I'm Calling It: These Will Be *the* Sandal Styles Every Fashion Person Will Wear in Summer
After hours of scouring the spring/summer 2026 runways, I’ve found the seven standout sandal trends that everyone will be wearing this summer.
Spring has just started here in the UK, and although we’re very much still feeling the cold weather, I’m determined to get the most out of sandal season this year. So, of course, this means that I already have my eyes on the trending sandal styles that I’ll be investing in as early as possible.
My first port of call? The runway, of course, and the spring/summer 2026 shows were filled with a myriad of different sandal styles that are set to dominate the upcoming season. You’ll be pleased to know that there’s something to suit everyone this season, from the barely-there minimalist styles that those of us with a pared-back sense of style will love, to playful jelly iterations for the bolder dressers out there. And after hours of scrolling through the look books of my favourite designers, I’ve narrowed my attention down to the seven standout sandal trends that everyone will be wearing this summer.
Keep scrolling to discover the seven sandal trends set to dominate summer 2026.
7 Sandal Trends Every Fashion Person Will Wear in Summer
1. Snakeskin
Style Notes: Over the past two years, we’ve seen leopard, cow and even deer print take over the footwear market. However, for 2026, fashion people have their eyes set on a classic pattern that both minimalists and maximalists can get behind. Enter the snakeskin sandals. With a pattern that’s bold enough to add interest to an outfit, but a colour palette that still remains muted and versatile, I have a feeling that we’ll be seeing snakeskin sandals everywhere this summer
Shop the Trend:
These look way more expensive than their £26 price tag.
I'd style these with a black linen co-ord and leather woven tote.
Pair with everything from light linen trousers to floaty dresses.
I know that these will sell out fast.
The perfect summer event heel.
2. Barely-There
Style Notes: If you’re a pared-back dresser, then you’ll be pleased to know that minimalist, barely-there sandals are trending again for summer 2026. Timeless, easy to style and effortlessly elegant, you cannot go wrong with investing in a pair of minimal sandals to keep in your wardrobe for years to come. But the best part? This inherently polished summer shoe style looks expensive at every price point, meaning there’s something to suit each and every budget this season.
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These are a bestseller for good reason.
Simple, chic and easy to style.
Understated and elegant.
These will go with everything.
You'll keep these in your wardrobe for many years to come.
3. Jelly
Style Notes: From Caroline Bessette-Kennedy’s outfits to the chic makeup trends that are making a comeback, it's clear that 2026 is the year of the ‘90s fashion revival. However, one trend that I did not expect to kick off this season was jelly sandals. Reminiscent of the playful shoe styles that dominated the late ‘90s and early 00’s, jelly sandals are back, but now, in much more wearable, clear iterations that lend themselves to easy styling.
Shop the Trend:
Go bold with this highly sought after red pair.
I didn't think jelly sandals would return for 2026, but I'm so glad that they did.
How cool is this leopard heeled pair?
These are perfect for minimalists who want to try out the trend.
These are currently at the top of my luxury summer wish list.
4. Wedge Flip-Flops
Style Notes: If you’re a regular reader of Who What Wear, then you’ll know that we love a flip-flop in summer. But for spring 2026, this timeless sandal style is getting an elevated update in the form of wedge heels. Much more suited to formal occasions than your classic flip-flops, I’ll be reaching for this chic sandal trend for each and every summer outing.
Shop the Trend:
These have such a '90s feel to them.
The perfect wedge height, in my opinion.
A modern take on the classic wedge sandal.
I almost mistook these for designer.
You can't go wrong with a neutral beige hue.
5. Buckle Details
Style Notes: You don’t always need a high heel or bold colour to add interest to your shoe collection. Sometimes, it all lies in the finer details, and for summer 2026, buckle embellishments dominated the luxury runways. This simple but elevated feature is an easy way to make your outfits feel just that little bit cooler, but also remains well within the comfort zones of minimalists like myself.
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This tan hue will pair beautifully with dark wash denim.
Everyone will think these are a designer find.
The cork sole will provide all-day comfort.
These will pair well with any colour or pattern.
This bitter coffee hue is calling to me.
6. Burnt Orange
Style Notes: Sitting somewhere between peach and terracotta, burnt orange hues were spotted all over the spring/summer 2026 runways. A softer alternative to the chocolate brown hues that we typically see throughout autumn and winter, sandals in this shade perfectly blend modern appeal with a retro edge.
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The perfect pop of colour to wear with all of my neutrals.
Imagine this with a white linen maxi dress.
Miu Miu never disappoints me.
Tick off two trends in one with this burnt orange jelly pair.
Well done, Jacquemus!
7. Wide Strap
Style Notes: Looking for a trend that perfectly blends comfort and style? Look no further, as a number of our favourite fashion houses, from Miu Miu to Ralph Lauren, showcased sandals with extra-wide straps in their spring/summer 2026 runway shows. I, for one, will be investing in this comfy sandal style to wear on my commutes to and from the office, as well as on casual days that require a slightly higher step count than I’m used to.
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Year after year, this pair proves its truly timeless.
Wear with linen trousers, cotton skirts or Bermuda shorts alike.
COS always gets it right.
Between the buckle detail, the contrast sole and the multiple wide straps, this pair is seriously elevated.
These look so comfy.
