2016 Recap: Shoe Trends

Even if you aren’t one to keep up with the times, it was hard to get away from fashion trends in 2016. From chokers making a comeback, to head-to-toe denim becoming mainstream again, you probably either loved or hated the return of 90s fashion we saw this past year.

What about the greatest accessory of all? Shoes in 2016 saw several trends of their own. Learn more about the shoe trends we loved (or loved to hate) throughout the last year.

2016 Shoe Trends With SRI Shoe Warehouse

Over-the-Knee Boots

The perfect partner for another fashion trend — wearing skirts and shorts year round. These super-high boots surpassed ankle booties and traditional boots as 2016’s boot of choice. Spotted on runways, in magazines, and now just in your neighborhood, it seems like knee boots are here to stay (at least for the beginning of 2017).

Colored Velvet

Velvet was a popular trend in clothing as well as in shoes for 2016. From boots, to wedge sandals, to pumps, velvet made an appearance in almost every type of women’s shoe over the year. Though black is always a practical shoe choice, many velvet boots and heels this year made bolder statements in deep reds and electric blues.

Platform Shoes

High heeled shoes are a shoe trend that has proven itself timeless over and over again. In 2016, a new trend emerged — platform shoes rose in popularity adding height to more than just the heel of a pump. In platform shoes, the body of the shoe gets a lift by a “platform” while the heel remains elevated as usual.

Fashion Sneakers

Athleisure (wearing athletic clothing with no intentions of hitting the gym anytime soon) rose in popularity in 2016. This meant more comfortable streetwear, as well as cuter workout clothes. In tandem with this fashion trend, athletic shoes trended towards a more sophisticated look. Brands like Adidas and New Balance put out shoes that were both practical and adorable.