9 Shoe Trends We Hope Won’t Last (and Why)

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As devotees of classic style, we prefer our shoes to be like most of the other items in our wardrobe – effortlessly versatile, timelessly styled, and quality investments, and not trendy. So, today, we’ll be looking at nine shoe trends and why we hope they’ll be kicked to the curb.

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While styles that are currently on-trend might not be the sort of thing that we look to have in our wardrobes, we are still aware of trends as they develop. Please note, though, that we dislike these styles because they don’t fit within the realms of classic style, which is what Gentleman’s Gazette is all about. 

That being said, these shoes are intrinsically bad or that people who wear them are poorly dressed. It only means that they aren’t indicative of the classic style. As always, wear what you want. But, if what you want is classic style, then we think our opinions will be helpful to you.

1. Squishy-Soled Shoes

We like the term “squishy” when referring to trendy shoes with chunky bulbous soles because it captures how gooey, squashy, and slightly damp these shoes look to us, like the ones from Yeezy.

"Squishy" means trendy shoes with chunky bulbous soles. Louis Vuitton's LV Archlight
“Squishy” means trendy shoes with chunky bulbous soles. Louis Vuitton’s LV Archlight [Image Credit: SCMP.com]

This trend started in the early 2010s when athletic shoe brands like Adidas revived style designs from the 80s and 90s. Originally, these squishy shoes were supposed to improve performance and cushion the feet, while their distinctive appearance and retro feel made them a fashion piece.

And as often happens with fashion, someone decided that bigger was better. Through the years, these shoes have grown successfully larger and more squidgy – culminating with the Balenciaga Triple S line, named for its complex, three-layer outsole. 

Balenciaga Triple S line - named for its complex, three-layer, outsole.
Balenciaga Triple S line – named for its complex, three-layer, outsole. [Image Credit: Grailed.com]

These shoes aren’t fit for lovers of classic style because they intentionally spoil the silhouette of the foot to garner attention. The sole is lifted, the heel extended, and the arch padded in an unnatural way. And this will compile a second glance in the unusual profile. We’re pretty sure this is primarily intended to emphasize the branding. Logos are mentioned no less than three times in the product details of the shoe.

Classic style relies on subtly enhancing the natural profile of the foot, and it’s clear that’s not the goal of these squishy-soled shoes.

Classic-styled shoes relies on subtly enhancing the natural profile of the foot. Dark Violet Shoelaces Round - Waxed Cotton Dress Shoe Laces Luxury by Fort Belvedere
Classic-styled shoes relies on subtly enhancing the natural profile of the foot. Dark Violet Shoelaces Round – Waxed Cotton Dress Shoe Laces Luxury by Fort Belvedere

2. Sock-Sneakers

We are tempted to say that we’re opposed to this trend because of its portmanteau, “snockers.” These shoes can trace their origins back to the late-90s and early-2000s when athletic shoe manufacturers used mesh slip-ons to eliminate the need for laces or tongues.

Many brands continued to trumpet the modern knit snockers as “performance-enhancing” and “intended for athletic endeavors.” We’re not able to comment on that. Instead, we’ll note how, stylistically, these shoes occupy the spectrum opposite that of the squidgy shoe as they are thin, low-profile, and sleek. But, being the opposite of a squidgy shoe doesn’t make it a classic shoe. 

Sock-sneakers are designed to be thin, low-profile, and sleek.
Sock-sneakers are designed to be thin, low-profile, and sleek. [Image Credit: OnShopDeals.com]

Snockers are still disruptive and distracting. Immediately drawing the eye with their unexpected texture and lines, which seem to elongate the foot. The result is a shoe that demands attention and, with its unusual design, it’s simply too futuristic for a classic look.

Frankly, to us, snockers look just a little bit too much like a pair of gym socks glued to a rubber sole, and that’s a hard look for anyone to pull off.

3. Frankenshoes

Like the squishy shoes, we’ve lamented these dress shoe-sneaker hybrids before as one of 15 general style trends we’d hope would die forever. But, Dr. Frankenshoe’s Monster is still stumbling through the village.

