Ballet-flat-inspired sneakers are in

Ballet-flat-inspired sneakers with openings at the top of the shoe and strap-like laces are coming to the forefront of high fashion, according to fashion designer Jarrah Webster.

"The runner-like soles are something that's being brought back when it comes to mixing femme-wear product shoes with menswear," Webster told BI.

Classic dress shoes are coming back











Some styles are timeless for a reason.




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As minimalism and capsule wardrobes become more popular, footwear trends are also going back to the basics, according to celebrity stylist Semarah Gabrielle.

It's time to bring back the classic dress shoe, she told BI.

"Like the pointed-toe pump for women, we are going back to the basics for men," she said.

Mules are a comfortable, chic, and popular shoe











Mules are incredibly versatile.




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Comfort is at the forefront of fashion, and mules are a perfect choice because they have no back, according to fashion designer Jazmin Monét.

She told BI that mules are a great "statement shoe" that can elevate a look. With so many styles and colors, this versatile silhouette can be dressed up and down.

Military-inspired combat boots are staying in the rotation of trends

Combat boots have been popular for decades, and the trend isn't slowing down, according to Webster.

"These are always in my rotation, and I think workwear is such a big influence in today's trends," he said.

Some combat-boot styles, such as boots with a steel toe, are also very functional.

2010s wedges are back in the spotlight











Wedges are back.




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Again, comfort is in. Wedged heels are super reminiscent of the 2010s, and according to Gabrielle, they're gaining popularity yet again.

"Ten years later, wedges are back. They are comfortable heels and great for spring and summer," she said.

Clogs are also an easy, trendy shoe choice this spring

More and more people are discovering the comfort, ease, and versatility of wearing clogs. And the culturally inspired silhouette is becoming popular in different worlds of fashion, according to Webster.

"They play homage to a lot of cultures, and I believe the shape, silhouette, and material of these are so versatile," he told BI.

Stiletto heels remain a popular, stylish shoe











Stilettos can dress up a casual outfit.




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According to Monét, a stiletto heel will never go out of style.

"Stilettos are a staple sleek heel that can make the simplest dress pop, and they'll never go out of style," she said.

The high-heeled silhouette is great for dressing up a casual outfit or making a dressy outfit even better.

Wrestling shoes create a unique and uniform style

Another footwear silhouette that's a blast from the past is the wrestling shoe, said Webster.

"These early-2000s wrestling shoes, from brands like Adidas, Puma, and Reebok are very beautiful," he said. "They allow for a very uniform fit and feel, and I've even seen them worn with more feminine looks."

The slim, lace-up boot-like shoe comes in feminine and masculine silhouettes and can help you create a sporty (but chic) look.

On the other hand, chunky platforms are declining in popularity











Chunky platforms are falling out of favor this spring.




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Chunky platforms are on the way out as comfort becomes a priority, said Gabrielle. Instead, people are opting for a lightweight silhouette that is easier to manage for a day or night out.

"2024 is the year of comfortability — we're saying goodbye to the chunky platforms for a night out," she told BI.

The obsession with 'dad shoes' is declining











Chunky sneakers had their time to shine.




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Although the chunky "dad shoe" silhouette was super popular this time last year, they're falling out of favor. People want a much sleeker look, said Gabrielle.

"We're moving toward a more softer way of dressing. They're cute and versatile but, in my opinion, have been way overplayed for years," she said.

Boat shoes are being left in the past

Although boat shoes — canvas or leather shoes with rubber soles — have had their moment, they're likely not making it into this upcoming season, said Gabrielle.

She recommends only wearing them for literal reasons.

"They're the cousin to the loafer but not as elevated," she told BI. "The boat shoe was huge in the 2010s, but they don't go with everything and personally only should be worn if you're on a boat."

'Hypebeast' sneakers are nothing more than a collectible item these days











Some beautiful sneakers are best for displaying.




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Hypebeast describes the subculture around limited-release, exclusive fashions — particularly when it comes to sneakers. But, Gabrielle said, retro and release-driven sneakers may be better to collect than wear this spring.

"Sometimes the styles aren't practical and hard to wear for everyday use," she said. Plus a lot of limited-release styles aren't trendy for long.

"They have a lot of attention leading up to the release but then slowly fade once they are released," she added.