YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Footwear going into 2026

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Footwear going into 2026 https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-going-into-2026 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:56:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Janet on "Footwear going into 2026" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-going-into-2026#post-2404597 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:59:07 +0000 Janet 2404597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Isn’t it funny how we can be feeling a style right up the point where…we’re not? It just felt like the tide had turned on that style for me. I don’t mind a low-contrast lug sole, but somehow the high contrast doesn’t feel right for me anymore. Glad to know I’m not alone! I also am selling a couple of very nice but uncomfortable designer boots. They were not cheap, and I sized up a little to try to make them more comfortable, but ultimately it did not work. I’m bummed because they are really pretty and unique, but it’s sunk costs, and I need to let go. LJP on "Footwear going into 2026" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-going-into-2026#post-2404592 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:45:15 +0000 LJP 2404592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet - funny, I was thinking the same about my black DV Hueys with the white sole.  I have worn them a ton in past years , but this fall/winter I haven't worn them at all.  It bugged me when they were knocked off by every cheap brand everywhere and didn't feel interesting and special anymore.  Not that DV is some high end exclusive brand, but still .  I keep thinking I'll pass them on now.  I agree completely about sleeker boots and shoes in general.  I'm grateful I didn't sink a ton of money into the chunky sole trend and am happy to wear what I have without buying more. Janet on "Footwear going into 2026" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-going-into-2026#post-2404583 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 13:07:57 +0000 Janet 2404583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don’t track wears, and I have a large collection, so I don’t tend to wear shoes out quickly — except my gear hiking/running shoes (I killed two pairs of them walking the Camino this fall — a typical pair gets me through about 300 miles but a good drenching or two can shorten their life even more). My current favorite boot style is a refined bootie with a narrow toe, like my first Find below. Those were a recent purchase to update/replace some old burgundy boots I was not feeling anymore. This darker color is more versatile (goes nicely with brown or black as well as burgundy), and I like the texture and vibe. I was not completely convinced of the comfort at first, but they’ve softened a bit and are now all-day wear. I’m also all about my Sorels for super casual days of running around and taking a walk in cold weather. I’m a little bit off of my chunkier lug-sole boots with more rounded toes. They’re feeling not as current right now, but I’m hanging onto most of them because they are comfortable and practical. But I did put a pair of Dolce Vita Huey’s with white soles in the giveaway box, since I’m not feeling those anymore. They got quite a bit of wear in past years but still have life in them for someone else to enjoy, so I don’t feel bad about it. I am, however, still very much loving my two pairs of lug-soled boots that have a narrower toe profile — the Freda Salvador and the suede Dolce Vitas. The narrower toe helps streamline and refine the look, which I like. I’m still getting good use out of my combat and moto style boots too. Thisr Ugg ones have to be 12+ years old, and they’re a little beat up, but just the other day I got a compliment on them, LOL. I’m welcoming the return of brogues/oxfords, since I have some old pairs that I’ve held onto. And I love my Freda Salvador loafers — loafers rarely stay on my foot so I was glad to find them. I’m enjoying fun socks with them when it’s warm enough to go without boots. Sneaker-wise, I’m feeling a bit over the really chunky profile, but I have a lot of them so I’m not being quick to let them go. I have been wearing my lower-profile Onitsuka Tiger burgundy pair a fair bit. In warmer weather, I’m liking the idea of a distinctive flat — I love the ones LJP has posted! I’m enjoying my one pair of slingbacks but they will be waiting for spring. I’m not ready to think about sandals yet. That’s a whole project for when I get home from Japan. But I did get some new ones last year — mostly simple slide styles — and hope that my collection is reasonably up to date when May rolls around. Style Fan on "Footwear going into 2026" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-going-into-2026#post-2404537 Sun, 25 Jan 2026 22:46:30 +0000 Style Fan 2404537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't track wear. I have footwear for serious walking. Because I walk two or three hours a day in my Finn Comfort sneakers, I typically replace them once a year. I only wear the black ones for walking. I wear the blue-and-white Finn Comfort sneakers for errands and other activities. They have lasted longer than the black ones. I add one pair of Birk sandals to my wardrobe each year. The sandals get a lot of wear. The Finn Comfort sandals have lasted a few years.   I don't wear them as much.   