This spring is all about letting go of the old and welcoming the new. I’ve already cleaned out my closet, and it seems other Who What Wear editors have done so, too. I trust the choices of my stylish coworkers and I was curious to hear their thoughts on which old flat-shoe trends they’re ditching and what clothes they’re wearing instead. I was not disappointed with their recommendations and thought I’d share them with you all.
You can obviously wear whatever you want; I’m a big believer in that sentiment, but if you’re looking for guidance on what’s trending this spring and want a new look for the season, these insights are for you. From Mary Janes to chunky loafers, you’ll want to know what else is considered dated this spring.
Keep scrolling to learn about the flat-shoe trends my fashionable peers are putting on pause and which they’re choosing to wear instead.
Audrey Hiayaui, Associate Shopping Editor
“I stay away from trends, so when I’m choosing flat shoes, I usually focus on a classic pair of ballet flats that never fail me. That said, I’m looking for something for extra long spring walks, and I’m considering a breathable mesh pair from one of my favorite brands, Camper.”
Wearing: Breathable Ballet Flats
Pressing pause: trendy flats
Buy more breathable flats
intentionally blank
classy flat
NikeSkims
Footwear Rift Mesh Flats
dolce vita
Mikel Mary Jane Flats
Nikki Chwat, Associate Fashion Editor
As a “5’1” fashion person, I rarely wear flats; However, there are times when I do. So if you catch me on that special occasion this spring, you’ll probably only see me in elevated flip-flops. Think leather or suede styles with a thin to medium-width thong upper. While ballet flats, Mary Janes, and strappy Sandals are nice, flip-flops offer a more polished look and 2026 feel.”
Wear: Flip-flops
pressing pause: mary janes
A.Emery
Kinto Leather Flip Flops
buy more flip-flops
Sierra May, Fashion Editor
“The days of wearing chunky, stomper loafers are long gone. I’m talking about the kind of loafers that had slightly flat soles and heavy, chunky soles. My preference now is a sleek pair that feels incredibly timeless.”
Outfit: Sleek Loafers
Pressing Paws: Chunky Loafers
buy sleeker loafers
Improvement
kylie loafers
banana Republic
Leather Mock-Toe Loafers
jeffrey campbell
Stallone Penny Loafers
Anna LaPlaca, Senior Fashion Editor
“I’m holding off on Mary Jane flats at the moment. While I’ve always found them attractive on other people, they seem too girly for my personal style. Instead, I’m completing many of my outfits these days with glove flats, especially this brown suede pair that has a V-shaped vamp. The silhouette is wearable but very modern.”
Wear: Gloves Flats
pressing pause: mary janes
buy more glove flats
shopbop
Ayde Betty Nappa Leather Hazelnut Flats
Mansour Gabriel
square toe flat
Quarrel
stila leather slippers
Daniela Guevara, Assistant Social Media Editor
“I’ve never owned chunky mesh flats because I knew it would be a trend that wouldn’t last in my wardrobe, personally. I’m excited about T-strap flats. I have this pair from Everlane and I’ve walked many miles in them. The T-strap trend is one I noticed in the fall but I’m excited to wear more this spring once I can put on my snow. Shoes away! I love that the cutout feature adds dimension to the look and is absolutely timeless.”
Wearing: T-Strap Flats
Pressing Stop: Mesh Flat
everlane
Leather T-Strap Flats
Buy More T-Strap Flats
Sezane
low eulali baby
Tory Burch
Purple T-Strap Flats in Beige
Franco Sarto
Marilee T-Strap Flats
Josephine Hadjiloukas, Assistant Shopping Editor
“I’m politely ditching the classic almond-toe ballet flat and reaching for a V-cut glove flat instead. French-women’s flat-shoe trend Glove flats have taken off as a better alternative to traditional ballet flats. It looks best when worn with white denim and a funnel-neck utility jacket or low-rise trousers and a boatneck top.”
Wear: V-Cut Gloves Flats
Press Break: Almond-Toe Ballet Flats
Buy More V-Cut Glove Flats
everlane
Almond-toe flats made in Italy
store controller
minimalist leather ballet flats
margaux
Mercury Flats in Ivoire Nappa
why trust us
Who wears what, fashion is our specialty. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognizable names in fashion. Each item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality, and real-world wearability.
We regularly try things on ourselves, everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes; Talk to outside experts and fashion insiders; And stay closely connected to what our readers are looking for. Our advice is based on expertise and must pass our exceptional taste levels – so you can feel confident in every recommendation.
