Trending Shoes for Spring and Summer 2026

The Y2K fever continues! This year, we're bringing back good old jelly shoes, which may not be the most comfortable, but they have a funky, futuristic look that I can't help but love right now. There are way more jelly shoe styles than you might think, from fashion flip flops and frilly sandals to mules and ballet flats. The jelly sandals trend is also interwoven with other 2026 women's shoe trends, like the love for see-through styles and the return of simple-silhouetted flip flops. They work for festival outfits, vacation styles, or just Saturdays when you're feeling extra whimsical and fun. If the pastels and neons aren't your thing, which are traditional for jelly shoes, explore clear, black, champagne, and other neutrals that offer more versatility and a subtler appearance.

I'm not necessarily over suede sneakers, but I'm definitely making space in my closet for the newest sneaker fabric: silk. Or, you know, satin or sateen or whatever we can afford this week. The suede sneakers were a step up from the leather sneakers. Now, we're taking sneakers even deeper into the luxury category with these shiny, silky materials that feel lavish enough for your fanciest looks. I've never been a fan of the whole sneakers-with-a-wedding-dress thing (sorry!), but these have me warming up to the idea. A pair of white silk low-tops from Chloe is definitely not going to dampen the radiance of a wedding dress. These sneakers aren't as practical and durable as others, but it's worth it for that luxe look.

My beloved ballet flats are one of the classic styles that are experiencing a resurgence in 2026. They're sensationally comfortable and easy to style. Rock them with your skinny jeans or bootcuts; style them with a maxi dress or mini skirt; pair them with your favorite trousers or a frilly midi dress. Seriously, the options are endless, and with the right finesse, you can even make them work with distressed denim shorts or slinky bodycon dresses. The styles are also plentiful, as you can find ballet flats that are strappy, sheer, woven, velvet, suede, leather, silk, cotton, knit, striped, polka-dotted, etc. Right now, I'm loving bedazzled ballet flats, which put a sparkly and charmed spin on the typical subdued vibe of this footwear.

Sneakerinas are among the latest shoe styles to grab everyone's attention. I must admit, I've been on the fence about them. They're sneakers crossed with ballet flats, also known as ballet sneakers. Some of them are… weird. But others are fabulously eccentric in the very best way. For me, the ones with just a hint of ballet flat look a little off, so I prefer the ones that lean more into the elegance of ballerina shoes while still keeping the more structured look of sneakers. Per usual, adidas is nailing this trend, so I would start your search there. However, other brands are creating dainty looks by incorporating silk ankle ribbons and adorable bow details. They look best with casual dresses and upgraded athleisure looks, like flowy track shorts or detailed leggings. These are perfect if you enjoy the sweet look of ballet flats but want sturdier, sportier shoes.

I know you're all like, "duh," about this one, but flip-flops are actually getting a rebrand this summer. Instead of treating your flip flops like lazy footwear akin to shower shoes (and some are literal shower shoes), we're treating the classic plastic flip flop like an intentional fashion choice, because it will be. I'm sure Old Navy will be thrilled about this. Styling flip flops that align with this trend is super easy. Basically, pretend they're fancier than they are. Wear them with a silk slip dress or a sleek pair of trousers. They're no longer reserved for the outfits you wear around the house; they're our new casual footwear that can balance out a dressy outfit. One of the reasons I love this trend is that it allows me to wear my nicer clothes on normal days without looking like I got lost on my way to a fashion show. And these don't need to be boring. Go for fun spring hues, slightly unusual shapes, colorblocked styles, and unexpected finishes.

If we could just wrap our feet up in ropes for spring and summer 2026, we would. One of the top shoes trending this year is woven, knotted, and lattice styles that look like they've been tied or knitted onto your feet. I'm obsessed with the knotted styles that fit into your vacation wardrobe seamlessly and look like they belong on a boat dock. They don't feel too perfect because they appear hand-tied together, but still have runway-ready energy. Lattice flats and woven sandals are a bit more elevated, with intricate designs that look opulent, and they let your feet breathe in the hot weather, making them the best footwear for summer days.

Sheer styles are among the trendiest summer shoes this year, right along with the sheer clothing styles. The jelly sandals trend falls under this category, but mesh and clear plastic styles are also gaining traction. You can find sheer shoes in any silhouette, including heels, ballet flats, mules, sandals, and even sneakers. I hope you're not self-conscious about your feet, because this trend puts them on full display. Make sure you stay up on your pedicure appointments this year! You can also experiment with your socks, mixing and matching colors or adding patterns to the look. My favorite sheer looks are embroidered or have glittery threads throughout, giving them an upscale look that's still playful.

We're having a blast with heels for spring and summer 2026, leaning into luscious textures that surprise and delight. The textured trend could mean anything, from block heels that look like stone marble to mother-of-pearl stilettos. A few auspicious looks I've spotted are heels with crocheted details, like berries or aquatic animals, as well as shoes with dangling jewels, like a charm bracelet for your foot. The textured clothing trends, including beaded styles, fringe, and sequins, have made their way down to our toes. Leather and suede aren't cutting it anymore, and I'm so here for the drama and the flair that textured heels bring to even the most basic outfits.

As a Gen Z/millennial girly, I've always been a little afraid of pointed toes. They can feel harsh or overmature. Maybe it's that I'm getting older, or maybe I've just found a new appreciation for these. It could also be that they're trending, and I love a good trend, but I'm embracing them now, and you'll find two fresh pairs in my closet for wedding season. The pointed toe trend applies to heels and sandals, but especially with heels. They can elongate the look of your legs, adding a few extra visual inches and making you look saucy. They also add a little edge (literally) to any outfit. I recommend using them to contrast your softest, flowiest dresses and skirts. They can look rich with a structured dress, but they bring more intrigue when you wear them with a billowing silhouette.

Along with loafers and ballet flats, Mary Janes are also making a comeback. I'm delighted by it; I adore a classic shoe like this. Despite being associated with schoolgirl styles, Mary Janes have a certain power and boldness that attracts me to them. The rounded toe and the staple strap seem like such simple elements, but together, they create this iconic look that always feels intentional. I love a familiar Mary Jane outfit with tights and a mini skirt or cute dress, but I also want to encourage you to mix it up this year. This is the Mary Janes trend 2.0, so wear them with distressed jeans, edgy dresses, laidback track pants, weird socks, lace shorts, and other unexpected looks.

Similar to pointed toes, I've always been hesitant to embrace kitten heels. I wear heels (not well, I might add) to make my legs look longer, so kitten heels felt unproductive. However, I've come around, and I'm adoring the sweet and demure look of them. I was able to turn this corner when I learned a very easy tip for styling: the shorter the heel, the longer your bottoms should be. That is to say, you should avoid wearing kitten heels with mini skirts, short dresses, and shorts. They work best with midi or maxi dresses and skirts and full-length pants, balancing the proportions and preventing the strange "cut off" effect that can shorten your legs. If you have supermodel-esque, slender, long legs, you can ignore me and probably wear whatever bottoms and heels you want.

Loafers came back a couple of years ago, and they're proving their staying power this time around. They can feel casual or sophisticated, depending on the outfit, meaning they have a sensational range. Make a fresh pair of loafers your go-to shoe for workdays, errands, and nights out, because they can cater to all three. I've been seeing a lot more ruched loafers around, which give me the same vibes as a distinguished gentleman smoking a cigar in a leather chair, except these are for chic women who want a bold yet refined shoe for their daily outfits. Black or brown loafers are always a safe choice, but I'm having so much fun mixing in other colors to my wardrobe, like navy blue or cream, so explore other hues and see what works with your closet.