The Quiet Decline of Sneakers: What’s Next for Everyday Footwear?

It’s no secret that the sneaker world hasn’t had a true “it” shoe since the Samba’s takeover in 2023. Its retro and athletic silhouette dominated closets and feeds everywhere, becoming the go-to for almost any outfit. Now halfway through 2025, there’s still no new sneaker stepping up to take its place. 

So, what’s next?

With sneakers slowly fading from everyday style, flats, kitten heels, and boots are stepping in. Comfort still matters, but the mood is shifting. This time, it’s less about casual ease and more about quiet polish– shoes that feel effortless but look intentional.

The Rise of  Kitten Heels and Flats

After years of sneakers dominating everyday fashion, people are craving something different, but without giving up comfort completely. That’s where kitten heels and flats come in. They’re easy to wear, but feel just dressed-up enough to signal effort.

Brands like The Row and Miu Miu have played a huge role in bringing these silhouettes back into rotation. The ballet flat resurgence is everywhere, from runways to resale apps. We’re also seeing a return of Mary Janes, mesh flats, and square-toe styles which are getting reworked in ways that feel modern.

The kitten heel, in particular, is having a moment because it strikes that perfect middle ground– it’s not a sky-high heel, but it adds just enough height and elegance to feel different from a sneaker or slide. Whether it’s paired with jeans or styled with a tailored skirt, the look is about subtle sophistication without sacrificing comfort.

Boots Take Over Daily Wear

Boots aren’t just a fall staple anymore, they’re becoming an everyday go-to, even in the months when sneakers used to dominate. The trend has shifted from ankle and moto styles to knee-highs and sleek riding boots; even the cowboy boot is making it’s comeback in every day wear. We’re seeing people choose boots as their base layer for casual outfits, not just for cold weather.

This shift is partly influenced by the rise of longer hemlines, oversized coats, and structured silhouettes in recent seasons. A sneaker doesn’t always balance out those proportions the same way a boot can. In other words, the aesthetics simply don’t match. Plus, boots are versatile: they work with skirts, dresses, or baggy denim, and they can dress an outfit up or down depending on the pair.

Brands like Khaite, Frye, and Prada have embraced this shift, styling boots with everything from tailored pieces to relaxed, everyday looks in their recent collections. The styling feels fresh, not forced, and that’s why people are reaching for them.

The Shift

So, why is this happening now? Part of it is just the natural cycle of trends. Every couple of years, trends get “recycled” and shift into new ideas in the world of fashion. We saw this with scrunchies, fur coats, polka dots— you name it. After years of the sneaker ruling the late 2010’s, people are ready for something new. But, it’s also tied to a larger shift in how we’re dressing overall.

Post-pandemic, fashion leaned into comfort and “dressing-down”– sneakers fit perfectly into that moment. But now, as people return to offices, events, and in-person plans, there’s more interest in putting effort into daily outfits again. That comfort is still desired in everyday wear, and that’s where flats, kitten heels, and boots come in. They still offer that same comfort but look more intentional.

The rise of “quiet luxury” also plays into this. Sleek, understated footwear is more in line with that aesthetic than a logo-heavy sneaker. Instead of bold, chunky soles, the focus is shifting to minimal silhouettes, clean lines, and timeless materials.

At the same time, this shift isn’t about abandoning sneakers altogether. It’s about rethinking them as just one option, not the default.

Is dressing up instead of down making a final hoorah? Maybe– but right now, it feels less like a trend and more like a reset. People still want comfort, but they’re pairing it with pieces that feel thoughtful and styled, starting from the ground up.

Whether it’s swapping out sneakers for kitten heels, ballet flats, or boots, the everyday shoe rotation is evolving. It’s not about abandoning casual style, but moving towards something that feels more put-together, without giving up ease. As for me, I’ve enjoyed pairing my pair of black kitten-heels with jorts, oversized denim pants, and fun mini dresses. At this point, my sneakers are getting jealous, but they’ll survive the break.

P.S if you’re looking for another fun read, I loved this one by British Vogue: The Kitten-Heel Boot