Shoes That Are Popular and Out of Style This Summer, Stylists Reveal

This season, you'll likely see a lot of delicate, skinny straps, according to Rachel Varney, personal stylist, shopper, and founder of Styled by Rachel.

"These lace-up, strappy sandals add a fun element of style and draw the eye upwards," the stylist told Insider.

When it comes to choosing your sneakers this summer, it's all about soccer shoes, according to Ashlyn Greer, professional stylist and founder of Fashivly.

"The 'it' sneaker changes every year, or even twice a year, but overall we've been moving towards slimmer, single-tread styles," Greer told Insider.

This minimalist design is also versatile and very easy to style with many different outfits, Varney added.

Try something different this summer with a shoe in a metallic pastel.

The pastel-metallic color palette is a summertime trend that's going to be everywhere, according to Elisabeth Kassab, fashion stylist and founder of StylistCheck.

"I'm loving this shade of blue by Jimmy Choo," she said, adding that some are calling the pastel-turquoise sandal the "shoe of the summer."

As we move away from fads and lean into mindful shopping, simplistic styles will become more popular, according to Varney. One example of this is the retro runner sneaker, which you'll likely be seeing a lot more of this summer.

"They're casual yet put together," the stylist told Insider. "So they make for the perfect go-to sneaker."

Ballet flats are making the biggest comeback this year. The reason could be due to the changing looser, straight-leg pant styles, Greer explained.

Greer said these shoes are the "new flat du jour to pair with jeans or trousers."

Kassab recommended looking online when shopping for flats.

"I love sourcing vintage pairs on consignment websites because you can find hidden gems," Kassab said. "Best part of all, they are available at the widest range of prices."

Kitten-heel thong sandals are making a comeback this season, according to Varney.

"Trends always come full circle, and here we are seeing this popular trend from the Y2K era make its way back around again," Varney told Insider.

These sleek, dainty kitten heels are a great way to elevate your casual, fitted tee and jeans, she said.

"Wedges are back and making their way up to the hottest shoe trend for 2023 — however not necessarily in the traditional way we've seen them 10 years ago," Varney told Insider.

This year, you'll be seeing wedges with open backs, slinky straps, and funky heel shapes, she said.

It's time to put the men's square-toe dress shoe to rest, Varney said.

"It's unflattering and clunky," she told Insider. "For a more sophisticated look, opt for a men's pointed-toe dress shoe."

Leave your boat shoes in the back of the closet this season, Kassab said.

"I definitely think the boat shoes era is out this year, and I hope they don't come back," she told Insider.

If you want to achieve a coastal, nautical vibe for summer, she recommends trying a loafer instead, which is more modern and versatile for anyone.

"You can style them in so many different ways," Kassab added.

What counts as an eye-catching silhouette can change over the years, and sometimes a shoe just doesn't match up anymore, said Greer.

"Suede ankle and Chelsea boots were great pairings with skinny jeans, but the looser baggy denim styles and maxi skirts and dresses need something with more height to balance out the proportions," Greer told Insider.

A cowboy boot can be worn with nearly anything in your closet this summer, she said.

A peep-toe shoe can be cute but when it's on a bootie it leaves your outfit stuck in the past, said Varney.

"Aside from being out of fashion, this shoe isn't doing anything for the leg," the stylist said. "It visually cuts off your leg right at the ankle and, therefore, looks a bit stocky."

Varney recommended trying a peep-toe sandal that opens up on top of the strap instead. This will show off and lengthen your legs, she explained.

The rubber-slide sandal is not the look for summer 2023, according to Kassab. This season, people should opt for a flat, luxe flip-flop style sandal instead.

"It's more classic and modern, and it looks good with just about any outfit," she told Insider.