The Most Popular Shoe Trends From the ’90s: Dad Sneakers, Platforms and More

Each decade can be defined by major political, social, economic and cultural moments. The ’90s are no exception. Dance and synth pop and new wave music turned into grunge and rap. The internet became more widely used and connection became more instantaneous. President Bill Clinton and his scandal with Monica Lewinsky captivated Americans, as did the O.J. Simpson murder trial and even Posh Spice and David Beckham’s relationship.

In addition to the culture that defined the last decade of the 1990s, fashion and footwear also had several standout styles, often influenced by the major cultural moments of the time period.

Black leather, biker shorts, slip dresses and more were seen everywhere, in addition to shoes like chunky platforms, combat boots, delicate strappy sandals, canvas sneakers and more.

Many of these silhouettes have come back into style with new iterations and nods to their original popularity. Below, remember the standout shoe trends from the ’90s.

Platforms

The Spice Girls exploded onto the girl group scene in the ’90s, and their use of platform shoes quickly became synonymous with their style. The popularity of these shoes can also be linked to the decade’s culture of rebellion and individuality, as they were a dramatic departure from the more traditional, minimalistic footwear styles of previous decades.

Converse Sneakers

Though first designed in the early 1900s, Converse sneakers, particularly the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars, experienced a significant resurgence in popularity during the last decade of the century. By the ’90s, the grunge and alternative rock movements helped propel the sneakers back into the fashion spotlight, and they became a staple in casual and street fashion.

Combat Boots

Similar to Converse, combat boots were a popular trend in the decade thanks to the grunge and rock waves. Bands such as Nirvana and The Cure, as well as TV shows like “My So-Called Life” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” often showcased characters in combat boots, further popularizing the trend among young people.

Strappy Sandals

At about every red carpet or formal event during the ’90s, strappy sandals could be found. The minimalist aesthetic of these sandals made them versatile and easy to pair with many outfits. Whether seen on platform heels or flat sandals, the shoes were wildly popular during the time. One iconic style from the decade is the “barely there” style, which featured thin straps and a delicate heel. This style was popularized by celebrities and fashion icons of the ’90s.

Clogs

The ’90s were also responsible for a resurgence in clog shoes. One of the key reasons for the popularity of clogs during this time period was their comfort and practicality. Their sturdy design offers support, making them suitable for long periods of standing or walking.

Chunky Sneakers

Chunky trainers or dad shoes are the original “off-duty” shoe, as a pair provides comfort and versatility. Famously worn by Princess Diana while she was out and about, the ’90s shoe trend continues to stay relevant thanks to luxury brands such as Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton making renditions, as well as revivals from the original labels that tapped into the trend, including New Balance and Nike.