As we near the end of 2025, I find myself looking far ahead into the new year for fashion, styling and accessories inspiration. Good job, then, that the spring/summer 2026 runways are full of chic ideas and shopping cues that I am swiftly adding to my Pinterest board ahead of the new season. In the case of shoes, I have been examining the biggest labels that Milan, Paris, London and New York have to offer. I'm seeing tonnes of emerging footwear trends that I believe will hit the big time, which not only look back to past eras and designers' illustrious archives, but push things forward too.
From key colour trends to finishes, prints, shapes and silhouettes, I've taken a deep dive into S/S 26's key shoe moments from the runways, which I know will define the year in footwear ahead. You'll see some of fashion's major players here, such as Prada, Dior and Saint Laurent, as well as a host of lesster-known cult faves like Simone Rocha, KNWLS and Mithridate.
Ready to find out what's in store for shoes? Scroll on, and also find some shopping ideas to get you ahead of the game.
The Biggest Shoe Trends for 2026:
1. Y2K Details
Style Notes: Fashion can't get enough of looking backwards, and for 2026, designers are hedging their bets on the 2000s. A little bit boho with a splash of grunge, I've spotted some of the industry's biggest names adopting motifs, embellishments and fabrics which we loved 20 years ago, such as diamantés, cargo straps, jelly elements and suede wedges. Prada and Isabel Marant were the original purveyors of this shoe trend, way back then and again now. Zimmermann and Simone Rocha have hopped on board, too, using wooden footbeds to craft cool, modern clogs. Into it!
SHOP THE TREND:
The eyelet detail to these suede clogs is so Y2K.
Prada's antiqued heels look old-school but super fresh.
Chloé's clogs have been spotted on Sienna Miller, don't you know?
I love the sepia brown tone to these Gianvito Rossi heels.
2. Pointed Toe Heels
Style Notes: A debate has been circulating the Who What Wear offices about this trend, and I am here to tell you that I think it is incredibly chic. I bookmarked pointed, exaggerated, and elongated toe heels all over the runways this season, from KNWLS, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and Acne Studios, which are arguably some of the most trend-forward brands out there. A little bit medieval, a little bit witchy, and abundantly sexy, this shoe type tricks the eye into thinking the leg is way much longer than it is, particularly when the shoe is in a relatively natural or skin-colour shade. Call it an optical illusion, witchcraft or just plain silly, this shoe trend is about to blow up. Trust me on this one!
SHOP THE TREND:
Hailey Bieber, RHW and Elsa Hosk are all fans of these Saint Laurent shoes.
These Zara slingbacks shoes are tapping into the trend lightly.
Go for gold with a metal-hardware toe. Chic!
The chocolate hue, high-vamp and pointed toe score serious fashion points.
3. Code Red
Style Notes: Maybe we are all still a little bit enchanted by all things Wicked and The Wizard of Oz, but red shoes are still very much a prominent trend on the runway for 2026, much like the pair Dorothy Gale wore to tread the yellow brick road. Luxury brands are taking note, and utilising this punchy, lipstick-like shade on sculptural heels, including peep-toes, v-shape wedges, bow-embellished pumps and freaky stilettos. Injecting a bit of fun into your look, as well as feeding into the unexpected red theory, this trend is fierce, fiery, and flirty. Will you be wearing it?
SHOP THE TREND:
JUDE is the coolest new shoe brand on the block.
Wear with coloured tights for a stylish spin.
Fierce and fiery, this red heels mean business.
No one does heels like Jimmy Choo.
4. Pretty in Pink
Style Notes: The powder pink trend took the fashion and street style worlds by storm this year, and its reign will no doubt continue into 2026, thanks to some of the prettiest brands on the runway, including Jacquemus, Dior, Maison Margiela and Erdem. I took note of this sugary sweet hue across leather wedge heels, bow-adorned ballet slippers and dainty heels alike. Wear yours with lace-trimmed skirts, polka dresses and tights to emulate this charming vibe.
SHOP THE TREND:
Every editor at Who What Wear is obsessed with Le Monde Béryl.
I adore the ballet-core mood to these Christian Louboutin pumps.
If you're looking for something chic and flat, these M&S number's are spot on.
Gucci mules are the stuff of my dreams, particularly when they come in this powder pink shade.
5. High-Vamp High Heels
Style Notes: Another rising trend I have been seeing creeping up the feet of runway models, celebrities and tastemakers alike is the high-vamp high heel. Say goodbye to toe cleavage; this shoe shape is all about coming up a little bit higher to the front of the foot, encasing and concealing it. This trend is one for the minimalists, and noticeably, I keep spotting it on white, nude or taupe heels. Toteme, Mithridate, Chanel and Otte are all in on the action, with patent, soft leather and two-tone takes on the trend.
SHOP THE TREND:
Jil Sander is one for the minimalist dressers. Pared-back but endlessly cool.
Amina Muaddi is a shoe expert, and these Jamie mules prove why.
Toteme footwear is not to be slept on. These sharp beauties give me chic '80s vibes.
AEYDE is the cool-girl shoe brand to know now.
6. Flirty Florals
Style Notes: We know florals aren't exactly groundbreaking (Miranda Priestly says so, don't you know), but for 2026, designers are taking them in retro-leaning, watercolour washes, on satin, mesh and leather fabrics. Sportmax, Fendi and Patou went down the vintage-vibe look, whilst Dior doubled down on the trend, with oversized rosettes embellishing kitten heel pumps, in yes, you guessed it, rose-printed satin. So gorgeous, and spot on for spring and summer events and dressed-up occasions. Team with lacy tights and pretty skirts to max out on this darling trend.
SHOP THE TREND:
Cute, trend-forward, and a bit subversive. Classic Loewe, then!
I can see these working well for high summer events and dressier occasions.
The decadent print is something to behold.
Roger Vivier's rose mules are a vintage dream.
7. Jazz Shoe Trainers
Style Notes: All of my internet boyfriends have been sporting this trend for some time now, and it's about to hit mega mainstream (I'm looking at you, Harry, Jacob and Paul). Silky, collapsible, slim-line sneakers skipped down the catwalks for 2026, in pop colours and decadent tones. Prada and Dries van Noten are the flag-bearers of this trend, as well as Fendi and IYKYK faves Onitsuka Tiger. Go for gold and pick a style which is part jazz shoe, part plimsoll, in the most head-turning colour you can find. Race you!
SHOP THE TREND:
COS sneakers are constantly selling out. This hot red pair won't stick about for long.
These soft lavender trainers from Dries Van Noted are equal parts chic and sporty.
No, you don't understand—I'm obsessed! Miu Miu trainers are every stylist's fave.
Prada Collapse trainers are Harry Styles' most worn pair of 2025, and will not doubt be in 2026.
