For the past few summers, footwear has quietly played a supporting role. Neutral sandals, minimalist trainers and barely-there silhouettes became the dependable foundations of every wardrobe. This season, however, shoes have stepped confidently into the spotlight.
Across the Spring/Summer runways and street style alike, colour, texture and bold proportions are taking over. Designers are trading restraint for personality, experimenting with translucent finishes, sculptural shapes and playful materials that feel as nostalgic as they do futuristic. The result is a season where getting dressed starts from the ground up.
Whether you’re investing in a standout pair or simply looking to refresh your everyday rotation, these are the six footwear trends defining Summer 2026.
JELLY EVERYTHING
The jelly shoe has officially grown up. No longer reserved for childhood beach holidays, translucent finishes have returned across sandals, ballet flats and even heeled silhouettes, bringing a playful dose of nostalgia to modern wardrobes. Equal parts practical and statement-making, they’re proof that fashion’s fascination with texture is showing no signs of slowing down.
This season’s favourite: Chloe’s Jelly Mule
BRIGHT TRAINERS
Minimal white sneakers are taking a back seat as vibrant trainers become the season’s easiest statement piece. Think saturated reds, butter yellows, cobalt blues and fresh greens that instantly lift even the simplest outfit. Whether paired with tailoring, dresses or denim, they inject colour without demanding a complete wardrobe overhaul.
This season’s favourite: Loewe’s Grip sneaker in Suede Calfskin
SQUARE TOE
Fashion’s love affair with clean lines continues through the square-toe silhouette. Sharp yet understated, the shape gives everything from sandals to mules a contemporary edge while feeling surprisingly timeless. It is a subtle update that makes even the most classic summer shoe feel fresh again.
This season’s favourite: Reformation’s Shoshana Heeled Sandal
STUDDED SANDALS
Bohemian influences continue to evolve this season, and studded sandals are leading the charge. Metallic hardware brings contrast to soft leather, adding a tougher finish that feels equal parts festival-ready and city appropriate. They offer just enough attitude without overpowering the rest of an outfit.
This season’s favourite: Isabel Marant x Havaian’s Studs Sandals
SHEER POPS OF COLOURS
Footwear is embracing transparency in more ways than one. Soft mesh, barely-there tints and translucent materials create shoes that feel light, airy and almost weightless, while pastel hues add a delicate wash of colour rather than a bold statement. The result is a look that feels effortless, modern and distinctly summer.
This season’s favourite: Alohas’ Rosalind Mesh Red Leather Ballet Flats
BROWN WEDGES
Wedges are quietly making their return, but this time with a richer, more refined attitude. Chocolate brown leather and natural woven textures replace the bright cork styles of seasons past, offering height without sacrificing comfort. They feel effortlessly polished whether styled with flowing linen, tailoring or relaxed denim.
This season’s favourite: Steve Madden’s Playing Tortoise