Frankenshoes promise the elegance and refinement of a dress shoe with the comfort of a sneaker.
Frankenshoes promise the elegance and refinement of a dress shoe with the comfort of a sneaker. [Image Credit: Locally.com]

Frankenshoes are an effort to let consumers have their cake and eat it, too. They promise the elegance and refinement of a dress shoe with the comfort of a sneaker. But, all they managed to do is ruin both. The clean, minimalist design of a classically-styled sneaker is cluttered with the designs of a dress shoe with details like broguing and medallions. While dress shoe uppers are drastically dressed down with casual laces and chunky soles. The result is a shoe that’s too casual to be worn as a dress shoe and too formal to be worn as a sneaker.

Frankenshoes often prey upon the assumption held by many men that all dress shoes are uncomfortable. But, in fact, a properly-fitted dress shoe can be just as comfortable as any Frankenshoe and is actually far more versatile than you might think.

A properly-fitted dress shoe can be just as comfortable as any Frankenshoe and is more versatile than one thinks.
A properly-fitted dress shoe can be just as comfortable as any Frankenshoe and is more versatile than one thinks.

How A Dress Shoe Should Fit – Guide To Finding Your Shoe Size

4. Crocs

Few shoe trends are as polarizing as Crocs. The foam clogs everyone either loves or loves to loathe. Originally designed as boat shoes, Crocs proliferated in beach and nautical settings in the early-2000s, before exploding in popularity in the mid and late-2000s.

In 2007, $847 million of Crocs were sold, including to then-President George W. Bush. The company was nearly flattened by the Great Recession, but managed to bounce back, riding undulating waves of popularity as its unmistakable design has come in and out of public favor. 

Crocs were originally designed as boat shoes.
Crocs were originally designed as boat shoes. [Image Credit: CNN.com]

Suffice it to say, with their bulging soles, plastic texture, clunky strap, and prominent ventilation preparation, Crocs do not fit into the classic style aesthetic, which is fine. They were designed as work or leisure shoes for utilitarian or extremely casual circumstances.

But, whenever something becomes famous, it can sometimes go a little bit too far afield from its original purpose – like when Succession star wore a pair of crocs to the 2020 Emmys. This weird mingling of casual and formal styles is just so distracting and jarring.

When something gets famous, it can sometimes go a little bit too far afield from its original purpose, like wearing them to the 2020 Emmys.
When something gets famous, it can sometimes go a little bit too far afield from its original purpose, like wearing them to the 2020 Emmys. [Image Credit: (L-R) Zee5.com, WonderlandMagazine.com]

As you might imagine, Crocs do not appear in our guide to the Black Tie dress code. We also find it a little ironic that corporate hype and special collaborations have created Crocs that cost hundreds of dollars; when the shoes were originally marketed for being so cost-effective. We can’t explain why this Croc costs over $300 for resale, but we can explain why real croc and alligator leather is so expensive.

5. Slides

A slide is any backless and open-toed mule flip-flop, and I’m sure just saying the name has many thinking of the famous Adidas model. Ancient sandals that visually resemble slides have been around for millennia, which, I guess, technically makes it a little hard to call them a trend. But, of course, modern slides made their debut in the second half of the 20th century. And while originally being confined to beach, pool, or athletic settings, they’ve recently been setting foot into other areas of menswear.

Slides are not for formal events like weddings or any other circumstances when you're expected to dress up or wear a suit.
Slides are not for formal events like weddings or any other circumstances when you’re expected to dress up or wear a suit. [Image Credit: Standard.co.uk]

The evolving role of the slides is similar to that of flip-flops, in general, but slides have certainly come a long way since the shower rooms at college or from the YMCA, with versions offered by brands like Fendi, Yves Saint Laurent, and Gucci. Just as we said for flip-flops, we’re happy to acknowledge that there is a time and a place for slides. But, in our opinion, that place is not at a formal event like at a wedding or any other circumstances when you’re expected to dress up or wear a suit.

The exposed construction of slides is simply too far casual for anything but very casual occasions.
The exposed construction of slides is simply too far casual for anything but very casual occasions.[Image Credit: IndiaMart.com]

The exposed construction and general styling of the shoe is simply far too casual for anything but very casual occasions.

