They say you can tell a lot about a person by their shoes. Practical, beautiful, expensive, extrovert – you’ll be surprised to see how much people evaluate your shoe choices. I know this to be true because I have a longstanding obsession with “ugly” shoes, which has caused many people to be repulsed and disgusted by the Margiela tabbies, witchy boots, or furry clogs with which I have adorned my feet.
Each season brings with it new shoe trends, and they aren’t always controversial, in fact the most popular are usually the most wearable styles. That being said, naturally, trends come and go, as each new year brings some shoes that are newer, cooler and more ‘in demand’ than others. Needless to say, everyone should only wear things they love, but if you want to know about the footwear that is most on-trend for spring 2026, you’ve come to the right place.
5 Dated Shoe Trends for Spring 2026
1. “Out”: Chunky Loafers
“in”: derbies
Celine
Ballet Lace-up Shoe in Lambskin
These are the ones in the photos, and the ones that are on many editors’ wish lists right now.
Mango
Lace-up Leather Shoes – Women’s | Mango United Kingdom
If your bank balance doesn’t allow for Celine styles, these are a great alternative.
Stunning soeur in dark brown!
Lemaire
Souris 55 Leather Derby Pumps in White – Lemaire
Lemire has been designing derby shoes for years, and they have flat and heel options.
2. “Out”: Slide
“In”: Jelly Shoes
Style Notes: While slides used to be at the top of the packing list for summer vacations, now it’s everything Flip flops and jelly shoes. While fashionistas love to wear flip flops outside on the beach, they don’t provide any structure, so jelly shoes are a great alternative. They started trending last year with buckle up styles as well as these painted cage flats, but now the plastic jelly material has been seen in several silhouettes on the S/S26 runways. Kitten heels and wedges at Farm Rio, Mary Jane ballet flats at Jimmy Choo, and most controversially, Chloé ‘Princess’ slipper mules.
I really like the color of this H&M pair.
farm rio
Robe Thong Sandals in Orange – Farm Rio
I have these and I know how bad they will get in this heat.
selfridges
square toe jelly heel mules
The hottest shoes of this season.
3. “Out”: Strappy Stiletto Sandals
“out”: wedges
Style Notes: Since Y2K has been trending for quite some time now, it was only a matter of time before Waze made a comeback. Whether it’s a round-toe collection Prada leather wedge heels, black foam flip flops with a chunky heel or – my favorite – a strappy sandal with a cork wedge that feels exactly like Paris and Nicole simple life, Wedges are officially back on the menu. And while some stiletto heels are huge right now (like the ultra-pointed sling-backs from Saint Laurent, Prada, and Acne Studios), as we get closer to wedding season, classic strappy sandals are feeling a little more dated than ever. I say, bring on the comfort of the wedge!
form rio active
Fisherman Jelly Wedge
Imagine how comfortable they will be!
ancient greek sandals
Etheria Rubber Wedge Flip Flops
Note the ‘jelly’ plastic material on the thong strap, these shoes are two trends in one.
massimo datti
Split Leather High-Heel Wedge Sandals
pull and Bear
chunky wedge sandals
4. “Out”: boat shoes
“In”: High Vamp Ballet Pump
Style Notes: Boat or ‘deck’ shoes have not completely disappeared – soft and supple suede Miu Miu styles were seen Coachella this month, and are still a popular ‘casual shoe’ choice for trainers. That being said, their popularity has waned over the past year, especially for those with heavier silhouettes from the likes of Timberland that point toward a more street style aesthetic. I think it’s for people who want something they can easily walk in, but that’s smarter than trainers, and covers the toes unlike sandals. Block heel ballet pumps are the same shoe. Particularly comfortable when made in soft leather by brands like Ayde (Who are really the best when it comes to Any Soft leather ballet flats, pumps or low heels), with heels they feel more polished than your average ballet flat, but have the ability to last all day without complaint.
AEYDE
Narissa Ruched Pumps
Worn here by Anne-Lau Maes in the photo, Ayde is actually known for these types of court shoes.
anonymous copenhagen
Sacha 40 Mesh Metallic Goat and Mesh Silver
There are lots of similar styles in different colors and fabrics in anonymous Copenhagen.
Stray Shoemakers
Livia Pumps
The black heels on these add a beautiful contrast that would be a little more difficult to wear.
5. “Out”: Fisherman Sandals
“in”: clogs
Style Notes: Despite the boho revival showing no signs of slowing down, fisherman sandals, which are undoubtedly the closest thing to boho 2.0, are somewhat less in demand these days. Especially those with thick soles and straps that were big in 2021. Instead, I would suggest looking at clogs, which are even more synonymous with the boho trend. While the standard mule shape is quite popular right now, it’s the sandal styles that are worth taking a look at. They may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but from Skool to Chloé, ancient Greek sandals and Gucci, it’s Having a fashion person’s shoe.
ancient greek sandals
Omonia Jelly Studded PVC Clogs
ancient Greek sandals so Good in this season.
gucci
Women’s forum blocked from horsebit
I love this white leather shade for summer, it feels very Y2K.
simone rocha
Crystal-Embellished PU Clogs
Only Simone Rocha added pearls to clog studs.
free people
coast cut-out barriers
When it comes to boho, free people always get it right.
