From Decorated Sandals to Gladiator Sandals: 10 Summer Shoe Trends to Avoid

Find out about ten outdated and least fashionable pairs of shoes that have no place in your summer wardrobe (check yourself).

In the summer, we often want to refresh our wardrobe and try the most vibrant and colorful new items. It is important to remember that footwear plays a key role in a harmonious and cohesive look. Today, we live in a time of conscious consumption, so before buying a new pair, it's crucial to know which styles are hopelessly outdated and what not to clutter your wardrobe with. We asked a stylist to compile a detailed list of the most definite anti-trends for the summer season — we recommend familiarizing yourself with it to avoid common mistakes.

Gladiator Sandals

Roman sandals with an abundance of straps and ties do not highlight the elegance and beauty of women's legs. If you want to look feminine and modern, replace gladiators with leather slides or sandals with a small heel.

Perforated and Denim Shoes

While perforation might seem like a great solution for hot summer days, unfortunately, such footwear is long outdated. Slippers, sandals, or boots with perforations can ruin even the trendiest outfit. The same goes for denim shoes – a hopeless option. If you forgot to discard them a few years ago, now is the time to do so and get yourself some open models in a restrained style but bright color.

Fur Shoes

Mules, slippers, sandals, or shoes with fur – this trend has already made its rounds on city streets and fashion blogs. Wearing such shoes today, regardless of whether the fur is real or faux, is considered a faux pas. It's better to replace them with simpler, more practical models, or if you still want active decor, consider shoes with the trendy chains.

Fringe Shoes

Following fur slippers, fringe shoes are also a thing of the past. While fringe in clothing might still have some untapped potential, in shoes and accessories, it has completely run its course. For shoe decor, look for beautiful buckles, chains, or ties instead.

Chunky Platform Sandals or with Wide Straps

No matter what you wear or where you go, such sandals will drag your entire look towards being outdated and tasteless. Aside from being unfashionable, they are also ridiculously heavy – your feet will tire quickly, affecting your overall fatigue. Choose the most elegant and lightweight models with thin straps to look light and refreshed.

Wedge Sandals

No one will argue that wedges are very comfortable, but the unlimited imagination of manufacturers has led to wedges being used on all kinds of footwear – like sneakers, espadrilles, or running shoes. This has resulted in it being nearly impossible to find stylish shoes with appropriate wedges, automatically making them an anti-trend for the summer. Replace wedge sandals or shoes with those on a sturdy heel.

Stripper Shoes with High Heels and Platforms

Such shoes have long been considered vulgar and outdated, but many women still believe that only they can visually lengthen the legs. Walking in such shoes looks very unstable and even comical, not to mention the immense strain on the spine. Therefore, the most optimal heel height today is 5-10 cm without an additional platform.

Peep-Toe Shoes

For a long time, this footwear was considered a sign of refined style and elegance. But fashion trends change rapidly, and today this model will make your entire look an anti-trend from the 2000s. Additionally, every girl who has worn peep-toe pumps will note their relentless discomfort. For a classic style, it's better to choose closed pumps with a low heel.

Sandals with Excessive Decoration

Paradoxically, but excessive decoration won't make shoes better or prettier. Today, simplicity and minimalism are in vogue. Therefore, avoid active decorations like bows, beads, rhinestones, appliqués, studs, lace, flowers, and the like. Such shoes take us to the periphery of tastelessness – it's better to replace them as soon as possible with simple sandals featuring minimalist decor like weaving or thin ties.

Transparent Shoes and Heels

There was a time when such shoes were trendy and original, but today semi-transparent plastic or oilcloth does not meet eco-friendly requirements, and besides being uncomfortable for the feet, it also looks unaesthetic – no one wants to see crumpled skin and toes under the plastic. Opt for more natural and comfortable materials.

Transparent heels have also become tiresome and often fail to evoke any emotions. But if you want to make an unusual accent in your footwear, today, various options for sculptural and architectural heels are in trend.