6. All-Black Trainers

We’ve said it time and time again black is the most overrated color in menswear, and that goes for some shoe styles, too. All-black, leather dress shoes are best reserved for formal occasions, where their subdued refinement is the perfect accessory to a Black or White Tie ensemble or for business settings where black Oxford is king.

Suffice it to say, all-black sneakers do not belong in either of those situations, and their black color detracts from the casual nature that a stylish pair of sneakers can bring to an outfit.

For most men, all-black trainers will either look distracting because solid black will not go with the rest of your outfit or uninspiring because your entire ensemble is black, neither of which is indicative of the classic style.

There is a caveat, though. Younger men primarily in their late teens and early-20s can pull off an all-black sneaker in very particular circumstances. As we understand, they’re dressing appropriately for their age. Typically speaking, all-black trainers fit the laid-back lifestyle and more athletic builds of this age group. But, this very youthful casual look only works for a small group.

We’ve previously discussed how you can integrate sneakers into stylish, casual outfits. Low-profile, minimalist sneakers and subtle tones that compliment your outfit are a great option. With this more casual ensemble I have assembled, for example, you can see how mirroring the brown and white elements of my shirt and jacket help to break up the black in my sneakers.

Trainers & Sport Shoes in Classic Menswear

7. Unnatural Patinas

We don’t want you thinking that we’re only targeting casual shoes. There are definitely trends in dress shoes that we can’t wait to see fizzle out. One will be controversial, we know: unnatural patinas.

A leather dress shoe with a rainbow patina.
A leather dress shoe with a rainbow patina. [Image Credit: DominqueSaintPaul.com]

All true colors in menswear have appeared regularly throughout the 20th century. This effect was usually achieved with two-tone shoes, like spectators or the addition of suede. But, in the late-1960s and 70s, bright and vibrant patinas came into vogue. And they’ve come in and out of fashion since then, believed, primarily, by other gentlemen who like to wear their shoes flashy and bold.

Ideally, we believe that a shoe patina should emphasize and intensify the natural beauty of a shoe; bringing out the rich, original luster of the leather. And, of course, by definition, a patina is not exactly the original color of the leather. So, there’s always going to be a gray zone between natural and unnatural patinas.

We think a distinction needs to be made between versatile and nuanced colors that blend into the classic color palette and exuberant colors.
We think a distinction needs to be made between versatile and nuanced colors that blend into the classic color palette and exuberant colors.

We also acknowledge that unnatural patinas have, in the past three decades, effectively become commonplace. Dark olive, navy, and gray shoes are regularly seen on stylish gentlemen even if most animals don’t have hides in that color.

But, we do think there’s a distinction to be made between versatile and nuanced colors that blend into the classic color palette, and loud and exuberant colors. Not only are these patinas clearly unnatural, they likely won’t harmonize well with a classic ensemble and might very well draw the wrong kind of attention and invite unfair judgment.

8. Overly-Embellished Shoes

Overly-embellished shoes are another example of shoe trends we can’t stand. What do we mean? Shoes that have some kind of superfluous detailing added to them so they appear cooler, trendier, and edgier.

A violet dress shoe with glitters, metal tassels and gold cap toe.
A violet dress shoe with glitters, metal tassels and gold cap toe. [Image Credit: Walmart.com]

When it comes to versatile and timeless classic men’s shoes, we don’t see how a pair of loafers are improved by the addition of Romanesque, gladiator-style spikes or a pair of derbies with a floral cotton jacquard applied to the uppers. Embellishments like these are intended to create visual interest and mix up the styling of classic men’s shoes.

But, in our opinion, these over-the-top additions actually distract from what makes a classic shoe so great. Superfluous embellishments actually make a shoe look cluttered, distracting you from the subtle details that are so integral to the classic style.

How are you supposed to appreciate the luscious texture of Italian calfskin when it is hidden under a craft store’s shelf-worth of glittering sequins? Some embellishments can adversely affect the functionality of the shoes.

