Iconic '90s Shoe Trends That Are Making A Comeback In 2026

Style lovers have always got their eyes peeled for the newest, hottest takes on fashion — but sometimes it's fun to throw it back, too. We can think of a million iconic celeb outfits from the '90s that defined the era, for instance. But there was good stuff happening below the ankle, especially. Whether you lived through the beloved era or only know it by proxy through the pics and the TV shows, you'll know that the shoes were all over the place — in the best way possible. It's no wonder so many '90s shoe trends are making a comeback in 2026, and we're so here for it.

On the fashion week runways, on the red carpet, and on everyday stylish stompers, we're spotting shoe trends that were once old getting a welcomed refresh, including hip-girl platforms, sophisticated slingback pumps, and a couple of varieties that would work so well with your favorite tenniscore outfit. Cue the strut.

If the '80s was the decade of the power suit, then the '90s were all about the slingback pointy-toe pump. Equal parts chic, sexy, and sophisticated, these shoes will carry you right to that corner office. Slingback pumps are destined to go down as a classic, even if they went away for a little while. Just this year, we've seen versions of the shoe on Chloë Sevigny, Barbie Ferreira, and Kate Hudson. 

And if you're worried that slingback pumps are one of those shoe styles that are making your look older, don't fret. These reimagined versions aren't your grandmother's slingbacks. You could certainly reach for a traditional pair in black, brown, or nude to be paired with a razor sharp shirt suit. But also consider splashier colors like burgundy, pink, or red, and wear them with more laid-back 'fits. Relaxed jeans and your favorite sweater are sure to deliver model-off-duty vibes.

We all love a super sleek and sexy boot with a dagger-sharp toe box, but among the '90s shoe trends back for 2026 are more casual square-toe boots. Think of them like you might a pair of relaxed jeans: not too skintight skinny, not too slouchy. Square-toe boots are the perfect everyday boot, they can be dressed up or pared down. And they totally remind us of the artsy, cool girls of the '90s who had places to go and wanted to be chic yet comfortable when they got there. Stylish celebs including actor Chase Infiniti and model Bella Hadid hit Paris Fashion Week back in March 2026 rocking square-toe boots.

Classic black and smart browns like camel or chocolate work well to lean into the easy vibe, but lighter shades like white or beige are sure to turn heads and up the funky energy. Go for short or knee-high boots, and wear them with a midi dress or skirt, or with your favorite cut of denim.

Each era had its answer to the classic loafer, but there's something so fun and a little bit cheeky about the '90s styles, and we're seeing more than one version of the slip-on shoes make their way to the front of the closet in 2026. Think soft stitched loafers, more structured leather penny loafers, and, of course, we have to shout out the "Clueless" styles, jacked up every so slightly by way of a chunky block heel. Cher and Dionne would be so proud. Katie Holmes, Taylor Swift and "Hacks" star Hannah Einbinder are among the A-listers who've gotten in on the '90s loafer trend lately.

No wonder. It's the perfect way to inject a little masculinity into your look while still looking stylish, and few shoes are as versatile. Reach for a burgundy pair to rock with your favorite little black minidress, or wear a classic black heeled pair of loafers with wide-legged slacks and a button-up blouse for an effortlessly chic look.

If someone mentions platform shoes, your mind might first go to the '70s. That's so fair, but platform shoes of all types were everywhere the '90s, too, and they're among our favorite throwback trends for 2026. Diverging from its disco-era predecessors just a bit, the '90s brought with it funkier, slightly more grungy versions of platforms. Think lots of studs, boots — both chunky and punky — and artsy, sky-high mules. They were a favorite among the supermodels of the '90s including Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss, and we've seen platform heels more recently on the likes of Teyana Taylor and Hailey Bieber, to name just a couple.

If you're after the best ways to incorporate platform shoes into your wardrobe, the options are near endless. Consider a slinky, strapless maxi dress in a fun color or splashy print, cropped denim with a cropped sweater, or a saucy night-out minidress.

Preppy, East Coast private school-worthy fashion is so back en vogue, and among the polo shirts, Bermuda shorts, and pleated skirts are '90s-style Mary Jane shoes. We expect the dressed-up take on preppy, sophisticated footwear to continue to dominate throughout 2026. And for good reason. They're so dreamy that Carrie Bradshaw thought the Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes were an "urban shoe myth," after all. In real life, we've seen them on celebs including Emma Watson and Elle Fanning, who was recently caught out and about in New York City in a pair of cute mesh MJs. 

And Mary Janes are super versatile and varied. Whether reaching for a pair with a snappy heel and a single strap, or going for flat and double strapped — baby doll style — pair the shoes with an easy shift dress or cigarette pant, or go '90s casual and opt for a pair of straight-legged jeans and your favorite tee.