Fashion says sneakers are dead. Here's what's replacing them.

According to #farshun, sneakers are done for.

Yep, finished. Over. No longer what the cool kids are wearing.

While it's completely irrelevant what really anyone thinks (if you love sneakers, keep wearing sneakers), it's interesting to explore why the style that previously dominated footwear trends is losing traction.

According to The Business of Fashion (BoF), sneakers sales are dramatically slowing down in 2023, and will be replaced with alternative styles like mules and loafers.

And it sorta makes sense.

In 2021, we were all looking for comfort - in our clothes, in our shoes - and sneaker sales increased by 19.5 per cent, while our favourite heels gathered dust.

But heels are back. And so is our desire to get dressed up.

Loafers became popular again this past winter - similar to the chunky boot trend a few years back, chunky loafers were everywhere and still are.

Having just returning from Europe (which is generally ahead of the trends), I can confirm loafers will last another season, and you'll see plenty options in the coming months.

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Convinced? 

Here are some of my current favourites.

Loafers to shop.

Wittner Cambridge Box Leather Loafers, $200.

Image: The Iconic.

Tony Bianco Gloria Leather Chunky Loafers, $167.

Image: ASOS.

Therapy Risky Brown Loafers, $99.95.

Image: Perfect Strangers.

Similarly, mules are on the rise too, with those trendy Birkenstock clogs being a prime example.

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Mules to shop.

Birkenstock Boston SFB Suede Leather Mules Taupe, $270.

Image: General Pants.

Alias Mae Bree, $200.

Image: The Iconic.

Aere Woven Closed Toe Slides, $98.

Image: The Iconic.

But if none of these appeal to you and you're a little broken-hearted about the sneaker news, don't stress. Sneakers will hang around, they just won't be as feverishly trendy as they used to be.

According to BoF, the popular Nike Dunk Lows and New Balance 550s will lose their cult status this year, however, the Adidas Sambas will continue to prove popular.

Here are some other styles you'll spot this year.

Dad sneakers.

Yep, dad sneakers aren't going anywhere (Steve Jobs would be proud.)

When it comes to brands, New Balance have really popularised this look and continue to own it, constantly bringing back older styles in revamped colourways. The same goes with Fila and Axel Arigato.

New Balance 530, $150.

Image: New Balance.

Performance sneakers.

And to take the 'ugly shoe' trend even further, you're going to see people wearing their exercise sneakers with dresses and jeans. Y2K anyone?

Brands including On Running, Hoka and Asics are already increasing in popularity in 2023, as shoppers look for an alternative to those hype basketball sneakers.

Hoka Bondi 8, $269.99.

Image: Style Runner.

But let's be real here: fashion works in cycles, and what's out quickly comes back in again. So don't go throwing your Nike high-tops out yet.

Sneakers aren't really dead... they're just hibernating.

What do you think about the news? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Charlotte Begg is Mamamia's Senior Lifestyle Content Producer and Weekend Editor. For more fashion and beauty recommendations, follow her on Instagram.

Feature image: Getty.