A pair of bespoke brown oxfords sit on a yellow and white striped couch.
Superfluous embellishments distract from what makes a classic shoe (like these bespoke oxfords) great.

How can you benefit from the natural give of leather when the front third of the shoe is wrapped in metal and beads? In addition to being gaudy and attention-seeking, these embellishments just seem wasteful to us. They don’t compliment the natural beauty of the classic shoe and they often aren’t innovative enough to really be avant-garde. They just occupy a jarring, very cluttered middle ground, where an attempt has been made to gild the lily, and not very well, in our opinion

9. Square-Toed Shoes

Both casual and dress shoes come in square-toed varieties and we suggest you avoid them in whatever form they assume.

Square-toed shoes are usually a hallmark of poorly-made, mass-production shoes.
Square-toed shoes are usually a hallmark of poorly-made, mass-production shoes. [Image Credit: TheLuxuryChoyce.com]

Square-toed shoes were popular historically because they allowed for an oversized toe box, letting the shoe fit a greater number of sizes. This was useful in the early days of modern shoe production as shoe sizes were not yet standardized, so you see many square-toed shoes in museums, and this is where we wish they would stay.

Nowadays, square-toed shoes are usually a hallmark of poorly-made, mass-production shoes. The thought is that they’ll be more comfortable and provide extra space for your toes. But, really, they only look like that because they’re much cheaper and easier to manufacture.

Ace Marks and Allen Edmonds carry E-width and larger to help get the right fit.
Ace Marks and Allen Edmonds carry E-width and larger to help get the right fit.

If you do have wide feet, it’ll be much better served by selecting a wider shoe from a reputable and high-quality shoe manufacturer. Brands like Ace Marks and Allen Edmonds and many more carry E-width and larger to help you get the right fit, without having to consign yourself the shoes that look stubby and squat because of the mishandling of the toe.

Occasionally, you’ll see an expensive shoe rendered with a square toe. The intention here is often to draw attention to the shoe because it is so unusual. But, purposefully creating something that looks bad seems to be the opposite of stylish. So, whether you’re seeking comfort or a unique toe shape, we suggest looking elsewhere.

Square toes are not to be confused with chisel toes.
Square toes are not to be confused with chisel toes. [Image Credit: (L-R) Row.CrockettAndJones.com, Row.CrockettAndJones.com]

One quick note here: square toes are not to be confused with chisel toes. Sometimes, the terms are used interchangeably. Chisel toes, while slightly squared, are elegant and classic. You can learn more in our guide to shoe toe shapes.

Shoe Toe Shapes and Detailing Explained

Conclusion

So, when it comes to bad shoe trends, are our thoughts on the same page as yours or were they way off? Let us know in the comments below and, if there are any other shoe trends you’d like to see the back of, let us know about those, too.

Outfit Rundown

Today, I am wearing a green cable knit sweater, a blue and white dress shirt with navy blue slacks, and brown dress shoes with Fort Belvedere socks. Check out the Fort Belvedere shop for socks like these.

Kyle wearing a green knit sweater, a blue and white dress shirt, and navy slacks.
Kyle rounds out his laid-back classic outfit with a pair classic brown dress shoes.
Dark Brown Two Tone Solid Oxford Socks Fil d'Ecosse Cotton - Fort Belvedere

Fort Belvedere

Dark Brown Two Tone Solid Oxford Socks Fil d'Ecosse Cotton – Fort Belvedere

Reader Comments

  1. I’m a skosh offended at the use of those brown hybrid trainers in the thumbnail. They’re not particularly FOR menswear enthusiasts. With a smart casual ensemble, they’re more than appropriate, and they’re a much better pick than running shoes, considering that many find proper shoes uncomfortable. Hybrid trainers were what got me into shoes in the first place, so I’m quite biased, but they’ve likely served as others’ gateway as well as mine.

  2. Overall, I agree. It’s always a pleasure to read your balanced and well-written articles.

  3. Like wearing white socks with a dark suit looking at one face and you can see their feet.

  4. Nice article as always, thanks Kyle! All of us know how creepy “trendy” clothing can be, so it is like read, shudder, and feel much better!

Comments are closed.