I Asked My Colleagues Which Shoes They'll Be Wearing Next Year—Here’s the 5 That Will Be In

Now that we're officially at the tail end of December, my brain has done that inevitable thing it does every year: quietly closing the chapter on what we've worn for the past 12 months and skipping ahead to what 2026 might look like. Fashion-wise, there are already a few clear signals. Luxury has continued its shift away from overt logos in favour of texture, craft and shape, while trainer trends—once dominated by chunky silhouettes—are moving into something slimmer, softer and more considered. These aren't seismic changes, but subtle ones, and they're already shaping how we'll get dressed next year.

Shoes, though, are where I always feel these shifts first. They're often the most honest reflection of where fashion is going, especially when trends start to filter down from the runway into real life. That's why I've been thinking a lot about what a spring shoe capsule wardrobe could look like for 2026—one that feels current but not try-hard, directional but still wearable. And yes, I'm very aware that we're still firmly in winter, but if there's one thing I've learnt from working in fashion, it's that the best wardrobes are built early, edited slowly and ones that can work year round.

Personally, footwear is the category I get most excited about at the turn of a new year. Bags and coats tend to move at a slower pace, but shoes can quietly recalibrate an outfit without requiring a total overhaul. So I got to work pinpointing what I believe will make up the ultimate spring shoe capsule wardrobe 2026—the styles that designers are clearly invested in, but that also make sense for everyday dressing. Think shoes that work with denim, tailoring, skirts and dresses alike, and that don't feel tied to one fleeting micro-trend.

A few familiar shapes kept cropping up as I was researching: pared-back flats (a response, perhaps, to seasons of mesh and novelty), slightly oddball loafers, school-shoe-style Derbies, ballet–trainer hybrids and a return to two-tone heels that feel knowingly referential rather than nostalgic. We saw early versions of these across the Spring and Summer 2026 runways—at Prada, I saw black derby shoes worn with a pleated skirt and crisp shirting look; Miu Miu leaned into retro footwear proportions styled with floral layers; while at Chanel, the house codes around two-tone shoes evolved again, this time with a slightly sharper heel and less overt prettiness. None of it felt costume-y. If anything, it felt refreshingly grounded.

What's important to note is that while these shoes have clear runway relevance, they're already translating into styles you can actually buy and wear. That's the sweet spot, and exactly what I look for when curating a spring shoe capsule wardrobe, pieces that feel informed, not intimidating. Below, I've broken down the five styles I believe will define 2026. Why not take a little peruse.

Shop the 5 Shoe Capsule Wardrobe For 2026:

1. High Toe Slip On Flats

Style Notes: Mesh flats and Mary Janes have had a very good run, but for 2026, there's a noticeable return to simplicity. The classic slip-on flat with a higher toe—think almond or softly squared toe, minimal detailing, good leather—is back in focus. This is the kind of shoe you forget you're even wearing—in the best way. I've been styling mine with straight-leg jeans and oversized knits now, and I know they'll transition easily into lighter layers come spring. Look for thin soles and soft uppers rather than anything too structured.

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2. Printed Loafers

Style Notes: Loafers aren't going anywhere, but for 2026 they've loosened up a bit. Instead of heavy soles and hardware, designers are playing with prints; subtle animal patterns, marbling, soft colour contrasts. Printed loafers are an easy way to add interest without committing to a full statement shoe. I like them best when the rest of the outfit is quite simple, a white T-shirt, relaxed trousers, good coat.

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3. Derby Shoes

Style Notes: Yes, they do have a bit of a school-shoe feel, and that's exactly why they work. For 2026, Derbies feel like the spiritual successor to the brogues everyone wore in the early 2010s, but with a cleaner, more pared-back shape. These are great if you want something sturdier than a flat but less obvious than a boot. I’ve seen them worn with slouchy trousers, letting the toe peek out; it's a look.

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4. Sneakerina

Style Notes: Part ballet flat, part trainer, the sneakerina is one of the more interesting hybrids to emerge recently—and it's only gaining momentum. What sets this style apart is the addition of straps: elasticated bands, crossover details or subtle Velcro fastenings that feel more directional than a classic ballet flat and more considered than a standard trainer. I've seen them styled with everything from cargo trousers to relaxed tailoring, which makes them feel surprisingly versatile. They're a great option if you've grown tired of traditional trainers but still want comfort. I like these best when they're kept simple, with neutral colours and minimal branding, and the straps are left to do the talking. They work particularly well with cropped trousers or midi skirts, where the fastening detail can actually be seen rather than hidden.

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5. Two-Tone Heels

Style Notes: The Chanel two-tone slingback has long been fashion folklore, but for 2026, the two-tone shoe has been reworked into a broader category of wearable heels. It's no longer just about slingbacks—pumps, Mary-Janes and closed-toe heels are all part of the conversation now. Less prim, more intentional, these styles feel freshest when worn with looser silhouettes like wide-leg trousers or oversized shirts, which stops them from feeling too done or referential. These are the heels you reach for when you want something visually interesting but not overpowering—familiar, but with just enough contrast to make an outfit feel considered.

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