6 Shoe Trends Stylists Love This Summer

Summer’s here, and my shoe closet needed a serious refresh!

After chatting with some stylist friends and scouring fashion weeks, I’ve rounded up the footwear that’s making waves this season.

The right shoes can transform even the simplest outfit from bland to breathtaking.

I’ve compiled six stunning summer shoe trends that fashion experts are absolutely loving right now, plus four styles they’re happily showing the door.

1. Backless Clogs & Mules: Slip-on Sophistication

Backless clogs have stormed back into the fashion scene, and I couldn’t be happier! These easy-to-wear shoes combine comfort with style in a way that feels both fresh and nostalgic.

What makes them summer-perfect is their versatility – pair them with cropped jeans for coffee runs or a flowy dress for dinner dates. The wooden soles add a natural element while leather uppers keep things polished.

My stylist friend Mia swears by neutral-toned mules for everyday wear, saying they elongate the leg while keeping your feet cool. Unlike their clunky cousins from decades past, today’s versions feature sleeker profiles and thoughtful details like subtle hardware or hand-stitching.

2. Shimmery Metallics: Your Feet’s Time to Shine

Gold and silver shoes are having a major moment! These eye-catching metallics have graduated from evening-only to anytime wear, bringing instant glamour to even the most basic outfits.

The beauty of metallic footwear lies in its surprising neutrality – gold and silver actually work with practically everything in your wardrobe. I recently wore silver ballet flats with jeans and a white tee, and the shoes transformed the whole look from basic to fashion-forward.

Stylists particularly love metallic sandals with minimal straps or subtle shimmer sneakers for daytime. The key is choosing a metallic that complements your skin tone – warmer complexions glow with gold, while cooler skin tones pop against silver.

3. Retro Low-Top Sneakers: Old-School Cool Returns

Remember those classic sneakers from the 70s and 80s? They’re back and better than ever! Retro low-tops have been steadily climbing the trend charts, offering that perfect blend of comfort and nostalgic style.

Brands are reissuing their iconic designs with modern upgrades – better arch support, sustainable materials, and fresh color combinations. I’ve noticed fashion editors pairing these kicks with everything from sundresses to linen shorts.

The streamlined silhouette makes them far more flattering than their chunky counterparts. My personal favorites feature subtle color-blocking or unexpected textures like suede or canvas. These sneakers work for practically any casual summer occasion, from farmers’ markets to outdoor concerts.

4. Woven Wonders: Texture Takes the Lead

Woven shoes are everywhere this summer, and they’re not your grandmother’s straw sandals! This texture-rich trend includes everything from leather-woven loafers to raffia slides and macramé espadrilles.

The appeal comes from their natural, organic feel that perfectly complements summer’s relaxed vibe. I recently invested in a pair of woven leather mules that add instant interest to simple outfits – the intricate pattern does all the talking.

Stylists recommend choosing woven shoes in neutral tones for maximum versatility. The open weave designs also provide practical breathability during hot days. Many luxury brands have embraced this crafty aesthetic, but affordable versions abound too, making this an accessible trend for all budgets.

5. Grown-Up Jelly Shoes: Nostalgia Gets Sophisticated

Jelly shoes are back, but they’ve matured nicely! These aren’t the plastic rainbow versions from your childhood – today’s jellies feature sophisticated silhouettes and unexpected details that make them surprisingly chic.

Modern jellies come in smoky translucents, elegant metallics, and muted pastels rather than neon brights. Designers have reimagined them as elegant slides, heeled sandals, and even ballet flats.

The waterproof nature makes them perfect for beach trips or sudden summer showers. I was skeptical until I tried a pair of smoke-gray jelly sandals with gold flecks – they’re now my go-to for outdoor dining and garden parties. The comfort factor has improved dramatically too, with softer, more flexible materials that won’t leave blisters like the originals did.

6. Cross-Strap Leather Sandals: Minimal Yet Mighty

Cross-strap leather sandals have emerged as the understated heroes of summer footwear. Their clean lines and architectural appeal create a foundation for countless warm-weather outfits.

The beauty lies in their simplicity – just a few well-placed leather straps create a shoe that’s both timeless and current. I’ve noticed style experts gravitating toward natural leather tones that develop a gorgeous patina over time.

These sandals work equally well with breezy dresses or cropped trousers. The low profile keeps them comfortable for all-day wear, while the leather construction means they’ll last for seasons to come. Many designers are offering handcrafted versions with subtle details like hand-stitching or vegetable-tanned leathers that tell a sustainability story.

7. Chunky Sneakers: The Dad Shoe Decline

Those massive, cloud-like sneakers that dominated streetwear? Stylists are finally showing them the door! The pendulum has swung from maximalist to minimalist, and those bulky soles now look dated rather than directional.

Fashion insiders are replacing their chunky kicks with sleeker, more refined athletic styles. The oversized proportions that once felt fresh now appear cumbersome next to summer’s lighter silhouettes.

I’ve already donated my chunky white platforms that made my feet look twice their size. If you’re still attached to yours, consider saving them for specific athleisure looks rather than everyday wear. The good news? Your feet will thank you for the lighter load, and your closet will gain back some serious space once these oversized shoes make their exit.

8. Heavy Platforms: The Fall of Sky-High Soles

Ultra-thick platform shoes are taking a tumble from fashion’s good graces this summer. Those towering soles that added inches to our height are being replaced by more grounded options with reasonable proportions.

Stylists point to the impracticality of navigating summer activities in these ankle-threatening shoes. I’ve personally retired my chunky platform sandals after one too many wobbly moments on uneven sidewalks.

The current preference leans toward slight platform details rather than statement-making stacks. If you’re not ready to abandon height altogether, consider espadrilles with moderate wedges or sandals with architectural heels instead. The move away from heavy platforms also reflects fashion’s broader shift toward comfort without sacrificing style – something my feet are celebrating!

9. Classic Plastic Flip-Flops: Beach-Only Basics

Basic plastic flip-flops are being relegated to shower shoes and quick beach errands. Those flat, flimsy thong sandals that were once summer staples now read as too casual and unsupportive for fashion-forward wardrobes.

Stylists aren’t saying to toss them completely – they still serve a purpose for poolside lounging or shower use. But for everyday summer wear, they’re being replaced by more sophisticated options.

My feet certainly aren’t complaining about this shift! Those thin plastic straps always left me with blisters between my toes. If you love the ease of slip-on styles, elevate your look with leather thong sandals, slide-on espadrilles, or structured slides instead. Your arches will appreciate the upgrade, and your overall look will appear more polished and intentional.

10. Overtly Branded Sandals: Logo Overload Fades

Those sandals plastered with giant logos? They’re getting the fashion boot! Stylists are moving away from obvious branding toward more subtle, sophisticated footwear choices this summer.

The shift reflects a broader trend toward quiet luxury – where craftsmanship and quality materials speak louder than flashy logos. I recently sold my heavily monogrammed slides that screamed the designer’s name across the top.

Today’s more refined approach features minimal hardware, thoughtful details, and excellent construction rather than in-your-face branding. If you still love your designer pieces, look for their newer collections with discreet logos or signature details that only fashion insiders would recognize. This change feels refreshingly grown-up, focusing on inherent style rather than status symbols.