Summer is almost here, which means it's time to start thinking about the shoes you'll be wearing over the next few months.
But as trends come and go, it can be hard to know which styles are worth revisiting and which ones may start to feel dated.
To help narrow down the options, Business Insider spoke with stylists about the shoe trends they're seeing right now. Here's what they said.
Jelly shoes are making a comeback.
According to wardrobe stylist and personal shopper Allie McKenna, jelly shoes, which were popular in the '80s and '90s, are back.
From flat mules and sandals to flip-flops, these shoes — which are made using flexible plastic — come in a variety of different styles.
Although jelly styles can be known to make your feet sweat, the stylist suggested looking for a pair with a cork sole to help absorb the moisture.
Sneakers are getting even slimmer.
Low-profile sneakers have already been trending for a while, but McKenna said the latest versions are moving toward an even sleeker silhouette this summer.
These shoes sit close to the ground with minimal tread and often draw inspiration from vintage athletic styles.
Closed-toe clogs are sticking around.
According to Los Angeles-based stylist Cat Wright, closed-toe clog styles, including Birkenstock-style versions, aren't going away this year.
She said the shoes have moved beyond their more casual roots and are increasingly becoming part of everyday outfits.
Derby shoes will be a popular choice this summer.
McKenna said derby shoes offer another option for those looking beyond the usual summer footwear rotation.
The slim lace-up flats are often made with leather or suede and draw inspiration from vintage menswear styles with a more old-school feel.
Shorter heels are having a moment.
According to several of the stylists BI spoke with, open- and peep-toe mules with smaller heels are becoming increasingly popular.
Brenda Gonzalez, a personal stylist and founder of Styled By B, also said more defined shapes and block heels are feeling more current.
Mary Jane sneakers are adding a more feminine twist to athletic shoes.
This season, softer details like straps, mesh, and lace are finding their way into sneaker styles. McKenna pointed to Mary Jane and ballerina-inspired versions as examples.
"It's a really cute way to be comfortable and cute at the same time," the stylist told BI.
On the other hand, traditional rubber flip-flops are out.
McKenna said the classic flat rubber flip-flop is out, and giving way to more elevated versions of the shoe.
For example, she mentioned wedge thong sandals as one style to look out for. These shoes feature a wedge sole and a V-shaped thong strap, giving the familiar flip-flop silhouette a little extra height while keeping the casual feel.
Round-toed heels feel dated.
Gonzalez said round-toed shoes are beginning to feel less current.
Instead, she recommends experimenting with almond- or square-toed options. She said this slight upgrade can help modernize a shoe's overall look.
Gladiator sandals won't be popular this summer.
Both McKenna and Wright said overly strappy styles like gladiator sandals are starting to feel less current.
"Anything that's too strappy or laces up the leg is out," Wright told BI.
Instead, simpler silhouettes like jelly sandals and peep-toe mules are taking their place.
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Cheyenne Elwell is a Seattle-based contributing writer at Business Insider covering lifestyle, food, travel, and culture. Her reporting explores how the places people live and travel shape identity and community. She has written for The Spruce Eats and Wisconsin Public Radio, among other national outlets. Read more at bakedbrewedbeautiful.com and follow her on Instagram at @bakedbrewedbeautiful.
