2000s Shoe Trends That Should Have Been More Popular

Of all the 2000s fashion trends, it’s the shoes that are most overlooked. You’re well aware of baby tees, Juicy Couture sweatsuits, and low-slung jeans, but the footwear that was popular decades ago seems to have been left largely in the past.

While the 2000s birthed some shoe trends that everyone continues to embrace — think Uggs and pointy-toe pumps — there are other styles that have relatively fallen by the wayside. Peep toe pumps were everywhere that decade yet it’s not nearly as easy to spot the shoe style today. And while Steve Madden did bring back his famed slide sandals, they’re not in heavy rotation anymore. You can barely step outside without seeing a pair of low-top sneakers but what happened to the high-top version that ruled the 2000s?

This season, it’s time to re-visit some old classics and bring back the popularity they once enjoyed. From Summer slide sandals to casual high-top sneakers to peep toe pumps, read on for the 2000s shoe trends that should’ve been more popular — and shop them at every budget.

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Peep Toe Pumps

The shoe style was ubiquitous in the early aughts with brands churning them out in every material from leather to satin, as well as every color of the rainbow. Today, the shoe sightings are few and far in between but no less chic.

Slide Sandals

Slide sandals were all the rage in the 2000s. Be it your favorite platform pair from Steve Madden or a more timeless flat skimmer, they’ve been reimagined with more complicated designs or chunkier soles. This summer, it’s time to re-visit the classic with a pair (or three!) of simple one-strap slide sandals.

High Top Sneakers

All the rage in the 2000s, everything from Converse to Nikes came in a killer high-top style that everyone was craving. These days, you tend to see more sneakers of the low-top variety, but many brands agree high-tops are overdue for a return to the spotlight.

Heeled Loafers

You know you loved them at the time, so why not continue the love? As chunky-soled shoes of all shapes and sizes have begun to re-enter your wardrobe, it’s time you focus some more energy on the preppy-turned grunge trend of the chunky loafer — for daytime denim and nighttime slip dresses alike.

Strappy Sandals

For the minimalists among you, the strappy heel is the way to go. It’s the perfect pairing for all those date night looks that are begging for a little something extra elegant.