They say you can tell a lot about a person by their shoes. From the moment we step out the door, our footwear choices say a lot about our personality, style, and even our values. But, as with all things fashion, trends come and go, and what’s hot today may be yesterday’s news tomorrow. As we approach the new season, it’s time to take a closer look at the shoe trends that are starting to feel dated, and the chic styles that are set to replace them.
5 Shoe Trends That Will Feel Dated in Spring 2026
1. “Out”: Chunky Loafers
For the past few seasons, chunky loafers have been a staple in many fashionistas’ wardrobes. From Celine to Lemaire, the chunky sole has been a defining feature of many a shoe design. However, as we move into spring 2026, the mood is shifting away from chunky styles, and towards slimmer, softer pieces. The classic flat derby shoe is taking over, and it’s easy to see why. With its sleek design and versatility, the derby shoe is the perfect addition to any wardrobe.
Derby shoes offer a lot of style options, from classic flat pairs to heeled versions that blend the elegance of an Oxford brogue with the softness of a ballet flat. The Celine derbies pictured here are a great example of this, with their sleek design and Victorian aesthetic. Whether you pair them with jeans for a casual look or a breezy skirt or dress and socks for a more formal occasion, these shoes are sure to make a statement.
So, if you’re looking to update your shoe game and get rid of those chunky loafers, here are some great alternatives to try:
- Celine Ballet Lace-Up Shoe in Lambskin
- MANGO Lace-Up Leather Shoes
- Lemaire Souris 55 Leather Derby Pumps in White
2. “Out”: Slides
Slides used to be the go-to shoe for a summer holiday, but now they’re starting to feel a bit dated. With the rise of flip flops and jelly shoes, it’s clear that people are looking for a more comfortable and stylish option. And, let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good pair of jelly shoes? They’re fun, playful, and perfect for a night out with friends.
Jelly shoes started trending last year with the buckle up styles, but now they’ve been seen across many silhouettes on the S/S26 runways. From kitten heels and wedges at Farm Rio to Mary Jane ballet flats at Jimmy Choo, the plastic jelly material has been a hit with fashionistas. And, with the Chloe ‘princess’ slipper mules being one of the most talked about shoes of the season, it’s clear that jelly shoes are here to stay.
So, if you’re looking to upgrade your shoe game and get rid of those slides, here are some great alternatives to try:
- Farm Rio Rob Thong Sandals in Orange
- Selfridges Square-Toe Jelly Heeled Mules
3. “Out”: Strappy Stiletto Sandals
With the rise of Y2K fashion, it was only a matter of time before the wedge came back. And, with certain stiletto heels being huge right now, it’s clear that people are looking for a more dramatic and stylish option. However, as we edge closer to wedding season, the classic strappy stiletto is starting to feel a bit dated.
Wedges are officially back on the menu, and they’re being worn in all sorts of styles. From archive round-toe Prada leather wedge heels to black foam flip flops with a chunky heel, there’s a wedge out there to suit every taste. And, with the ultra-pointed sling-backs from Saint Laurent, Prada, and Acne Studios being some of the most popular shoes of the season, it’s clear that wedges are here to stay.
4. “Out”: Wedges
Wedges have been a staple in many fashionistas’ wardrobes for years, but now they’re starting to feel a bit dated. With the rise of flat shoes and comfortable footwear, it’s clear that people are looking for a more relaxed and stylish option. And, with the ultra-pointed sling-backs from Saint Laurent, Prada, and Acne Studios being some of the most popular shoes of the season, it’s clear that stilettos are the way to go.
5. “Out”: High Vamp Ballet Pumps
High vamp ballet pumps have been a staple in many fashionistas’ wardrobes for years, but now they’re starting to feel a bit dated. With the rise of flat shoes and comfortable footwear, it’s clear that people are looking for a more relaxed and stylish option. And, with the classic strappy stiletto being one of the most popular shoes of the season, it’s clear that high vamp ballet pumps are being replaced by more dramatic and stylish options.
3 Chic Styles to Replace Them
1. Jelly Shoes
Jelly shoes are a fun and playful alternative to slides and high vamp ballet pumps. With their plastic jelly material and comfortable design, they’re perfect for a night out with friends or a casual day out. And, with the Chloe ‘princess’ slipper mules being one of the most talked about shoes of the season, it’s clear that jelly shoes are here to stay.
So, if you’re looking to update your shoe game and get rid of those high vamp ballet pumps, here are some great alternatives to try:
- Farm Rio Rob Thong Sandals in Orange
- Selfridges Square-Toe Jelly Heeled Mules
2. Derbies
Derbies are a stylish and versatile alternative to chunky loafers. With their sleek design and Victorian aesthetic, they’re perfect for a formal occasion or a night out with friends. And, with the Celine derbies being one of the most popular shoes of the season, it’s clear that derbies are here to stay.
So, if you’re looking to update your shoe game and get rid of those chunky loafers, here are some great alternatives to try:
- Celine Ballet Lace-Up Shoe in Lambskin
- MANGO Lace-Up Leather Shoes
- Lemaire Souris 55 Leather Derby Pumps in White
3. Strappy Stilettos
Strappy stilettos are a dramatic and stylish alternative to wedges and high vamp ballet pumps. With their sleek design and ultra-pointed heel, they’re perfect for a formal occasion or a night out with friends. And, with the ultra-pointed sling-backs from Saint Laurent, Prada, and Acne Studios being some of the most popular shoes of the season, it’s clear that strappy stilettos are here to stay.
So, if you’re looking to update your shoe game and get rid of those high vamp ballet pumps, here are some great alternatives to try:
- Saint Laurent Ultra-Pointed Sling-Back Pumps
- Prada Ultra-Pointed Sling-Back Pumps
- Acne Studios Ultra-Pointed Sling-Back Pumps
In conclusion, as we approach the new season, it’s time to take a closer look at the shoe trends that are starting to feel dated, and the chic styles that are set to replace them. From chunky loafers to high vamp ballet pumps, there are many shoe trends that are being replaced by more stylish and comfortable options. So, if you’re looking to update your shoe game and stay on-trend, be sure to try out these chic styles.
