The 10 sandal trends defining spring/summer 2026
From '90s flip-flops to snake-print heels and suede wedges, these are the sandal trends from Spring/Summer 2026 runways you should be shopping for the season.
We love boot weather as much as the next person, but there’s nothing quite like the ease of spring and summer shoes. With every sandal season comes a fresh wave of runway inspiration, and Bazaar’s shopping team has narrowed it down to the top 10 Spring/Summer 2026 sandal trends worth adding to cart. (And yes, new arrivals sections are already selling fast, so consider this your warning not to hesitate on the pairs you love.)
Familiar favorites return, but in fresher, more elevated forms: boho wedges move beyond raffia, arriving in sophisticated suede and leather at Isabel Marant and Zimmermann. Meanwhile, snake embossing has emerged as the update to last summer’s leopard and zebra prints, while cow print is undeniably everywhere. The quiet-luxury crowd will no doubt look to Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s minimalist strappy sandals, then recreate the look with modern options from The Row, Khaite, and Toteme. And by summer’s end, expect ’90s-inspired thong sandals—especially in Pantone’s milky white color of the year—to be everywhere.
Keep scrolling for the 10 sandal trends we’re betting big on, plus the shopping picks to secure now.
Toe Loops and Hardware
This season, designers are fully embracing big-toe energy. Toe-loop silhouettes can be found at Tory Burch, Calvin Klein, Jean Paul Gaultier, Vince, and dozens of other labels. Many styles feature sleek metal hardware inspired by toe jewelry—perfect for further accessorizing your anklets.
Barely-There Straps
Celine, Alaïa, Stella Jean, and Ulla Johnson are taking strappy sandals to a new level of minimalism. Barely there styles from Tkees, Kaanas, and Ancient Greek Sandals make ideal beach shoes—and they won’t take up more than a few inches of suitcase space, either, leaving plenty of room for the rest of your vacation wardrobe.
Sleek Thongs
Though heeled flip-flops remain popular, a new type of thong sandal has emerged as the season’s hero piece. Flat styles with thick soles and simple leather straps—not unlike those worn by Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Moss, and other ’90s style icons—appeared at The Row, Balenciaga, and Jenni Kayne.
Snake Prints
Animal prints will continue to dominate this year, but this season, the focus shifts from leopard to reptilian textures. Take a cue from the runways at Burberry and Khaite, and pair your strappy snake sandals with chartreuse and olive green.
X-Strap Flat Sandals
The flat, utilitarian leather sandals at Miu Miu, Prada, and Margaret Howell make a smart investment ahead of summer travel. With every mile, the wide, X-shaped straps will continue to mold to your feet, while the leather develops the kind of patina that makes them feel like a true heirloom piece.
Braided and Knotted Straps
Knotted accents and braided straps began gaining traction last year after appearing on the spring runways at Bottega Veneta and Jil Sander. Seen this season at Fendi, Ralph Lauren, and Sézane, woven leather sandals—along with ballet flats and loafers in similar textures—will only continue their upward trajectory throughout 2026.
Refined Wedge Heels
The reinvention of modern boho style continues at Isabel Marant and Zimmermann. Out are wedges with rope-like raffia heels and thick straps that lace up the ankle; in are refined leather thongs and suede mules.
Milky Tones
Gabriela Hearst, Stuart Weitzman, and Toteme clearly took note of Pantone’s annual color predictions. Modernist slides and heeled sandals in milky off-white shades open up all sorts of new styling possibilities for white denim, tees, and knits.
3D Florals
On the maximalist end of the spectrum are the floral-embellished sandals seen at Proenza Schouler, Diotima, Alexandre Birman, and Christian Dior. Styled with ruffled midi skirts and dresses, 3D appliqués feel more whimsical than kitschy.
Ballet Inspiration
The fashion world’s obsession with ballet shoes extended beyond sneakers and Mary-Janes to mules and heeled sandals. Christian Dior and Ferragamo nodded to the look with satin fabrications, ribbon straps, and dainty bow details. For those seeking a unique addition to their personal archive, Christian Louboutin’s Cassia Pump offers a more literal interpretation of the pointe shoe.
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