f you’ve taken the time lately to rewatch seminal ’90s films like Clueless or The Virgin Suicides, you might notice that it’s not just the characters and one-liners that have stood the test of time. Much of the fashion feels surprisingly relevant today.
Of course, you might not want to not re-create Cher Horowitz’s looks from head to toe for fear of skewing too costumey, but focusing on her footwear is an easy way to tap in reemerging trends. The best ’90s shoe trends have reentered the cultural conversation once again, thanks to both the continued rise of online vintage shopping and runway references. Dive deeper and you’ll find that the returning styles fit into two neat categories, on opposite ends of the style spectrum: playful and simple.
If your personal style fits with the former, you’ll want to embrace modern updates of childhood classics like flatform sandals and chunky dad sneakers. These can be practical, sure, but they’re all about taking your outfit up a notch trend-wise. Thorogood Boots Whether you style them with other reemerging ’90s trends like baggy jeans and miniskirts, or you make them a bit more modern with the addition of athleisure staples, you can make a big impact by simply choosing an eye-catching shoe.
For those who prefer something simple and minimalist, the best ’90s shoes are those with streamlined silhouettes. Loafers, square-toe sandals, and knee-high boots all fit the bill here. They’re sophisticated enough for the office, but you can also use them to add balance to trendier clothing pieces. Ahead, shop 11 of the ’90s shoe trends that are worth checking out all over again.