No, Not Loafers—These Are the Controversial Shoe Trends That Fashion's Best-Dressed Are Wearing This Spring
"Ugly" shoes are everywhere right now, and these are the biggest trends in divisive footwear that have everybody talking.
Typically, at this point of the year, spring's energy-renewing optimism begins to brighten up our wardrobe rotation, and the shoe trends we’d be discussing would follow suit. From timeless woven sandals to minimalist flip-flops (in trending red, if we’re feeling particularly adventurous), over the past couple of years, classic shoe styles have been the go-to for the warmer months. But, as I look ahead to the shoe trends shaping spring/summer 2026 in particular, things are looking a little different.
With the supposed "death" of quiet luxury, all things intentionally provocative have taken over. Whether it's Jennifer Lawrence sporting garden clogs or what can only be described as foot-baring, heel holders(?) at the Chanel Cruise 2026/27 show, designers and trend-setters alike are leaning into shoe trends that start conversations, not just complement outfits.
This isn't to say that more typical shoe trends aren’t in style (Adidas Sambas and ballet flats will always be chic), but if you're looking for the shoe trends really spiking on socials, the fashion set is styling "weird" shoes with trousers, skirts and dresses this spring, and five specific styles have really got our attention, and they're anything but boring. Scroll to discover.
1. Toe-Sculpted Shoes
Style Notes: Started by Vibram and solidified at Chanel, shoes that accentuate the toes are all the rage. A little (or a lot) ugly, eccentric and leaving very little to the imagination in the foot department, toe-sculpting shoes have soared in popularity. Be it Valentino’s Révélé pumps (providing a chic take on toe cleavage) to the OG Nike Rift, revived by Skims with a recent collaboration, in 2026, we're showing off our toes.
Shop Toe Shoes:
The pair in the toe-shoe space.
Pair with jeans and a blouse this spring.
The rubber sole will provide endless comfort.
The recent Nike X Skims collaboration put Rifts back on the map.
These have been all over my social feeds lately.
2. Jelly Mules
Style Notes: If you were a fashion enthusiast during the Y2K era and spent your summer days with your feet in translucent princess sandals, you’ll be more than pleased to know that nostalgic jelly shoes are making the rounds once again. With the release of the Mara flat in 2023, The Row transformed the jelly shoe from a childlike millennial throwback to a sophisticated silhouette that fashion people were desperate to get their hands on. Fast forward to S/S 26, and jelly shoes have never been more popular. From Chloé's Jelly Mule to Ancient Greek Sandals' viral Saionara flip-flop, if it looks like it stepped straight out of the '90s, it's guaranteed to be a winner.
Shop Jelly Shoes:
Every chic dresser has been pairing the Chloé Jelly Mule with lace-trim shorts.
TU makes some of the most comfortable shoes I own.
These are available in eight shades.
Hone into the princess aesthetic with this glittery pair.
This oxblood shade is so elevated.
3. Trainer Boots
Style Notes: Part trainer, part boxing boot, knee-high sneakers are the most recent divisive shoe trend to get the fashion set stirred up. Blending '90s sportswear with classic gladiator sandals, it was Miu Miu's thigh-grazing pair in its autumn/winter 2026 show that put the style on the map. As they sold out overnight, loyalists in the trainer sphere took note, making way for Puma's Speedcat Boots and Adidas's Japan H shoes to become the new fan favourites.
Shop Trainer Boots:
These vibrant yellow trainers are one way to make a statemeant.
Sandals? Boots? Who knows?!
You wont have to stress about lacing this pair, as they have a functional zip.
So many people were wearing these at Coachella.
Miista is leading the charge in the divisive footwear game.
4. Heeled Appliqué Sandals
Style Notes: The OG in the Y2K shoe game, in 2026, floral appliqué sandals are having a resurgence. All about their pretty charm and finished with a healthy dose of personality, fashion-forward designers like Jimmy Choo, Nensi Dojaka and Khaite, have rendered opulent blossoms in everything from leather, to beading and tulle.
Shop Heeled Appliqué Sandals:
All I need now is a summer wedding!
The delicate lace! The blush hue! If I was a shoe, I'd be this one.
Breathtaking.
I've yet to find a pair of Manolo's I don't adore.
The cascading orchids make this pair.
5. Peep-toe Boots
Style Notes: In 2026, we’re saying goodbye to the biker and hello to the peep-toe boot. Who could have anticipated that a boot would allow you to showcase your latest pedicure whilst keeping the rest of your leg covered (just in case). Leading the peep-toe charge? Miu Miu of course, and you'll spot these paired with everything from shorts, skirts and dresses this spring on fashionable risk-takers.
Shop Peep-toe Boots:
This style also comes in black.
The asymmetric heel! The slouched finish! I need to be buried in these boots.
With a slim fit these would pair well with jeans.
This is exactly how I'll be wearing these boots this spring.
The ankle strap will keep your feet in place.
