Trend Prediction: Goodbye Chunky Heels, Hello Again Ballet Flats...
By Kathryn Sohm
For the past few years we’ve been obsessing over platform sandals, chunky loafers, and boxy dad sneakers. We must have hit peak absurdity with Balenciaga’s take on the controversial Croc, because it seems that shoes just can’t get any chunkier. Once one trend has hit its breaking point, we inevitably make a 180 and suddenly the exact opposite is in style. We see this all the time––skinny low-rise pants were replaced by high-rise mom jeans, mom jeans are now turning into low-rise baggy trousers. The cycle continues.
When it comes to shoes, I think we’re destined for a return to flats of every kind. Flatter sneakers, loafers without a platform, even ballet flats themselves will be making a hard comeback.
Those who experienced the ballet flats’ original heyday of the early 2000s might not be ready for this resurgence. However, Gen Z will be sure to hop on to the trend as Bella Hadid and Lily Rose Depp have already been photographed in the shoes.
This will influence sneaker choices as well, as the flats trend will make even Nike Air Force 1s seem too bulky.
I’ve seen multiple outlets call the Adidas Samba the shoe of the summer and I’m betting these will become the new everyday sneaker since they’re a much sleeker, slimmer shoe. To solidify its significance, Emma Chamberlain posted pictures in Sambas, so their popularity is definitely on the rise.
While many might not be ready to hang up their chunky dad shoes, I have to admit I’m excited for this trend.
Ballet flats remind me of simpler times when Blair Waldorf and Alexa Chung reigned supreme in their Chanel slippers. I last wore ballet flats in middle school, paired with skin-tight jeans, Abercrombie t-shirts, and bad skin. I’m willing to leave those other accessories behind, but I think that ballet flats can offer a classic touch to the wide leg jeans and slip skirts we’ve been wearing. Plus, as someone who is afraid of heels, I love the idea of wearing them in a more formal setting.
If you’re ready to take on flat-soled shoes, here’s some inspiration to get you started:
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