortunately, the 2000s staple shoe is pirouetting out of our lives once again. Sort of. According to Cynthia Kennedy, the un-structured, basic version is out, mainly because of the lack of support they offer. "They often lacked structure and didn't do much to elevate an outfit. Consumers now want more polish, even in their comfort shoes," Cynthia Kennedy said.

But you certainly don't have to throw out all your ballet flats for summer 2025. Though the flimsy, foldable version with no support is officially outdated, more substantial pairs with a fashionable twist are still in. "Structured ballet flats with square toes, slingbacks, or subtle embellishments are taking over," Kennedy confirmed. "Think balletcore, but grown-up — with actual arch support and rich textures like mesh, satin, or leather." Try Tingrise's Flat Pointed Toe Bow Knit Ballet Shoes or Dream Pairs' Pointed Toe Slingback Flats for something more substantial than the basic.

Raffia sandals made a big comeback in summer 2023, the same season raffia bags were a major staple. While the beachy style isn't leaving our lives completely, going overboard on the material is no longer on trend. Cynthia Kennedy shared, "The full head-to-toe raffia look (bags and shoes and hats) now feels overdone and leans costume-y." And no one wants to look like they're wearing a costume instead of putting their best fashion foot forward.

To keep the outdated raffia overload at bay, Kennedy shared we can still wear the material on our feet — just in a toned-down way. She suggested mixing footwear containing raffia with other materials for a more updated, modern take on the trend. Aerosoles Camilia Heeled Sandal or Aldo Rattana Flat Sandal will give you the same vibe but keep your look fresh for the season. "Think leather-trimmed raffia, woven metallics, or canvas-and-rope hybrids. The vibe is still breezy, but with a tailored, elevated feel," she said, urging us to opt for "refined woven textures with structure and mixed materials."