Whether you're a certified fashion person or not, you know that cap-toe shoes are classic because of Chanel's signature versions, including ballet flats and slingbacks. They've somehow managed to be trendy and timeless at the same time, beloved by people of all ages with a range of varying tastes. They're universal, and now, a new version has arrived to keep the style going for many more years to come. The shoes in question are similar to traditional cap toes, but with a modern twist: a shrunken, dipped-toe feature that Chanel and Loro Piana are leaning heavily into ahead of 2026.
The dipped-toe shoe trend first caught attention at Matthieu Blazy's debut show for Chanel during the S/S 26 runway season. The entire collection was a nod to the House's archives, but with Blazy's subtle off-kilter touch, which was portrayed in one form in the dipped-toe pumps that a handful of models wore down the catwalk. Everyone at the show and watching from afar had shoes on the brain immediately after Awar Odhiang's joy-infused finale walk, and the buzz around this particular silhouette hasn't died down in the three or so months since.
Specifically, these dipped-toe shoes had a glove-like fit thanks to buttery soft leather and a stiletto heel. They came in several two-tone colorways (such as white with black, beige with black, and white with beige) and were styled alongside pencil skirts, tweed trousers, and more.
The same styling came into play at the Métiers d’Art show, which took place earlier this month in an abandoned New York City Subway station. Several Chanel ambassadors and friends of the house were in attendance wearing looks from Blazy's freshman collection, including Ayo Edebiri and Emily Ratajkowski. Both turned to the dipped-toe shoes from the show, with Edebiri styling a white pair with a black toe alongside a black skirt suit, and Ratajkowski donning a black pant-and-jacket set with oxblood accessories and beige-and-black dipped-toe shoes. Others, like Kristen Stewart and Alek Wek, also wore this shoe trend from Chanel.
As I mentioned, though, Chanel isn't the only brand leaning into the shrunken cap-toe look. Loro Piana's S/S 26 collection also featured the style, but in different, unique-to-them ways. The star of next year will be the flat slipper-like mules that come in luxurious satin-like shades, such as navy blue and chocolate brown. They're somehow both casual and high-end, making them perfect for both at-home use and elegant nights out. Another hit from the collection was the pair of pumps that feature elegant tortoiseshell block heels, a soft-brown color, and a bright-white dipped-toe detail.
There's really only one problem, and it pops up after every great fashion season: None of the pieces you fell in love with on the runway are available—at least not yet. But since I'm not the most patient person in the world, I went on a hunt to find shoes that are available right now and fit the bill for this trend.
My findings did result in many tempting options, with the best version being Loro Piana's signature Rebecca flats. Though the brand makes more minimalist, one-color options, the dipped-toe shoes are just as sought-after and chic, with unique fabrications, like tweed and suede. Saint Laurent, Christian Louboutin, and Manolo Blahnik are all offering their own options as well. Shop them all below.
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