If You Want a Major Wardrobe Glow-Up in 2022, Phase Out These 6 Shoe Trends

Now that 2022 has arrived, our attention continues to focus on all of the fresh trends we’re interested in trying this year. Today, we’re here to zero-in on the specific shoe silhouettes that could have the potential to be front-runners in our 2022 wardrobes. On that note, there are also a few outdated shoe trends we may retire next year to make room for the new silhouettes. So we’re also highlighting that below as well. Of course, all of this is based on our own personal preferences, and you should absolutely always wear whatever you love—no matter what anyone says.

With all that in mind, keep scrolling to check out the shoe trends we’ll be phasing out of our wardrobes in 2022 (and the ones we’re replacing them with). As a preview, there are a lot of comfortable footwear picks coming your way. Oh, and you’ll also find inspired shopping picks sprinkled throughout as well.

Knee-high boots are quite possibly my favorite fall and winter trend of all time. I especially love how they look paired with miniskirts and an oversize sweater. Their structured shape lends some polish to any look, something that’s harder to accomplish when styling slouchy boots. I’d recommend phasing those out for a pair like the ones below.

Much has been said about the death of heels over the past two years, but if you ask me, classic heels will never truly die despite certain details that may come in and out of style. Right now, I’d say it’s all about a return to sleek slingback pumps especially with the popularity of Saint Laurent’s metal cap-toe pair that are sweeping Instagram. If you’re going to replace them with anything, consider swapping them for round-toe pumps which don’t feel quite as fresh in 2022.

Sneaker trends tend to fly at the speed of light, so it can seem overwhelming to try and keep up, however, there’s one big sneaker trend that I can definitively say is no longer resonating and that is clunky platform sneakers. Their replacement? Retro ’90s sneakers by the likes of New Balance and Reebok, which go effortlessly with everything from jeans to trousers.

Given the cultural reckoning that’s been had on items like skinny jeans, I wouldn’t be surprised if boots with chunky block heels were next on the chopping block. While they long reigned as the ankle boot style of choice, I think 2022 is the year that boots with chunky platform soles—equally as wearable and even more comfortable—replace them.

I was cleaning out my closet recently and came across a pair of backless loafers that I wore a ton in 2016 and 2017. Now, years later, I’m gravitating towards more classic loafers with a timeless shape instead of the trendier slip-ons.

There’s something about ankle-strap heels that remind me of attending my high-school homecoming (I think it’s because the style was so popular back then). Regardless, they’re a style that I’ve stopped wearing as much. Instead, minimalist mules have been capturing my attention. The ankle-baring shape naturally elongates the look of your legs and makes for the perfect finish to dresses and skirts. They’re definitely the updated staples I’ll be wearing on repeat this year.

Now, take a look at the outdated basics we don’t think we’ll wear much in 2022.