The start of a new season, which in this case is the languid ascent into a balmy summer from a crisp spring, always comes with a few chores; resetting your closet by packing away any pesky winter coats that are still hung up, creating a personal syllabus filled with juicy beach reads and booking a pedicure appointment for all the summer shoes you plan on wearing over the next few months.
On the latter, beloved British high street titan, M&S, has always delivered an exceptional array of affordable but expensive-looking summer shoe styles to slip into. This season is no different, except for the fact that the brand is going even harder on its summer 2026 collection, meaning that the footwear options on offer are more fashion-forward and accessibly priced than ever.
Indeed, it might only be May, but M&S has quite literally covered all grounds in this department, ensuring that there’s a shape for every taste and occasion. Be it the Chloé-inspired, tie-up beaded ankle flats that pair perfectly with wafty puff-sleeve dresses for those park picnics on the horizon, or the slimline minimal trainers you’ll style with Zoë Kravitz, and Harry Styles-endorsed hot pants for your Saturday morning coffee runs through the city, M&S truly will have you putting the best foot forward this season.
From sumptuous strappy sandals rendered in buttery suede to minimal flip-flops designed to complement anything they’re paired with, uncover the 6 major summer shoe trends that M&S is backing this season.
6 Summer Shoe Trends to Shop at M&S in 2026:
1. Sleek Flip-Flops
Style Notes: Without a doubt, flip-flops have become the sandal du jour. With a sleek shape and an innate ability to style, this silhouette pairs perfectly with wide-leg trousers, stovepipe jeans and linen trousers alike.
Shop the Trend:
The gilded accent will appear so polished and peaking out from under the hem of your pants.
With contrast stitching and a square-toe finish, these look like something you'd find in any well-edited wardrobe.
2. Braided Flats
Style Notes: Be it ballet flats, slippers or sandals, braided accents have become a prevailing motif of late. Inspired by the signature weave of designer brands like Bottega Veneta, this design element feels quitely luxurious and rooted in premium craftsmanship.
Shop the Trend:
These shoes feels like something you'll find dotted across the Amalfi Coast.
A fisherman sandal will never lead you astray, especially if you pair them with maritime motifs like Bermuda shorts and shell necklaces.
Slip-on styles like the one pictured above give new meaning to the slipper-esque house shoes we often associate to this shape.
3. Sumptuous Suede
Style Notes: Though suede is typically associated with cooler months, M&S are subverting these tropes by rendering the soft-as-butter material in more balmy formats. From ballet flats to strappy sandals and even a surprising indie sleaze-era style, this style is textural, sleek and sophisticated.
Shop the Trend:
The caramel tone is oh-so sweet for summer.
Summer festival season is on the horizon, and these gladiator shoes feel like the perfect addition to your dance-ready wardrobe.
Channel your inner boheme by styling this with a peasant blouse and denim shorts.
4. Retro Runners
Style Notes: Slimline, minimal and low-profile, retro trainers are arguably the defining trainer trend of the decade. With endorsements from prolific of the celebrity style set like Jennifer Lawrence, Jacob Elordi and Kendall Jenner, this is a trainer that is as elegant as it is effortless.
Shop the Trend:
This pair looks quite similar to the Maison Margiela sprinter sneakers.
Toteme, Dries Van Noten and COS all have styles similar to this option, albeit at a more expensive price point.
You'll get so much wear out of these.
5. Slinky Heels
Style Notes: Warm weather wardrobes aren't complete without a slinky heel. They can dress up any simplistic silhouette with a carefree-ease and suit any night out with an cool polish.
Shop the Trend:
If you like The Row's iconic Bare sandals, this style will be sure to tug on your heart's strings.
From the bow to the scalloped edge, these slingbacks add a saccharine touch to any look.
Celine released a style that was quite similar to this a few seasons ago, making it perfect for anyone who missed out on that launch.
6. Jelly Sandals
Style Notes: Though this style waxes and wanes in popularity, it's safe to say that jelly sandals have certainly crossed over from a fleeting trend to a timeless silhouette for many a refined dresser. From flip-flops to mules, bring a playful touch to your look with this anything-but-wobbly trend.
Shop the Trend:
Switch out your tried-and-tested mules for this best-selling pair.
These also come in a covetable tomato red shade.
For the cost of an average coffee and croissant, invest in a shoe you'll wear all season long.
Shop More Chic Summer Shoes at M&S:
Stirrup leggings will look exceptionally more chic with this style.
Pair with pencil skirts and cigarette trousers alike.
For that Summer Cohen feeling.
These will be everywhere come June.
The subtle ruching around the front makes these look far more graceful than their price tag would allow.
Chemena Kamali-approved.
Style with wafty maxi skirts or pintuck dresses.
M&S is backing the return of gladiator sandals.
Style with a longline shorts and pleated skirts.
These are imbued with a '90s elegance that reminds me of Carrie Bradshaw's iconic closet.
Perfect for your dreamy summer escape.
Animal prints are all the rage.