10 Shoes That Defined The Early 2000s

Shelby Comroe

Published on December 23, 2023 @ 12:23PM

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A person wearing Ugg boots — Photo:
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Ah, the early 2000s—a time when low-rise jeans were all the rage, pop songs dominated the charts, and flip phones were a status symbol. Celebrities like Beyoncé and Britney Spears not only influenced our musical choices but also dictated the ebbs and flows of fashion. But perhaps nothing defined this iconic era more than its shoe trends. From the streets of Hollywood to our hometowns, footwear of the aughts made statements that were bold, eccentric, and undeniably unforgettable.

Who could forget Paris strutting around in a pink tracksuit and sparkly flip-flops (that’s hot) or the world's obsession with Uggs? Join us as we take a nostalgic trip back in time, retracing the steps of celebrities who wore the decade's most defining shoes. From ballet flats and peep toe pumps to sneaker heels, one thing's for sure: these trends have left quite a mark on fashion history.

01 of 10

Uggs

Beyond mere footwear, Uggs became a cultural phenomenon in the early 2000s. They were not only a fashion statement but also represented a laid-back, it-girl look. They became associated with the casual, Southern Californian lifestyle, thanks to being spotted on every It girl's feet, even though their origins were from the opposite side of the Pacific.

02 of 10

Ballet Flats

Ballet flats are having a MAJOR moment, but we mustn't forget their origins—celebrities sporting them on the red carpet! Ashley Tisdale's sequin ballerinas were everything, and an honorary mention goes to Brenda Song's plaid peep-toe pumps. Ah, memories.

03 of 10

Flip-Flops

The pink tracksuit, the chihuahua, and of course, the sparkly flip flops or (thongs) all worn by the Y2K princess herself, Paris Hilton. It doesn’t get more early 2000s than this look.

04 of 10

Pointed-Toe Boots

There’s a reason why bootcut jeans were so big back in the day. The pointed-toe heeled boot, jeans, and a “going out” top were a staple night-out look.

05 of 10

Gladiator Sandals

Boho queen Ms. Vanessa Hudgens reported for duty in a pair of gladiator sandals. From heeled versions gracing the red carpet to flat styles that lace up to the knee, these shoes were the ultimate must-have.

06 of 10

Peep Toe Pumps

In the early 2000s, this footwear trend was everywhere. Brands were producing them in a myriad of materials, from satin to leather, and in every conceivable hue. Thankfully this style doesn’t appear to be making a comeback anytime soon.

07 of 10

Platforms

Towards the end of the early aughts, it was all about the platform pumps, booties, sandals, you name it. The higher the platform the higher to heaven baby.

08 of 10

Mules

In the realm of Y2K fashion, the mule sandal stands out as a definitive icon. From delicate kitten heels to sky-high stilettos, they came in an array of vibrant colors, patterns, and textures. This signature style of the early aughts has seen a recent revival, with many channeling their inner Carrie Bradshaw.

09 of 10

Skechers

A good chunky sneaker was a Y2K mainstay, specifically Skechers when Britney Spears served as the face of the brand.

10 of 10

Sneaker Heels

What started as “sneaker heels” in the early aughts turned into “sneaker wedges” in the 2010s we’ve truly seen it all. Let’s hope we never see them again.

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