Fashion in the ‘90s was totally out of this world. No, literally…Y2K was quickly approaching, the whole world thought we’d soon be living in a space station – and everybody was imagining what they’d be wearing there. Parents might not have been as quick to warm up to the trend, but no one was really asking their permission anymore. Among other rebellious trends that popped up were excuse after excuse to add some height to your shoes without actually looking like an adult: hence, the platform. The motto of the ’90s was, put platforms on everything! The future was bright, and the fashion was showing it: everything was made of fun plastics and rubbers, and colored in carefree neons and monochromes.
Jelly Sandals
Cool, clear, and comfortable – for about 5 minutes, before your feet drown in sweat. They’re great shoes for the beach and terrible for everything else, but hey, fashion is not about efficiency.
Chinese Slippers
When these hit the market in the 90s, we had to have one in every color. It wasn’t long before shoe-shopping trips to Chinatown became more focused on all the amazing food that had been hiding, but now they’re making a comeback.
Mary Janes
Nothing says adorably repressed femininity like a Mary Jane shoe. Designed as the foot-friendly picture of innocence and often recruited for designated school uniforms, this shoe quickly became reclaimed in the 90s as a personal choice – and not always a rule-abiding one, at that.
Steve Madden Slip-Ons
Girl-ish, but classy. Black, but not goth. These shoes were an everyday go-to with Capri pants and hair bandanas – which are also coming back, but not (never!) all in one outfit.
Adidas Shower Shoes
Even more of a fashion statement today than they were in the 90s, these shoes were originally for shuffling around the locker room after practice. Today, they’re for shuffling around Instagram.
Iridescent Sandal Heels
These are self-explanatory – nothing said “future” like iridescent materials. And now, nothing says “retro” quite like it, either.
Light-Up Sneakers
These were originally like a walking toy for kids, but today, those kids who loved them then are adults, and this is the ultimate party shoe.
Reebok Pumps
Because all the other kids with their pumped up kicks can’t get air like this.