I'm Tired of Boring-Looking Feet—These 5 Elegant Sandal Trends Are the Best You'll Wear This Summer
Sound the klaxon! It's officially sandal season, and if you want to stay one tastefully dressed step ahead of the crowd, these are the summer shoe trends to know about now.
We're halfway through 2026, and we've managed to tick off a fair few things on the spring-to-summer transition checklist. Spontaneous heatwave? Check. Freak showers? Check. Misjudged jacket situation? Check, and check. But if one thing is for certain in the back and forth of the last few weeks, it's that we're fully in the throes of sandal season.
If you're not yet pedicure-ready, consider this fair warning. No matter whether you're wearing a blouse and jeans, or shorts and a tank top, sandals are the easiest and chicest go-to shoe right now, and there's no better feeling than packing away your winter boots to the back of the wardrobe, ready to embrace a hot summer.
With so many sandals on the market, it's difficult to know where to begin. Do you invest in a smart heel that will be perfect for wedding season? Are flip-flops too casual to wear to the office? Are wedges really the major trend that the internet would suggest right now? Well, I'm happy to say that I've done the legwork for you and rounded up some of this season's biggest sandal trends to make your life easier. Whether you're packing your suitcase or just preparing for summer in the city, consider these the summer shoes that will elevate your warm-weather outfits to dressy new heights.
1. Bare Minimal
Style Notes: It's always refreshing to see any fashion trend take off that really requires no muss, no fuss from the wearer, and barely-there, minimalist sandals are set to be huge in 2026. Chalk it up to our love of brands like The Row, Khaite, and Jil Sander, but this shoe trend leans into "less is more" and lets your outfit do all the talking. Hero styles are undoubtedly the simple black flip-flop and delicately strapped flats, but whatever shape you choose, look for a restrained palette of black, white and cocoa brown for a timeless shoe that will go with everything already in your wardrobe.
Shop Minimalist Sandals:
It's so hard to find these still in stock in a full size range.
These also come in black, red and white.
Honestly, I can't believe this price.
Just when you thought Crocs were all about maximalism.
The comfiest sandals I've ever owned have been from FitFlop. Thank me later.
2. Beads, Beads, Beads
Style Notes: You might not be quite ready to turn your wardrobe over to the khaki safari trend, but one way you can nod to the look is with a pair of beaded sandals. There's something free-spirited about these embellished sandals that will bring even the simplest outfit to life, and even though you might not be able to trek across the Serengeti in a Jimmy Choo kitten heel, you can look every bit the intrepid explorer whilst navigating the city.
Shop Beaded and Embellished Sandals:
I have my eye on these.
The orange and brown colour combination really pops.
So good with a tank top and loose-leg denim.
I love the way these look with green jeans.
If these don't make you feel happier just by looking at them, I don't know what will.
3. Textural Attraction
Style Notes: Minimalists, look away now. If you thought a basket bag was enough, raffia and woven sandals are bubbling up this year, and are the perfect accompaniment to your cotton dresses and linen trousers. This summer, you can find slippers, espadrilles, and even heels in raffia that look like they could have been handwoven by artisans in an old town. You might not find Moschino's full pom-pom sandals the most wearable (pictured above), but rest assured, these textured sandals are surprisingly versatile and make for a great conversation starter.
Shop Raffia Sandals:
Easy, flexible crochet paired with sturdy leather.
The dream summer sandal.
Dune's best-selling Loupe sandal now comes in natural raffia.
There's something unmistakably French about these Sézane mules.
M&S always get comfy footbeds right.
4. Little Bow Peep-Toe
Style Notes: Elegant, classy and refined, peep-toe shoes are the fashion equivalent of a dry martini—retro but sophisticated. With brands like Jude making the peep toe feel modern again, they have suddenly surged in popularity among the A-list and influencers alike, and are the perfect option for warmer days that could do with a little ventilation. You don't have to commit to heels, though; with so many options on the market, you can find just as many peep-toe flats as you can stilettos, and Mimi's look (below) is a masterclass in how to dress up casual linen co-ords with a smart summer shoe.
Shop Peep-Toe Sandals:
Bows and a peep-toe? Too cute.
I'm sharing this incredible find with anyone who will listen.
Amazing attention to detail.
I have it on good authority that these are really comfortable.
Perfect for day-to-night dressing.
5. Put a Ring on It
Style Notes: If the loops and anklets on the runway and the supersized gems at the Calvin Klein Collection show have told us anything, it's that shoe jewellery is very much still in for summer 2026. You might not have considered wearing toe rings on their own, but thanks to the bling factor of these statement sandals, you won't need to add accessories, as these take care of the sparkle; the very antithesis of Chanel’s divisive "barefoot" shoe that left the foot entirely undressed earlier this year.
Shop Toe-Ring Sandals:
I've been wearing these on repeat since the sun came out.
Barely there and a toe ring? These tick two trends at once.
Black and gold always looks expensive.
Tory Burch's pierced motif can also be found on pumps, mules and heeled sandals, but the slides are best for all-day wear.
Sleek and chic.
