Honestly? These 7 Summer Shoe Trends Feel a Little Dated
Curating the perfect collection of sundresses and linen pants for a stylish and wearable summer wardrobe is important, but this season, it’s clear that jewelry and footwear have emerged as the true stars of the show. These accessories hold the transformative power to elevate even the simplest outfits, turning them from meh to must-have and creating looks that every fashion person will be scrambling to replicate.
As a self-proclaimed shoe snob and shopping expert, I’m here to share my thoughts on the summer shoe trends that have reached their expiration date and the fresh and elegant styles insiders are actually wearing. Consider this your guide to ensuring your summer footwear choices feel current and 2025 ready. There are seven key silhouettes making waves, each with an alternative option that feels decidedly dated. Without further ado, keep scrolling to see which summer shoe trends are officially out and which are defining the season.
Out: Rubber Slides
In: Fashion Flip-Flops
Trend Notes: We already know elevated flip-flops from brands like The Row, A.Emery, and Ancient Greek Sandals are the summer’s hottest shoe trend. If that wasn’t exciting enough, Mary-Kate Olsen, known as the ultimate style icon, just wore a pair in the Hamptons this week, making flip-flops a must-have in any fashion lover’s collection. If you still don’t own a pair, what are you waiting for? Whether you choose the popular Open Edit Tori Sandals favored by Who What Wear editors or COS’s luxurious leather style, you can’t go wrong. They’re sure to stay in style through 2026—no doubt about it.
Shop the trend:
Open Edit
Tori Kitten Heel Sandals
Madewell
Greene Flip Flops
Out: Platform Heels
In: Kitten-Heel Mules
Trend Notes: Undoubtedly, flip-flops are the leading summer shoe trend, but the often-overlooked kitten-heel mules are gaining popularity. Fashion people in Paris, like Sylvie Mus, and celebrities between L.A. and Venice, such as Sydney Sweeney, are embracing this shoe style—and for good reason. These shoes are easy to slip on, add a touch of height, come in various styles, and complement dresses, skirts, and jeans equally well.
Shop the trend:
MANGO
Kitten Heel Sandals
LOEWE x Paula’s Ibiza
Petal Anagram Leather Sandals
Out: Espadrille Wedges
In: Thong Wedges
(Image credit: @nikki.chwatt)
Trend Notes: Since discovering Alaïa’s Satin Wedge Sandals in April, I anticipated they would impact summer footwear trends, and I was right. These stylish and sophisticated shoes with a comfortable fit inspired brands like Madewell, Reformation, and Source Unknown to create their own versions.
Shop the trend:
Madewell
The Deanna Thong Wedge Sandals
Source Unknown
Satin-Effect Thong Mules
Reformation
Amelia Thong Wedge Sandals
Out: Platform Sneakers
In: Retro Sneakers
Trend Notes: As a five-foot-tall girl myself, I understand the desire for a little extra height. When it comes to sneakers, however, I’m happy to sacrifice some inches for a stylish look. This means I plan to embrace the retro-runner trend instead of platform sneakers. Specifically, COS’s Minimal Leather Sneakers and Jacquemus’s new Tennis Sneakers are my top choices for staying comfortable while still looking chic this summer.
Shop the trend:
COS
Minimal Leather Sneakers
Dolce Vita
Serina Sneakers Yellow Suede
Jacquemus
The Tennis Suede-Trimmed Sneakers
Out: Gladiator Sandals
In: Naked Sandals
Trend Notes: For the past few summers, naked and strappy sandals (done in a tasteful way) have been adorning the feet of seasoned fashion shoppers. They feature clean, minimal lines that create a sleek look and offer versatility when paired with patterned dresses and white pants. The Row’s iconic and now-sold-out Bare Sandals perfectly exemplify this trend.
Shop the trend:
Tony Bianco
Caprice Heels
Out: PVC Pumps
In: Jelly Flats
Trend Notes: I don’t know about you, but I’m glad PVC pumps are out of fashion now. Maybe not in Jennifer Lopez‘s style book, but outside that circle, people are swapping those shoes for jelly flats. Styles such as caged sandals and flip-flops are a hit with the style crowd, and even bold colors like red and blue are making a splash. They’re cute and fun and a simple way for minimalists to add some flair and color to their summer wardrobes.
Shop the trend:
Jeffrey Campbell
Beach Day Jelly Sandals
Vince
Barcelona Jelly Cage Mule
Out: Combat Boots
In: Cowboy Boots
Trend Notes: If you follow celebrity street style looks like those of Kaia Gerber, Kendall Jenner, and Emily Ratajkowski, then you’ve probably noticed that these fashion icons have been wearing cowboy boots with everything from minidresses to baggy jeans despite the high temperatures. As with most boot styles, you might normally associate them with winter, but cowboy boots have proven that they’re just as relevant for the warmer months, too, making them a year-round staple.
Shop the trend:
H&M
Knee-High Cowboy Boots
Matisse
Gaucho Western Boots
Tecovas
The Annie Western Boots
