In a season marked by high-profile runway debuts, anticipation peaked around how newly appointed designers would steer their houses’ accessories: would they honor the classics or reinvent identities? When it came to spring and summer 2026’s shoe trends, the answer proved to be a mix of both. The season swung like a pendulum from pared-back minimalism to full-throttle maximalism, offering a little something for everyone in between.

On the minimalist end of the spectrum, styles were refined, and barely-there. Khaite, Max Mara, and Balenciaga all iterated on the flip-flop; the divisive shoe’s maintained its popularity among the street style set—effortlessly woven into daily uniforms as a subtle, trend-forward finishing touch. Spotted on Zoë Kravitz, Hailey Bieber, and Jennifer Lawrence, the style slips seamlessly into your summer wardrobe, bringing a laid-back ease to daily dressing.

Those craving height with a similar sense of understated cool can find it in the glove-like designs of Chanel, Khaite, and Toteme. The foot-hugging sock shapes they put forward offer elegance without excess—proving restraint can be just as powerful as decoration. The look made an especially strong impression when Mattieu Blazy’s first designs hit the market in March. The response was immediate: fashion lovers rushed to get their hands on the collection, and the house’s two-toned glove pump quickly emerged as one of the season’s most coveted styles. (And if you weren’t able to secure a pair, no worries, there are plenty on the market ready for your summertime looks—just look to Olivia Rodrigo’s latest street style for inspiration.)

Then came maximalism, unapologetic and joyful. Dries Van Noten, Proenza Schouler, and Dior leaned into drama with bold designs that demanded attention—flourishes befitting their new creative directors. From sequin embellished pumps ready for summer dance floors to sandals adorned with oversized floral appliqués, these styles embraced fantasy and adornment. It was footwear that celebrated the playful side of fashion—expressive and impossible to ignore. Now that summer is finally here, it feels like exactly like right moment to slip into something with a little personality of its own.

Whether your vibe skews minimal, maximal, or somewhere in between, Vogue highlights the summer 2026 shoe trends to build your outfits around.

The Flip-Flop

Maybe you’re mentally at the beach, ready to dip your toes in the sand. Channel that off-duty energy into everyday dressing with the laid back ease of the flip-flop. This season’s iterations are anything but basic—pops of color or a heel give the classic silhouette a modern twist. Styled with worn in denim and a crisp white tee, it’s a master class in effortless chic.

White Canvas Shoe

This ’90s staple is having a major comeback this season. Simple and easy—a palette cleanser if you will—we love them worn equally bare, the Michael Rider way, or teamed up with a brightly colored sock, à la Prada’s spring/summer 2026 runway, for contrast. Classic pairs from Keds and Sperry are a great entry point into the trend.

Slim Sneakers

Spring’s take on fall’s ballet sneaker—a low-top sneaker ballerina hybrid—feels even more refined than its predecessor from last year; we like to think of this sneaker trend as the casual shoe for minimalists: understated, effortless, and endlessly wearable, from morning errands to city strolls. Neutral choices make for an easy go-to, however, animal print or bold, color-forward styles energize even the most pared-back of looks—while still being ultra-functional.

The Retro Clog

This spring, fashion’s love affair with revival is hard to ignore. Mirrored across the season’s handbag trends, designers are once again looking to the past for inspiration. Enter the clog: a 1970s staple reemerging with a fresh identity. Reimagined by brand’s like Chloé, the retro silhouette is bringing bohemian nostalgia to modern summer dressing.

The T-Strap Sandal

A close cousin to the thong sandal, the T-strap is the ultimate barely-there staple. Defined by a slim strap that traces up the foot, it delivers just the right amount of detail—whether in classic black or a subtle pop of color. Flat styles from Polo Ralph Lauren, Emme Parsons, and Quince can work as elegant daily go-to, while heeled versions are perfect for occasion dressing.

Glove Pumps

A fashion month street style favorite, glove-like pumps are a study in modern elegance. Sleek, sculptural, and designed to hug the foot in a barely-there manner, these ladylike silhouettes offer a refined finishing touch. Style them with a pencil skirt and tank top, as seen at Tory Burch, or use a pointed-toe slingback to sharpen more relaxed looks. Whether grounded by a sensible block heel or a sharper stiletto, styles from Khaite, Balenciaga, and Stella McCartney marry polish and ease.

The Strappy Sandal

Now that we are officially in summer, where the heat immediately hits you once you’re outside the door, sometimes an open toe sandal just calls your name—and bonus points, they are slim and easy to pack for your weekend getaways. The strappy sandal has sustained momentum over the years, with heeled versions being last season’s breakout star. Choose a sensible flat version for day-to-day wear right now, styling it with jeans, a lace-trimmed dress, and everything in between.

The Ballet Flat

Regularly spotted on the likes of Zoë Kravitz, Kaia Gerber, and Jennifer Lawrence, the ballet flat is the obvious It girl shoe of summer. The appeal is obvious: the comfortable and low-profile silhouette makes it easy and versatile to style. Ballet flats have also earned a permanent place in editor’s year-round repertoires (you’ll often find one of us trying squeeze in a few last wears in the cold with an added sock). This summer, lean into playful versions of the classic black round-toe—think The Row’s metallic satin take, Repetto’s cheery block heel, or Khaite’s sharp pointed-toe style.

Back to School

The footwear equivalent of a fresh start, lean into the summer’s refreshed energy with your pick of the season’s preppy brogues, derby styles, and high-heeled lace-ups. Many of the year’s debut designers experimented with the shape—including Jil Sander, Loewe, Celine, and Dior. In glossy patent leathers; with pointed and square toes, and adorned with house emblems, these build on fall’s modern prep look, offering a sharp and intentional anchor for wardrobe staples like crisp shirting and pleated trousers. On the street style scene, they’ve also become a clever tool for contrast. Look to the white derby as the unexpected counterpoint to a floral dress or Bermuda shorts, for a look that feels knowingly off-beat yet entirely pulled together.

The Everyday Stepper

For daily wear, the thick strappy sandal brings just the right amount of attitude while remaining an easy, slip on silhouette. Often spotted on Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, it’s a shoe that makes a statement without being obvious. For an fool-proof daily uniform, lift a page from the Olsen twins’ style book and pair them with pleated trousers and a breezy poplin shirt, finished with a crossbody bag and aviator sunglasses. Summer outfits don’t get much better.

Backless Loafers

A typical fall favorite, the loafer mule gets a modern look for spring with a foldable, or backless detailing. This interpretation dominated the runways—from Victoria Beckham to Bottega Veneta—offering a no-fuss slip-on style that still feels sophisticated. From square and rounded toes to flat soles and subtle block heels, find a wide range of on-trend iterations on the market, any of which can be seamlessly integrated into your everyday wardrobe.

The Wedged Mule

A relative of the clog, this season’s wedge mule arrives with a sharper, more refined edge. From classic black pairs that highlight a clean, sculptural silhouette to colorful styles that deliver a bold finish, it’s a shoe that quietly transforms a look. Spotted across Paris and Milan during fashion week, it’s the ultimate 9-to-9 staple—offering the height of a heel with all-day comfort, minus the fuss of straps.

Fancy Footwear

Fashion is fun again! Celebrate the return of warm weather with footwear for your inner child. From floral appliqué styles that mirror fresh blooms to disco ball-like sequins, these statement shoes are made to be noticed. With wedding and event season in full swing, consider them your dance floor heroes—peeking out beneath a sweeping dress or a sharp matching set. For everyday whimsy, sandal and sneaker iterations bring a spirited touch, delivering impact without sacrificing function.