The summer season that awaits us on the horizon can be described in just one simple phrase – a big step forward for fashion. All of which is to say, when it comes to the laissez-faire silhouettes that are a must-wear on sunny days, they’re anything but traditional. Yet, no category is living up to expectations this season more than footwear. Indeed, from tactile jelly shoes dressed in saccharine pastels to luxurious suede in caffeinated hues, the key shoe trends for summer 2026 are wide-ranging.
Whether it’s shamelessly defying expectations, subverting classic shapes or stripping timeless tropes down to their essence, only to expand on them again in weird and wonderful ways, it seems the major summer shoe trends are certifiably adventurous. Or, in the words of content creator and trend forecaster Mandy Lee (@oldloserinbrooklyn), shoes for “devils”. While it might be a flatter statement to call these more innovative, there’s definitely no denying that these styles are for the risk-takers among us. If luck favors the courageous, then these shoe trends indicate that fashion also favors them.
Proving it best is the defining shoe trend so far – Chanel’s toe-baring, phalange-forward half-sandal that covers very little of the heel. There’s definitely no occasion that suits this sole-less style. A trip to the beach will render them completely useless and the bottom of your feet will burn on the sand. Any posh restaurant with a sensible dress code will need to have half a brain to allow you to wear them. Even a simple walk in the park would be considered futile. But, when paired with Matthieu Blazi’s debut cruise collection for the French maison, they felt like a breath of fresh air.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
It’s that feeling of freshness that really underpins the season and, as a result, makes the more adventurous summer shoe trends feel perfectly appropriate for right now. Isn’t the warm weather the perfect time to set foot on new ground? Do you spend your weekends losing track of time and exploring new surroundings? And if your itinerary for the coming months is anything like mine – read: slow journeys through spectacular corners of the Mediterranean, hectic walks in London’s coolest neighborhoods and aiming to visit every vintage boutique I’ve ever recommended – you’ll need a whole arsenal of sleek flats and heels to do it all.
Just take it from me – a fashion writer with a decade of experience covering the latest trends and a genuine passion for shoes – you’ll fall madly in love with these styles. From curricular to timeless From ballet flats to hybrids that will set your heart aflutter to towering lace-up boots that will convert even the most staunch anti-trainer believers among us, uncover the 7 major summer shoe trends below.
7 major summer shoe trends of 2026
1. Pony Hair Ballet Flats
Style Notes: There is no well-edited wardrobe that does not contain ballet flats. From From Alexa Chung to Chloë Sevigny, I’d argue that almost every woman in the world owns a pair. However, for summer, the shape is evolving to suit the more loose-fitting outfits that emerge during the season. Like a swinging pendulum, if silhouettes are stripped back, the shoes we pair them with are dialed back. In the summer, expect to see ballet flats adorned with a textured finish. Made from synthetic hair, despite what the name of these shoes might suggest, this trend adds dimension to any look and serves as a continuation of the unexpected animal prints that were in vogue late last year.
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le monde beryl
Luna Calf Hair Ballet Flats
Alaiya
Criss Cross Patent-Leather Trimmed Zebra-Print Calf Hair Ballet Flats
Forget mesh flats, these tiger-print, criss-cross shoes from Alaia are, totally, in my heart.
AEYDE
Uma Calf Hair Mary Jane Ballet Flats
A pretty Mary Jane that would look excellent with a white cotton mini and polished denim shorts.
store controller
Pony Hair-Effect Leather Ballet Flats
Pink ballerinas are as ideal as they come, but with this textured detail, they look much more En point.
2. derbies
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free people
chicago jazz shoes
Your head coach could only dream of seeing this Polly
3. Satin Trainers
Style Notes: This year has proven to be the year of the shoe hybrid. A trend that would have piqued Mary Shelly’s interest is the Frankenstein-esque shape of the loafer. Sneakers and wedge clogs have become one of the hottest trends of the year. However, arguably, the most delicate version of this trend is the satin trainer. Combining the beauty of the beloved style of a silky ballet slipper à la Miu Miu with the functionality of sneakers, a silky ballet slipper from the brand’s autumn/winter 2022 collection is a lesson in contrast.
