6 shoe trends that are in this summer and 3 that are out, according to stylists

Stylists say jelly shoes and slim sneakers will be popular this summer. Plastic flip-flops and gladiator sandals, however, won't be as prevalent.

  • Business Insider spoke with stylists about which shoe trends are in and out this summer.
  • The experts said jelly shoes, shorter heels, and closed-toe mules will be popular this season.
  • However, classic flip-flops and round-toed shoes are being replaced by more modern styles.

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.

A woman wearing a pair of clear jelly sandals.

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.

A woman wearing low-profile black-and-white Adidas Tokyo sneakers.

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.

A woman wearing a pair of closed-toed clogs.

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.

A woman wearing a pair of black leather Derby shoes that lace up and sit low to the ground.

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.

A woman wearing a pair of open-toed mules with a short heel.

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.

A woman wearing a pair of low-profile white sneakers with mesh details and small strappy laces.

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.

A woman wearing a pair of red rubber flip flops.

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.

A woman wearing a pair of round-toed black heels.

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.

A woman wearing a pair of gladiator sandals that lace up her calf.

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.

The post 6 shoe trends that are in this summer and 3 that are out, according to stylists appeared first on Business Insider