Outdated Shoe Styles That Are Aging You

Whether we like it or not, what we wear has a major impact on how others see us — and it goes beyond just being perceived as fashionable. According to a 2019 study, many people evaluate competency, or lack thereof, based on what someone is wearing. Research found that those who dress in clothing that conveys economic status — think about the timeless sophistication trend — are perceived as being competent, while those who dress unfashionably are assumed to be less wealthy and less competent.

And it's not just status or character that's measured by what we wear. One 2023 study found that people also make judgements about social identity, mental states, and aesthetic taste based on clothes. With so much weight placed on what we wear, you better believe that outdated pieces aren't going to go over well during first meetings. Yes, those horrendous, 4-inch platform Rocket Dog flip flops that you can't part with just might be standing in the way of your next great friendship or the love of your life.

If you're worried about outdated shoe styles aging you, it might be time for a wardrobe purge. But before you get nervous about what you might be losing, think about it this way: purging shoes that age you gives you a reason to buy new shoes that prove you really are a fashionista.

Throughout time, fashion designers have created some doozies. A perfect example is one of the ugliest and most outdated prints of all time: chevron. Whoever thought that this was a good look was smoking whacky-tobacky, as the boomers say, and the same thing can be said for platform sneakers. 

Historically, sneakers were made for physical activity, like running and sports. So, to design sneakers that are platform or wedge completely goes against all rhyme and reason. In fact, if you see someone in the real world trying to make platform sneakers happen, do them and everyone around them a favor, and politely tell them to trade these in for a classic, always-in-style pair of Chuck Taylors.

When chunky flip flops hit the scene in the early 2000s, pretty much everyone and their mother had a pair. While they were great for those of us who could use a few extra inches — if only to see the stage better at Lollapalooza — they were really ugly, even if we were all in denial about it at the time. 

Although Y2K fashion trends have been making the rounds again recently, be smart about embracing the trend and choose anything but these chunky nightmares. Instead, if you're feeling nostalgic, go for a pair of overalls, a plastic stretchy choker, or even an eyebrow piercing. Anything is better than these flip flops.

High heels have always been an interesting footwear choice. They were originally created for medieval soldiers in 10^th century Persia (no joke), before eventually becoming the standard shoe for men to give them some extra height. As more women began to wear heels for the same reason, men went back to flats. 

"There's this idea that the right pair of fabulous high heels will transform your life," Valerie Steele, director of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology told Fast Company. "They will get you a job or help you find a partner." 

While that may be the case with a sleek pair of stilettos by Manolo Blahnik or Christian Louboutin, it's definitely not happening in a pair of towering wedges. If you're going to wear these, you might as well toss on a pair of bell-bottoms and proclaim the Bee Gees your favorite band.

How a sandal that was originally created for battle in ancient Rome became a fashion statement — for a hot minute — will always be one of life's greatest mysteries. Not particularly comfortable, far from attractive, and an easy way to get strange tan lines up and down your leg in sunny weather, the gladiator sandal should have stayed in the past on actual gladiators. While some previously outdated trends are making a comeback, gladiator sandals aren't one of them — no matter how many more sequels of 2000's "Gladiator" Hollywood decides to make.

Are these shoes practical? Probably. Will they keep your feet dry in the rain? Looks that way. Are they extremely out of touch? Yes. 

As much as ankle boots can be both versatile and cool, these boots are completely missing the mark. It's hard to call them outdated because they were never in style. What these very unattractive boots are saying is that you have no idea what's going on in the fashion world. 

You may look 30, but these boots suggest you're actually 65. If you're looking for orthopedic shoes and have zero interest in staying chic in your 60s and beyond, then these are the shoes for you. But if you're not and you have a pair of these at home, then donate them stat.