For winter walking, when it is extremely cold, I wear the Keens. I expect they will last a few years. I wear the Saute Mouton and Oolang for errands and going out. I have duplicated the Saute Mouton because they are so comfy and warm. For in-between weather to go out to concerts, etc., I wear the El Naturalista Chelsea boots. Bonnie on "Footwear going into 2026" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-going-into-2026#post-2404475 Sun, 25 Jan 2026 16:06:18 +0000 Bonnie 2404475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I track shoe wears and the easiest way to share what I've done is to show my results. I delete all of my donated shoes and this year included some low wear sandals because of PF. Hope this helps.  Bijou on "Footwear going into 2026" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-going-into-2026#post-2404472 Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:25:02 +0000 Bijou 2404472@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My footwear purchases in 2025 were limited to two pairs of shoes, some sneakers and a pair of loafers. Last winter, I rediscovered some boots and wore them often. This summer, I am wearing sandals purchased in 2024 that seem to work with most things and are very comfy.  Lisa on "Footwear going into 2026" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-going-into-2026#post-2404467 Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:33:47 +0000 Lisa 2404467@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’ve found 100 wears or 2 to 4 years is my average before footwear shows signs of wear for me. I am a big fan of duplicating or even triplicating footwear that fits me well. Carol on "Footwear going into 2026" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-going-into-2026#post-2403757 Mon, 19 Jan 2026 03:04:51 +0000 Carol 2403757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have not been out and about much the past year. Before that maybe an average amount, and I wore a variety of shoes--mostly comfortable. I am not a shoe collector, but I like to have something in all the main categories. If I have a go-to/wear-anywhere/cool shoe it is my black Clark booties. I can go anywhere in them, and I love that they give me proportion and polish when going out.    I would like to try a lot of new shoes, but one thing that would go far for me would be a shootie--those are cute.  Angie on "Footwear going into 2026" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-going-into-2026#post-2403704 Sun, 18 Jan 2026 22:36:36 +0000 Angie 2403704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm a big city walker, and in all sorts of weather. I very seldom wear sneakers, and don't track wears! I am down to two pairs of sneakers. I don't own pukka athletic sneakers either. When I go PT, I wear my white ECCO's which have become my athletic shoes! Apart from a pair of mules, snow boots, white sandals, and gold ankle strap pumps - below are ALL my shoes!!! And they all go the distance. The boots most of all. (The gold boots I keep for occasion wear).  I went shopping with a friend last week, and wore the pink boots all day. They have 1.5 inch heels!!! I was AMAZED at how well my feet did!!! No problem at all. I suspect that daily Pilates and yoga have helped my feet :)  I'm generally a loafers, boots, and flats person. I absolutely duplicate. I have the same loafers in a few neutrals. I am on my second pair of many of the cream boots and flats! I am harder on shoes because I don't have that many pairs, and I wear them a lot. 2 to 3 years is average. 2 years when they are workhorses. Other pairs last longer because they are less frequently worn. My SE lugg sole cream boots are "my island boots". I use them for trails and outdoorsy adventures with the doggies. They are waterproof, and VERY comfy! Look chic too. The soles are quite worn - harder terrain on the islands. They are 5 to 6 years old. I don't wear them in the city.  LJP on "Footwear going into 2026" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-going-into-2026#post-2403685 Sun, 18 Jan 2026 21:00:12 +0000 LJP 2403685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ooh those are nice Irina . The Row dupes . Irina on "Footwear going into 2026" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-going-into-2026#post-2403658 Sun, 18 Jan 2026 18:33:08 +0000 Irina 2403658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don’t track anything. I’m hard on my shoes because I walk everywhere But I stop wearing out fast my collection since I expanded it. Also, I get them professionally repaired. <div>Shoes used to last only a couple of years for me when I worked in the office and I had about 15 pairs. Last year I discarded two pairs due to wear and tear. Both lasted 5-6 years. </div><div>I’m interested in new styles and also need to get a pair of comfortable loafers. And winter boots :( These are from BR, I bought them at the end of December hoping they will go on sale. They didn’t but I’m keeping them anyway.  </div> Star (Lise) on "Footwear going into 2026" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-going-into-2026#post-2403654 Sun, 18 Jan 2026 18:13:59 +0000 Star (Lise) 2403654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I track clothes but not shoes, and not even clothes December until end February. I am hard on shoes, walking nearly everywhere. I got a lot (for me) of new shoes in 2025, unplanned but all worthwhile. Not known brands, a lot of the shoes sold here are made in Turkey, which is good. Reasonable prices and quality. Two pairs of sneakers, one black pair and one cream pair. Also Black combat boots, black loafers and black sports sandals. All good buys still to get a lot of use in 2026. I bought cream combats and black square toed western inspired booties but returned them, with a little bit of a heavy heart as I knew they were not going to meet my current lifestyle needs in the long run. I really like your three pairs shown, just up my style alley. LJP on "Footwear going into 2026" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-going-into-2026#post-2403642 Sun, 18 Jan 2026 16:03:23 +0000 LJP 2403642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't track usage - and in fact I'm not sure I understand what one gets from doing that, but I'm open  to learn .  