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dry van noten
Satin sneakers with leather-trimmed panels
This champagne color is also a color that PUMA is adopting in its satin trainers as well.
AEYDE
Uma Suede and Satin Sneakers
With a lug sole and athletic finish, you’ll forget you’re wearing a shoe made primarily for sports.
Miu Miu
plum satin sneakers
simone rocha
Ballerina Cutout Suede-Trimmed Satin Sneakers
Take your hybrid shoe game up a notch with this bow-adorable and cut-out pair.
4. Suede Sandals
Style Notes: Since socializing seems to be the theme of the summer, it’s perfect Suede sandals also take advantage of this moment to reign supreme. Both tactile and gorgeous, the disparity between an airy and skin-showing shoe and a no-nonsense fabric that requires a lot of maintenance may seem odd at first. But like the combination of salty crisps and caviar or prosciutto and watermelon, sometimes the most unexpected pairing can be the most delightful.
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A.Emery
Jalen Suede Sandals
Trust me when I say, A.Emery is Jalen Sandle The most comfortable and attractive summer shoes you can possibly own. A fashion insider’s secret, I swear by it on warm weather days.
Scheduled Tribe. fire
Suede Platform Thong Sandals
Saint Agni is famous for its divisive minimalism and off-duty polish, which this pair perfectly embodies.
asos design
Faena Premium Real Suede Flip Flops
This light gray color will make all your white linens and cottons shine even brighter.
5. Jelly Mule
Style Notes: Chloé’s Kemena is making all our childhood fantasies come true with this pair of amazing jellies Mule. Specifically, anyone who dreamed of owning a pair of Cinderella-esque glass slippers when they grew up. As fantastical as it sounds, it’s a very real possibility thanks to this plastic, glittery shoe trend. Even better, they won’t turn back into pumpkins at midnight, meaning all your late evening dinner plans along the Côte d’Azur won’t require a curfew.
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I can promise you that these are really comfortable, complete with a small heel that provides support and a jelly-like structure that is really stable.
Wear these and you’ll feel like a belle beauty and the Beast.
How can you not feel like a princess in this icy pink pair?
From blue jeans to a butter yellow satin skirt, you’ll find an excuse to wear them.
6. Sculpted Wedges
Style Notes: As seen in Biarritz for Chanel’s latest collection presentation, summer is the season of provocative shoes, and there’s no style on this list that follows this principle better than the sculptural wedges. With a Polly Pocket-esque finish and a slightly confusing structure, these architectural wonders are secretly versatile, making them a sartorial exclamation mark on outfits full of fun, flirting, and excitement.
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Alaiya
Tong 75 Suede Wedge Sandal
This is Alaya’s pair Summer wedge shoe.
Khaite
Marlo Leather Wedge Mules
Curved heels continue to dominate.
Mango
Satin Strap Wedge Sandals
A more accessible option that is already selling fast.
le monde beryl
Micro Wedge Croc-Effect Leather Thong Sandals
Mock crocs are another animal print trend that’s proving popular.
7. Embellished Heels
Style Notes: Of course, no summer is complete without a statement Heel. From Carrie Bradshaw stepping out in Los Angeles in two different-colored Manolo Blahniks to the Cancer-approved Giuseppe Zanotti crab shoes you’ll see at lavish lunch spots like Da Adolfo, this shoe trend encapsulates the spirit of the season.
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manolo blahnik
Hangisi 90 Embellished Leopard-Print Calf Hair Pump
The square-buckle embellishment is nothing short of iconic.
gianvito rossi
elle sequined suede-trimmed mesh mules
An extension of the silver sequin trend that is ready to wear at the moment.
isabel marant
Annie Embellished Leather Wedge Mules
This pair from Isabel Marant looks like something you’d find on a Prada runway circa 1990.
