Gen Z Says You’re ‘Officially Old’ If You Still Wear This Shoe on a Night Out

If you’re heading out for a big night and think slipping into your trusty heels is the stylish choice, Gen Z has news for you: that decision makes you look “officially old.”

The younger generation has been taking aim at everything from outdated emojis (the thumbs-up is “passive-aggressive,” apparently) to phrases that once defined youth culture (“YOLO” is now labeled boomer-speak). But now, they’ve shifted their focus to nightlife fashion — specifically, footwear.

A TikTok trend exposes the generational divide

A TikTok posted in July has already racked up nearly six million views, showing a crowded bar on a Friday night. At first glance, nothing seems unusual — until you notice what almost every young woman in the clip has in common.

Instead of stilettos or strappy heels, every single one of them is wearing trainers. Paired with jeans and a nice top, sneakers have become the go-to choice for Gen Z women heading out on the town.

For millennials and older generations, this shift feels dramatic. Many recall the era when nights out involved skyscraper heels, aching arches, and women carrying their stilettos home barefoot after hours of dancing. Now, those scenes are being replaced by practicality — and, according to Gen Z, comfort is cool.

Nights out look very different nowadays.

Heels out, sneakers in

The comments section of the viral video has been flooded with opinions. Some older users expressed disbelief at how casual nightlife fashion has become. One person wrote: “In a sea of mom jeans, be a green dress lady.” Another added: “OMG I would have hated this when I was in my 20s. The best part of going out was getting all dolled up.”

Others reminisced about stricter dress codes in their younger days: “I remember when we couldn’t enter if we had jeans on.” And one nostalgic commenter pleaded: “Bring back Paris Hilton club fashion.”

But younger users defended the trend, pointing out that sneakers don’t just make nights out more comfortable — they also make them last longer. Without the pain of high heels, Gen Z says they can dance more, walk home without limping, and enjoy the evening without worrying about carrying an extra pair of flats in their bag.

Understanding the Psychology of Fashion Choices and Generational Identity

According to a study by Howlett, Pine, Orakçıoğlu and Fletcher (2013), fashion choices are a form of self-expression and a tool for identity formation, particularly among younger generations. Gen Z's criticism of older fashion trends, such as wearing heels, may be a reflection of this process, as they seek to distinguish themselves from older generations. This phenomenon, known as 'generation gap', is a well-recognized psychological principle.

Gen Z prefer to wear sneakers on nights out.

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Why comfort is the new status symbol

Fashion experts argue that Gen Z’s embrace of trainers isn’t just about practicality, it’s part of a bigger cultural shift. Social media has amplified the rise of “casual chic,” with influencers and celebrities normalizing relaxed, versatile looks. Luxury brands have even leaned into the movement, releasing high-end sneakers that cost as much as traditional designer heels.

It also reflects a broader trend of rejecting fashion “rules” that once dictated how women should present themselves on nights out. The idea that you must suffer in stilettos to look glamorous is increasingly being replaced by the belief that true confidence comes from comfort.

Fashion experts argue that Gen Z’s embrace of trainers isn’t just about practicality; it’s part of a bigger cultural shift. S

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The generational clash continues

Whether you see it as stylish or sloppy, one thing is clear: Gen Z has firmly planted its flag in sneaker territory. For them, trainers aren’t just footwear, they’re a symbol of freedom from outdated expectations.

And while millennials and older generations may roll their eyes at this new uniform of jeans, a cute top, and flat shoes, Gen Z insists that this is what modern nightlife looks like — and if you’re still rocking heels, well, that might just make you “officially old.”

Meanwhile, Witt (1992) notes that language, including the use of emojis and phrases, is also a powerful tool for generational identity. As Gen Z labels certain emojis as 'passive-aggressive' and phrases like 'YOLO' as 'boomer-speak', they are further delineating their unique generational identity. This aligns with Witt's theory that language use can highlight group membership and differentiate between in-group and out-group members.

What Research Shows About Aging and Perception of 'Old'

A study by North and Fiske (2008) shows that the perception of what constitutes 'old' is subjective and can be influenced by one's own age. For instance, Gen Z, the youngest generation, may perceive those slightly older than them as 'officially old' due to their proximity in age and their desire to differentiate themselves. This is consistent with the Social Identity Theory, which suggests that individuals tend to categorize themselves and others into different social groups to enhance self-esteem.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, Gen Z's criticism of certain fashion trends and language use may be less about the choices themselves and more about their need for differentiation and identity formation. These behaviors are supported by psychological research and principles, such as the generation gap, the impact of language on identity, and the Social Identity Theory. As we age, our perception of 'old' changes, further complicating this dynamic intergenerational dialogue. (Tajfel & Turner, 1979)