I have a lot of footwear, because I have a lot of different things I "need" them for.   I work full time and do not wear the same pair of shoes twice in one week.  I like to change up my look every day, and also believe both shoes AND feet need a breather and a break daily .  I am at work/on my feet/in movement  for 8 hours a day .  I have workout shoes, fashion sneakers, boots, shoes, sandals, etc etc .   So  - I almost never wear footwear out to the point where they are unwearable.  I can count on one hand the number of shoes I've retired due to wear:  Birkenstocks and Stan Smith Adidas.  I don't donate a lot of footwear as I'm pretty lucky not to make too many mistakes in that category.  In the last few years though I have drastically reduced my spending in this category because I can see the light at the end of my working-life tunnel.  I am not out there pounding the pavement walking 2 hours day so shoes don't take a physical beating .  I wear workout runners for that kind of activity and they last about a year now.  I probably buy about 3-4 pair of some kind of footwear per season, although I bet it's now fewer than that.  I don't think I've duplicated a style - except for Birkenstocks which almost don't count , lol - except for my workout shoes which don't count.  I like to move on to something different after a shoe is done .   And kkards, I agree that the Chloe sneaker is still cool :). I bought a knock-off a couple of years ago but they did not work for me. Super wide and made my feet feel gigantic.  Ended up passing them on.   eta - comfy unicorn are my Ganni knock-off (mine are Steve Madden) red patent leather sling backs.  I think Roberta has the same pair . Very very easy to wear for a "dressy" shoe and elevate even the most basic of outfits.   Helena on "Footwear going into 2026" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-going-into-2026#post-2403625 Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:04:27 +0000 Helena 2403625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I believe these were the three pairs of shoes I bought in 2025. They are all workhorses ... The black booties I'm confident have see 100ish wears already. I think I'm more of a shoe minimalist in that I'm not one to change shoes to match every outfit; I'd much rather "one shoe to rule them all" (well, a couple shoes!) if only because I don't want to choose in the morning! kkards on "Footwear going into 2026" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-going-into-2026#post-2403622 Sun, 18 Jan 2026 13:41:33 +0000 kkards 2403622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Has anyone found any unicorns of comfortable AND cool-looking footwear this sneaker is the probably the most comfortable shoe I own, and imo it’s pretty cool looking.  Not sure if this style is still available, but it’s one I wish I’d duplicated.  cat2 on "Footwear going into 2026" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-going-into-2026#post-2403603 Sun, 18 Jan 2026 05:29:07 +0000 cat2 2403603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I duplicate shoes in a second color if I find the style is uniquely comfortable. My duplicates this year were Ann Taylor loafers, Rockport skimmers and Seychelles snip toe flats. I ended up donating more than I expected and my overall numbers are down. My mistakes were three sets of loafers with lug soles: Bass, Cole Haan and Rockport. They were really uncomfortable. My life happens donations were because my feet keep shifting a bit: my heels are now a bit narrower. Jenni NZ on "Footwear going into 2026" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-going-into-2026#post-2403597 Sun, 18 Jan 2026 04:57:52 +0000 Jenni NZ 2403597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As you know shoes are my favourite thing. I currently have 36 pairs, so obviously the more pairs the less you wear each one. I am also not such a walker as you and Suz. Unfortunately I have a health problem which causes shortness of breath and despite being medical myself it actually took over 5 years to get a diagnosis as the first specialist did not do a lung CT scan. So I got a bit sad about not getting any better no matter how many times I tried to walk up my local small hill and am being slack! Maybe I will try harder soon now I am not working… So my most worn pair was my Skechers at 340 wears in 2024, bought a new pair now 177 wears, thinking of buying yet another pair. I edited out to trash (because I thought they were too worn to donate) 4 pairs sandals at the start of our summer. 2018 silver had 84 wears. 2018 gold thread sandals (much loved) had 74 wears. 2021 white sandals were scuffed, had 37 wears. 2021 olive sandals had become stained somehow, had 96 wears. If not stained I think they would have got past 100. My favourite bright green sandals from 2016 are still going at 101 wears. But they will be a decade old later this year and so you can see it isn’t that many wears on average, due to lots of choice. The only way to make them last longer is to own more! Suz on "Footwear going into 2026" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-going-into-2026#post-2403594 Sun, 18 Jan 2026 04:07:14 +0000 Suz 2403594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't track footwear as a rule, either -- but during my last clothing tracking adventure, a few winters ago, I did track my "indoor shoes" which are the Sarto lug soled loafers in the Finds. I wore them at least 80 times in 4 months!  Because they were until very recently entirely indoor shoes, they are not in the least worn out. However, I have had a need for slip on shoes as I am wearing a sling now, so I'm wearing them outdoors to work.  