Spring cleaning may be some people's idea of satisfaction, but mine is transitioning my shoe rack from winter to summer. Even though I adore them throughout the cold months, and let's be honest most of spring, removing my clunky boots and chunky trainers feels so refreshing. In their place comes all the sleek trending sandals and flip-flops I've missed dearly. However, to many people, myself included, it's polished ballet flats that reign supreme. It signals warm weather is here, and it means I no longer have to wear dozens of layers to stay warm—feet included.
Whilst I make these edits to my shoe collection every summer, I also like to find a few brand-new options to grace my shoe rack. This year, I've spotted a number of non-ballet flat shoe trends to wear this summer that have led me to fill my cart. The shoes are just too good and approved by the most fashionable people.
This isn't to say I have a vendetta against ballet flats, either. That shoe style isn't going anywhere. However, I find versatility is the key to a summer wardrobe that doesn't feel stale. And after years of wearing them on repeat, I'm seeking a small repreive from this classic shape.
With just a few other shoe options on rotation, it's a breeze to create looks you'll love wearing from June to September. Specifically, I've noticed a love for suede and toe-strap sandals for more summery options, as well as the ever-trending red-and-black flip-flops. Elevated trainers are in the mix, too, like ballet-inspired satin sneakers and those with a sleek, slim-sole profile. Sleek slingback flats have also made an appearance, so you're not short on choices.
We've rounded up six other options that fashion people currently love that can easily take the place of ballet flats, whether you love them for their elegance, cool embellishments or fun colour combinations.
6 Non-Ballet-Flat Shoe Trends to Wear This Summer
1. Satin Trainers
Style Notes: If it's the elegant aesthetic you appreciate about ballet flats, you can exude the same energy with satin trainers. They're a soft and delicate alternative to sharper-looking shoes and also provide a little more polish than a standard pair of trainers. These look pretty with everything, from shorts to skirts to sundresses.
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The cinched back and patterned sole make this pair look so fun.
They come in baby pink, pale blue and cocoa brown.
I like that these trainers come in a shade of periwinkle that you just won't find everywhere else.
2. Toe-Wrap Sandals
Style Notes: I'm always scoping out different pairs of sandals, and even the smallest detail can make all the difference in how a sandal looks. That's particularly true with this trend featuring a wrap around the toe. Many brands have caught on this summer, with the likes of The Row, Aeyde, Isabel Marant, and more adding this style to this year's collections, as well as high-street brands Mango and Zara.
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Summer was made for pops of cobalt.
These sandals have embellishments that I like to call shoe jewellery, which makes your outfits feel so much dressier.
A very cool sandal shape that I'm putting front and centre on my summer shoe rack.
3. Red and Black Flip-Flops
Style Notes: If you've been scrolling your feeds lately, you've probably spotted one sandal colour combination popping up again and again. Red-and-black flip-flops are everywhere, courtesy of The Row, which released sandals with this colour scheme last summer. They've held strong, and brands have since created their own variations on the trend, and both fashion people and celebrities love the two-toned styles. They look sublime peeking out from under the hems of linen trousers and jeans.
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The jelly strap is so nostalgic.
These look similar to The Row Dune flip-flops, which are almost always sold out.
Another cool take on this colour combination.
4. Slingback Flats
Style Notes: Blending the sophistication of a kitten heel with the ease of a ballet flat is the slingback flat. A pointed gives this shoe an impressively chic silhouette that works so well for nicer occasions, and even better for making a simple, minimalist outfit like jeans and white vest look even more polished.
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This hue and soft suede finish are a pretty choice for spring and summer both.
Black slingbacks look gorgeous for dinner out on holidays or to dress up jeans.
Woven, vibrant and a barely-there heel makes them a great summer alternative to your typical ballet flats.
5. Suede Sandals
Style Notes: As far as of-the-moment materials go, suede is up there for this summer's shoe trends. The texture of suede adds a softness to sandals that feels aligned with the season. From flip-flops to tie-up sandals to toe straps, suede in all colours is garnering more and more popularity. Khaki, brown and beige are current fashion-people favourites, but I've seen quite a few red and cobalt blue options, too.
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With these you get two trends in one: Suede sandals and in a toe-wrap style.
This is the most ethereal shade of blue. Perfect for summer.
The woven footbed is a subtle yet interesting detail on this pair.
6. Slimline Trainers
Style Notes: Chunky trainers have their place, but when summer arrives, lighter and sleeker always feel more relevant. Hence why there has been a noticeable uptick in the most fashionable people opting for trainers with a less bulky profile. Sneakerinas, mesh trainers and sneakers with barely-there soles are all part of the rotations I've spotted.
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Mesh and a slim sole for an ideal warm-weather shoe.
The soft shape of this shoe is so easy to style.
The iconic mesh trainer from Dear Frances. These also come in leather in a similar, sleek profile.