13 Trendy Y2K Shoe Styles We Guarantee You'll Be Wearing All the Time

What goes around comes back around they always say, and that sentiment has never been more true when it comes to Y2K fashion trends. There's the resurgence of butterfly tops, low-rise jeans, cargo pants, bubble hems, chunky belts, baguette bags... The list goes on and on and on. But there's something so specific about Y2K shoes that just hits you right in all the nostalgic feels. Y2K saw the reign of UGG boots and those ubiquitous cork wedges. And don't you dare forget about Steve Madden's slinky platform slides. Talk about iconic! Though all the fashion trends from this time period are undeniably back (thanks, Gen Z!), your throwback-inspired 'fit won't be complete without one of these shoe styles.

Here, I rounded up 13 Y2K shoes that you can shop right now to channel your elementary, middle-school, or high-school self. It'll take you rightttt back to hanging out at the mall with your gal pals or heading to your BFF's house for the Disney Channel premiere of High School Musical. (Can you believe that was almost 20 years ago?!) Keep scrolling to get some inspo from the early 2000s, and don't be afraid to slip your feet into some platform flip-flops this summer, okay?

1. Jelly Shoes

Raise your hand if you had a pair of these growing up. Though they have a playful, toddler-looking aesthetic, you can def get back in on this trend now. There are even more modern options of jelly shoes like The Row's now sold-out ballet flats or Ancient Greek Sandals "Iro" style.

2. Ballet Flats

Wearing flats with your skinniest pair of jeans was an unbeatable combination in the early aughts. Opt for a metallic pair like these almond-toe ones for some extra shine.

3. Platform Flip-Flops

The bigger the platform, the more Y2K the look. These are a must for that throwback aesthetic, and this denim pair prob makes you wish for the days when all you had to do was take care of your Tamagotchi.

4. Platform Boots

The Spice Girls were all about platform boots in the late '90s, and the style only gained more popularity into the 2000s. The essential part was that the shaft of the boot was tight around your calves for a slick look with a chunky sole.

5. Chunky Loafers

Sensing a theme? The shoes during Y2K had some thick soles, and loafers were no different. Loafers are a classic, but the lug sole gives it some added edge. Weejuns are an editor favorite, and these happen to add an inch when you wear 'em.

6. Heeled Mules

This slip-on style makes it easy to throw on, but the heel gives it some sophistication. These were everywhere on the red-carpet circuit in the 2000s, and they're still prominent now. Margot Robbie's Barbie press tour last year included lots of these styles.

7. Kitten Heels

Baby heels and babydoll dresses were a match made in heaven. The silver buckle on this Guess pair just screams Y2K, and the slight flare of the heel gives some added stability.

8. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Hi Sneaker

High tops were a popular silhouette in the 2000s, and no brand did them better than Converse. Pop punk star Avril Lavigne had them in a regular rotation and Kristen Stewart wore them on the red carpet at the MTV Movie Awards circa 2009 during her Twilight era.

9. Exaggerated Toes

Heels with veryyyy exaggerated toes were a celeb go-to for fancy events, and they're undeniably eye-catching—especially a long, vamp heel that just screams Y2K. This blue mule is a perfect example of the trend.

10. Wedge Sandals

Wedges were *it* in the 2000s, and your ankles were very happy about the extra stability. If the sole happened to be made of cork or an espadrille? Even better. This strappy version from Paige would definitely fit right in if you time traveled back to the early aughts.

11. Platform Pumps

Ahhh, the humble hoof-like platform pumps. From red carpet events to the office, you couldn't miss these sky-high pumps during the 2000s. My toes are aching just thinking about slipping these on again, but if you're truly compelled, you can shop this wallet-friendly style here.

12. UGG Boots

Y2K is probably synonymous with Ashley Tisdale's High School Musical-era red carpet pics in which she's wearing UGG boots. And now it's back and better than ever! From the Tasman style to the original boot, there are tons of options that you can wear while lounging at-home or on-the-go.

13. T-Strap Heels

This style was almost always paired with minis (think Hervé Léger's iconic bandage dresses) and most likely metallic. Today's versions are more subdued like this black pair from Brother Vellies with an optional anklet chain.

By: MEGAN UY; JUL 5, 2024; COSMOPOLITAN Magazine, USA