Those are hard wearing. But I will say this -- in an ideal world, I like to have at least 4 pairs of sandals available in the summer months. And invariably, one pair will be worn out after two summers. Sometimes 2 pairs will have to go. I'm tough on sandals especially. That is even though I also wear sneakers and stitchlite oxfords in the summer months. I go through those in two seasons, too. t My winter footwear tends to last longer, partly because I have more variety and change it out more, and partly because the really hard wear is confined to a couple of pairs that are essentially gear-type items -- Blundstones for my walks in the suburbs, my trail runners for jogs or hikes, etc. All my other boots/ booties are all-day shoes but because I have a range at any time, they last quite a while.  My oldest pair of shoes is the dressy EF pump. I've had them since 2016, I think. But I rarely wear them.  I do duplicate/ stock up on styles that I really love at times before they become unavailable. I have an extra pair of the white Cole Haan oxfords ready to go, an extra pair of the cream Eccos, and an extra pair of the Cole Haan silver sneakers. I get these when I see them on major sale, usually in the off-season.  I usually add 2-3 pair per season each year, plus whatever gear shoes are needed.  Sal on "Footwear going into 2026" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-going-into-2026#post-2403591 Sun, 18 Jan 2026 03:52:02 +0000 Sal 2403591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I do track shoes Carla. Casual sneakers seem to get to 120-150 wears, as do practical boots and sandals. More dressy options are more like 10-40 wears for me. The leather gets damaged or the heel needs replacing. I add 2-4 pairs a year plus any gear shoes as needed. Typically one in winter and one in summer, plus something else. Casual sneakers last about two years. This year I plan for some practical but elevated ankle boots as my essential purchase and potentially new white sneakers as my current pair are a bit worn and I am not caring for the style as much as I did. The first find is the type of boots I am liking right now. Maybe in a tan or caramel? Or maybe black. The next four finds were my 2025 purchases - all workhorses except the navy which are quite new and will be worn more in autumn. I love them all. Carla on "Footwear going into 2026" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-going-into-2026#post-2403589 Sun, 18 Jan 2026 03:22:06 +0000 Carla 2403589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Although I ‘count wears’ for basic garments, I don’t count wears for shoes, boots, sandals, etc. and only have a general idea how long certain footwear items last.  However, I feel like I’m continuously buying shoes! <div> </div><div>Sneakers (especially Converse)  have been a footwear style staple in my closet forever. I wear them year ‘round - as indoor shoes, and out of doors when there is no snow on the ground (and sometimes even when there is!)  they are the shoe I am most likely to reach for.  However, around 12-18 months, I notice the shoe starting to break down.  The tread is gone, the inside heel counter fabric shreds, and the shoe itself may wear through at friction or pressure points.  Leather sneakers last a little longer, but most are ‘done’ at 2 yrs.  Another example is lace up (combat style) boots - my favourite cold weather choice for footwear.  I have 2-3 pairs of boots on rotation from November through April, but reach for the lace-up combat style the most.  Even when I have two different pair (in different colours) they last 3 winters. Usually the uppers are okay (I’m an obsessive shoe polisher/waterproofer) - but the heels and soles get worn.  These soles/heels don’t seem to be the kind a cobbler can mend (and currently no cobbler nearby). Dressy pumps and sandals.  I’ve ‘always’ had a dressy black pump in my closet - my most worn dressy shoe when I worked.  The ones I have in my closet (from ‘23) replace a patent pair I had for 5 yrs and would probable still have, except I was caught in a rainstorm, and they disintegrated after getting soaked.  A weird experience.  My dressier shoes aren’t ‘long walk’ shoes, though if I was still in the workforce, they would be ‘all day’ shoes and I would wear them for commuting, etc.  Now, I mostly wear them for events, sometimes for Bridge night, sometimes for a clothes shopping day.  I have one pair of sandals that are ‘all day’ comfortable.  I wear them for long walks when on vacation, but at home - not so much.   </div><div> </div><div>I bought 5 pairs of shoes in 2025, but ended up donating 2.  The donated shoes were sneaker experiments that failed.  (I wanted to try styles/brands other than Converse Chuck Taylor.)  The other shoes reflect my new focus on acquiring ‘interesting’ footwear that make more of a style statement: low heeled leopard pumps, tan loafers, burgundy Sambas.  (See Finds below)</div><div> My first purchase of 2026 is a pair of white leather Converse. LOL!  And I have other footwear (walking sandals?  HEWI low heeled high shaft sleek booties) on my shopping list.  The chunky dad sneakers ‘24 and burgundy combat boots also ‘24 are the tiredest, but should last through 2026.   </div><div> </div><div>I know some YLF’s who have a walking lifestyle and who wear non-gear footwear mention fairly high turnover with their footwear - but does anyone have any numbers?  Do you do exact duplicates of beloved footwear, or do you change things up?  Has anyone found any unicorns of comfortable AND cool-looking footwear?  What’s on your footwear shopping list for 2026?  Whats your shoe story?</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>  </div><div> </div>