The Shifting Sands of Style: 5 Shoe Trends That Are Feeling a Little…Last Season
Footwear, like so much in fashion, is a powerful reflection of our moods and the times. It’s a subtle signal, a quiet declaration of our personal style, and, let’s be honest, a surprisingly effective way to judge someone’s overall vibe. I’ve spent years observing the ebb and flow of trends, from the dizzying heights of platform boots to the minimalist elegance of square-toe heels. And as I’ve diligently tracked the runways of London, Paris, and Copenhagen, and scrolled through the endless feeds of Instagram and TikTok, a clear picture is emerging for Spring 2026: a significant shift is underway. We’re moving away from the maximalist, often uncomfortable, statements of the recent past, and embracing a more refined, comfortable, and – dare I say – subtly chic aesthetic. The footwear landscape is transforming, and some styles are simply fading into the background, while others are poised to take center stage. Let’s dive into five shoe trends that are starting to feel a little dated, and explore the stylish alternatives that are set to dominate the season.
The trend is moving away from chunky styles, with a preference for slimmer, softer pieces. As we’ve seen for a while now with loafers, the mood is shifting away from chunky styles, with a preference for slimmer, softer pieces. The Celine derbies pictured here are the classic flat pair, but they also offer a heeled version that looks like a hybrid of an Oxford brogue and a ballet flat, with an almost Victorian aesthetic. Easy to style with jeans in the transitional period between spring and summer, but also perfect with a breezy skirt or dress and socks, trust me when I say, everyone will be wearing these soon.
1. “Out”: Chunky Loafers “In”: Derbies
For the past few years, the chunky loafer has reigned supreme. Think lug-sole iterations, oversized details, and a generally maximalist vibe. They were everywhere—paired with everything from tailored trousers to denim shorts. But as we move into Spring 2026, the pendulum is swinging dramatically. The emphasis is shifting towards a more streamlined and sophisticated silhouette. Derby shoes are taking over as the fashion person’s spring silhouette. We’ve seen the rise and fall of many footwear trends, but the chunky loafer’s dominance feels particularly fleeting. The initial boom of the chunky loafer was fuelled by a desire for comfort and a rejection of overly polished styles – a perfectly reasonable reaction to the last few years. However, the pendulum is now swinging back towards a more considered approach to footwear. The Celine derbies pictured here are the classic flat pair, but they also offer a heeled version that looks like a hybrid of an Oxford brogue and a ballet flat, with an almost Victorian aesthetic. This subtle referencing of historical styles adds a layer of depth and sophistication, moving the derby beyond a simple replacement for the chunky loafer. The key is the understated elegance; it’s a shoe that works equally well with jeans and a blazer or a flowing summer dress. It’s a shoe that whispers confidence, not shouts it.
Shop the Look:
CELINE Ballet Lace-Up Shoe in Lambskin – These are those in the photo, and the ones on many editor’s wish lists right now. The price point is significant, reflecting the brand’s luxury positioning, but they represent the pinnacle of the derby trend.
MANGO Lace-Up Leather Shoes – If your bank balance won’t allow for the Celine styles, these are a great alternative. Stunning Soeur in dark brown!
Lemaire Souris 55 Leather Derby Pumps in White – Lemaire – Lemaire have been designing derby shoes for years, and have flat and heeled options. The White style is incredibly versatile and adds a touch of understated cool to any outfit.
2. “Out”: Slides “In”: Jelly Shoes
Let’s be honest, the slide has had its moment. For a while, they were the undisputed champions of the summer footwear scene – easy to slip on, comfortable, and effortlessly cool. But as we’re seeing now, comfort alone isn’t enough to sustain a trend. The rise of slides coincided with a broader shift towards relaxed, athleisure-inspired style. However, the trend is moving away from chunky styles, with a preference for slimmer, softer pieces. The jelly shoe is experiencing a serious resurgence, and it’s not just a nostalgic throwback to the 90s. These aren’t your childhood jelly shoes – the materials and designs have been elevated. The resurgence is being driven by a desire for playful, comfortable footwear that bridges the gap between casual and dressy. The chunky, brightly colored jelly shoes of the past are being replaced by more sophisticated iterations: sleek, kitten-heeled jelly flats, cage-toed jelly mules, and even jelly sandals with interesting textures and embellishments. They’re a surprising and delightful addition to the Spring 2026 landscape.
Shop the Look:
I really love the colour of this H&M pair. – A great entry point into the jelly shoe trend. The bright colours are playful and fun, and the kitten heel adds a touch of sophistication.
Farm Rio Rob Thong Sandals in Orange – Farm Rio – These are a bolder choice, but they’re incredibly stylish and perfect for adding a pop of colour to your summer wardrobe.
You may also enjoy reading: 11 Spring Essentials to Complete Any Outfit with Must-Have Accessories.
Selfridges Square-Toe Jelly Heeled Mules – The most talked about shoes of the season. The Chloe mules are a luxurious and chic option, and they’re sure to turn heads.
