It’s official: Summer 2026 is becoming the season of statement pedicures. After years of soapy nails, soft nudes and translucent pink being the most popular pedicure colors to pair with your sandals, consider this summer a chance to put your toes back in center stage. Yes, according to experts, once the sun shines (surely any day now in the UK, right?) we’ll be swapping out our behind-the-scenes pedis for a more playful pop of colour.
However, don’t be afraid, if brights are not your thing, let me assure you that this season’s best summer pedicure trends strike the perfect balance of the main character’s energy, while still feeling polished. Think juicy sorbet shades, high-shine finishes, and the return of some timeless classics that all have one thing in common: They’re actually wearable.
Ahead, experts predict that mood-boosting pedicure colors will dominate the summer of 2026. Trust us, everyone is going to be asking where you got your toes done.
1. Peach Cream
Soft, flattering, and equally neutral as this summer’s pedicure trends, this peach pedicure shade is the answer to 2026 French Tips. It sits somewhere between warm apricot and creamy nude and looks charming on everyone’s toes – plus it goes with absolutely everything. “Peach Cream is a real standout for summer as it adds warmth and a healthy glow to the skin, making it especially attractive in sandals,” explains. Founder and Creative Director of Townhouse, Juanita Huber-Millet.
See:
Manucurist
nail polish in pamplemousse
This soft melon shade of peach has a pearly sheen that looks gorgeous in the sun.
channel
Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color in 407 Sunset Surfer
A warm peach color with a fine iridescent sheen that catches the light beautifully.
2. Red Lacquer
classic Red pedicures never really went away, but this summer’s version is richer, brighter, and dressed with an ultra-shiny, almost vinyl-like sheen. “Bright Red is still the main character,” says celebrity manicurist Michelle Humphrey. It’s important to choose true cherry or tomato orange for that summery red color that pops up on the toes.
See:
Essie
Nail Polish in 57 Forever Yummy
“Forever Yummy is that perfect, clean, high-shine red that works with everything, and it’s an absolute dream to paint with,” says Humphrey.
OPI
Infinite Shine Gel-like Lacquer in Cajun Shrimp
Bold and bright coral-red with such a glossy finish that people will think you’re wearing gel nails.
3. Strawberry Milk
Consider it an upgrade from your classic Milky pedicure, because this summery strawberry milkshake shade has an ultra-shiny, almost jelly-like shine that looks fresh and fun. Think of pink lip gloss as a pedicure. “Clients are attracted to colors that look both fresh on their toes and long-wearing, so colors like strawberry milk are always popular because they give a clean, shiny finish and grow out beautifully,” explains. huber-millet.
See:
Manucurist
nail polish in milky pink
A versatile soft, milky pink color that sparkles on nails.
Essie
glass nails in cine cine
A juicy jellybean pink color with an intense, glass-like shine.
4. Salted Caramel
Warm brown tones are emerging as one of the best pedicure colors of summer 2026, offering a softer, more wearable alternative to the dark browns that dominate during autumn/winter. “For those who still prefer bold options, chocolate brown and Toffee is still going strong and looks great as a pedicure color,” says session manicurist ami roads.
See:
nailberry
About You Nail Lacquer
This warm toffee-tone shade is perfect for sandal season.
5. Cloudy Gray
See:
Manucurist
nail polish in mist gray color
This beautiful smoky blue polish has heavy brown undertones that keep it eye-catching.
channel
Le Vernis Nail Color in 125 Muse
roads rates this cool-toned gray as one of the best choices for summer 2026.
6. Summer Glaze
Whether it’s pearlescent, chrome or iridescent finish, this summer’s most popular pedicures will have a shine that looks totally dazzling when the sunlight hits it. “For a soft pedicure, sheer marshmallow white in milky shine make for a barely-there luxury Manicures that are simple, polished and always chic,” says Humphrey.
See:
Essie
Gel Couture in Drip Drip
This soft white color has a multidimensional shine that almost sparkles on the nails.
Manucurist
angel nail polish
A beautiful holographic pearly white that adds sparkle to a basic pedicure.
7. Black Cherry
This may feel like a more autumn-coded pedicure option, but rich burgundy and Black cherry will make an unexpected alternative to classic brights for summer 2026. “If in doubt, you can never go wrong with red, but choose cherry and berry shades as your color inspiration for this season,” advises. roads. “Deep red is perfect for summer because it’s timeless, luminous and lifts the tan without feeling overly bright.”
See:
Rimmel
60 Second Super Shine Nail Polish in 345 Black Cherry
This quick-drying polish delivers an opaque cherry-colored shine in just seconds.
sally hansen
Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Wine Stock
This expensive-looking burgundy lasts on nails for up to 16 days – perfect if you’re going on holiday and don’t want to touch up your pedi.
why trust us
At Who What Wear UK, we know beauty isn’t one size fits all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years – across skin care, makeup, hair and nails – and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure each guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver results, whether they’re affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selections are based on real results, ingredient information, and what we would actually recommend to a friend.
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