It’s that time of the year! As a shoe lover, it’s always excited to know what shoe styles are in and what are out. Below I’ll first show you the 5 styles that are trending this fall and winter, and end of the post I will also give you a list of what is gradually phasing out!
Sleek Sneakers (In)
Sleek sneakers are such a big trend right now, and I love that they actually work for petites too. They’re slimmer, not bulky, so they don’t overwhelm my frame. I picked up this pair from Sam Edelman at Nordstrom, and honestly, they go with everything while still looking polished.
Sweater XS | Jeans 27/4P | Bag | Shoes
And these are the Puma Speedcat sneakers I’ve had for nearly a decade. They’re super sleek, low-profile, and honestly still look just as good today. I love how they don’t add bulk to my legs, which is why I’ve kept them all these years—they’re just timeless and flattering.
Sweater XS | Tee S | Pants 4P | Bag | Shoes
Glove Boots (In)
Glove boots have that snug fit and come in leather, suede, or even fabric—usually ankle length, though I’ve spotted some knee-high versions too. This pair I got is faux suede from Amazon, and I love the taupe shade. It’s super elongating, especially when I wear it with jeans.
This pair from H&M is black faux leather, and I love how sleek they look. When you pair them with black pants or jeans, they blend right in and make your legs look so much longer. It’s such an easy trick to create that elongated, streamlined look without much effort.
Jacket XS | Top XS | Jeans 27/4P | Bag | Boots
Top XS | Jeans 27/4P | Bag | Boots
Penny Loafers (In)
Penny loafers are huge this season with the whole preppy vibe, and I couldn’t resist. I picked up two pairs—one in beige suede and another in taupe leather.
Sweater XS | Jeans 27/4P | Bag | Loafers
They’ve quickly become my go-to shoes for walking since they’re so comfortable, but I love that they also look polished with everything.
Sweater XS | Shirt S | Jeans 27/4P | Bag | Loafers
Flat Riding Boots (In)
Flat riding boots are another staple of the preppy theme that’s been going strong for the past five years. This pair from Sam Edelman has been with me for years, and they’re still my go-to for comfortable walking. Living in NJ, when it’s freezing, these are hands-down the best boots.
Sweater S | Pants S/4P | Boots
Pointed Toe Shoes (In)
Pointy toe shoes are front and center this season, and I couldn’t be happier. I always emphasize how much they help petites look taller, even when you’re wearing flats. The elongated, tapered shape creates that sleek line that really lengthens the legs. This pair I just picked up from Mango has a longer, more slender toe that feels elegant but also surprisingly practical. The design is thoughtful too—the weight is evenly distributed, so they’re actually very walkable, not just pretty. For colder weather, I’ve been pairing them with my burgundy Quince cashmere long dress, and it instantly feels like a polished going-out outfit. It’s proof you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style when the shoes are this well-made.
Right now, I’m loving them with these palazzo pants from Amazon—I actually bought them in five different colors because the fit, leg shape, and length are exactly what I need. Together, the combo feels both elongating and effortlessly stylish.
Top XS | Pants S/4P | Bag | Shoes
Dad Sneakers (Out)
This season, dad sneakers are not trending, and it’s easy to see why. Their oversized, chunky shape feels clunky and throws off proportions, especially on smaller frames. Instead of looking fresh, they add unnecessary bulk to outfits and can make legs appear shorter. While they had their moment for adding a sporty vibe, the exaggerated look now feels outdated. Many people find themselves passing them over in favor of shoes that feel more flattering and easier to wear.
Combat Boots (Out)
Combat boots are not as popular as before, as their heavy, utilitarian design feels out of step with current dressing. They tend to overwhelm outfits and add bulk, which can be especially tricky for smaller frames. While once great for adding contrast to feminine pieces, the chunky laces and thick soles now feel dated. Their tough aesthetic doesn’t integrate as easily into wardrobes today, leaving combat boots more on the shelf than on the street this season.
Platform Boot (Out)
Platform boots are phasing out since their oversized silhouette now feels more like a costume piece than everyday footwear. The extreme height and chunky base dominate an outfit instead of complementing it, often making legs appear shorter. Their dramatic look also makes them harder to style with streamlined wardrobes. Although they once delivered a bold boost, the exaggerated proportions now come across as awkward, which is why platform boots are losing their place in rotation.
Lug Sole (Out)
Great news to me that lug sole shoes are not popular because their exaggerated weight and bulk overwhelm most outfits. The chunky bottoms can make looks appear heavy, dragging down softer pieces and disrupting proportions. While they were once seen as an edgy contrast, their oversized presence now feels excessive. The thick soles often limit versatility, making them harder to style. As a result, they’ve become less appealing for everyday wear and are being left behind in favor of lighter options.
Square Toe (Out)
Probably one of the best news if you are petite like me- square toe shoes are no longer dominant. The wide, boxy front can make feet look bigger, which throws off the balance of an outfit. Instead of adding polish, the squared edge often appears clunky and less refined. While the style was once embraced as edgy and modern, its sharp lines now read as forced. The look simply doesn’t blend naturally anymore, making it less appealing overall.
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