In an era of fashion where maximalism is thriving and bold, standout colors are everywhere, my favorite trend is how much fun we're having with shoes. Jelly shoes from the early aughts are making a comeback in fresh silhouettes, ballet flats are expanding their horizons with styles like jazz flats, and "freaky sandal summer" is in full swing thanks to toe-loop sandals and funky wedges. The latest style joining the lineup? Studded wooden clogs.
If you weren’t around for the early 2000s—or don’t remember seeing these shoes everywhere—let me take you on a trip down memory lane. These horse-hoof-esque shoes were a major “cool mom” staple (and trust, my own mom can fully vouch for how often she wore them), but also a staple in every It Girl’s closet. They were everywhere across wardrobes, loved for their distinctive silhouette that somehow managed to balance height with everyday wearability, and the studs that gave them extra cool points. Whether paired with casual outfits or dressed up, they were a huge part of the aesthetic at the time. And with today’s obsession with nostalgia and Y2K throwbacks, their return makes sense.
Fashion girls are eating them up in 2026! While the timeless shape and details remain, today's versions feel much fresher, with sculptural heels, unexpected embellishments, and even animal-print patterns. I do appreciate the bolder takes, but I’ve been looking for something a little more understated—a neutral pair with just enough height to work with my everyday style. That's exactly what I found in this pair from Mango.
The two-inch heel is exactly my speed for everyday wear. It gives me just a little extra height without feeling like too much, which means I can actually wear them all day. I also love the buckled strap—it adds a little extra support and security. And don't even get me started on the rich terracotta brown! It's such a gorgeous, versatile color for summer and pairs with just about everything I live in, from denim and breezy dresses to flowy skirts and linen pants.
Shop these other chic styles I want to add to my shoe collection!
Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
