Outdated Shoe Trends To Avoid In Fall 2025 (& What To Wear Instead)

Shoe trends come and go, and if you want to stay ahead of the fashion game this fall and winter, make sure to avoid overly chunky silhouettes. "In 2025, too-chunky dad sneakers and ultra-platformed stilettos are being pushed aside as smoother, more streamlined silhouettes come into vogue," Terry Costa CEO Tina Loyd explained exclusively to Glam this March when discussing the most outdated shoe trends of 2025. "The over-the-top 'ugly sneaker' trend is fading, being usurped by streamlined retro-style sneakers that are comfortable without compromising on versatility," she added.

If you're a sneaker person, there are still styles you can confidently rock this season. Slim silhouettes with rubber soles have been very popular, one that goes hand-in-hand with fashion's ongoing obsession with 2000s and early 2010s trends. Similarly, even though they aren't necessarily fall-weather proof, canvas lace-up sneakers in white have had a big comeback. For a sunny fall day? Pure perfection. Both sneaker styles are known for comfort and lightness, which is a bonus compared to chunky sneakers that tend to be heavier. While white sneakers are still quite popular, a pop of color is also highly encouraged this fall. The best choices are bright-red sneakers, which can be paired with a variety of looks, from a monochromatic pantsuit to a funky leopard-print skirt.

Ballet flats have been the go-to summer shoe this year, but as winter approaches, they've been replaced by a more androgynous choice. "Fashion trends are leaning toward gender-neutral styles this fall with an emphasis on clean, classic lines," stylist Patrick Kenger explained exclusively to Glam this July when discussing why we're ditching ballet flats for French shoes this fall. "With the open lacing and relaxed design, the derby shoe is a great fit for this aesthetic." Now, while we love cosplaying ballerinas as much as any other fashion-conscious person does, we're excited about this swap primarily because of the unfortunate truth about ballet flats, including inflammation in the long term.

Similar to closed-lace Oxford shoes, the derby adds retro classiness to any outfit. Of course, if you already own a pair of classic Oxford lace-ups, you can definitely rock those this fall, too. Lace-up shoes in one of these two styles are an easy way to embrace the dark academia fashion aesthetic this fall — an aesthetic that's returned to the fashion fore each fall for years now. "Natural colors such as burgundy, forest green, and cream are rising in popularity, along with the shiny black leather classic," Kenger added. The best part is that both derby and Oxford shoes are weather-proof and comfortable, making them a great everyday shoe for fall.

If ankle boots were your fall go-to, we're sorry to inform you that they have been dethroned as the most stylish cold-weather boot. Instead, suede knee-high boots have taken over, allowing us to add a dramatic element to our autumnal looks. "Knee-high boots offer a lot of the same benefits as ankle boots — warmth, relative comfort, versatile styling options — but with an increased 'wow' factor," Patrick Kenger shared exclusively with Glam in an October conversation about why this shoe swap is making fall 2025 more polished than ankle boots. "Combined with the perceived elevated style that so often comes with leather goods, suede knee-highs give off an innovative, luxurious vibe while still maintaining some of those favored creature comforts," he added.

Thanks to the suede material, these boots tend to slouch ever so slightly, giving off that nonchalant "I rushed out of the house and put no thought into my outfit" energy. Of course, the truth most likely couldn't be more different, but we all love a look that gives off an easygoing vibe. One downside is that suede boots tend to be a bit more sensitive to water and dirt. Luckily, there are ways to keep your chic suede boots clean in fall and winter, so that shouldn't prevent you from having a blast in them!