Found: The Shoe Trends All London It Girls Will Be Wearing in 2026
From cult flats to quiet statement pairs, these are the five shoe trends taking over London’s coolest wardrobes.
When it comes to setting the agenda, London It Girls have a habit of doing it first—and doing it in a way that feels effortless. That’s why I always find myself paying close attention to London It Girl trends at the start of every year, especially when it comes to shoes. While runways may introduce the ideas, it’s the streets of London that show us how those trends translate into real life.
What makes London trends so compelling is their wearability. There’s an emphasis on pieces that work hard in a wardrobe—shoes that feel fresh but still make sense with the outfits we’re already wearing. Think footwear that elevates our favourite pieces without overpowering them.
As we start thinking about London girl outfits for spring, the shoe trends I've spotted on my social feeds feel especially relevant. They strike that balance between fresh and familiar—nothing feels costume-y, but everything feels considered.
Below are the top five shoe trends London It Girls are backing this year, and why they’re becoming my go-to choices for 2026, too. You’ll also find my edit of the best pieces to shop now, in case any of these trends earn a place in your spring wardrobe.
The Spring 2026 Shoe Trends Londoners Are Backing:
1. Tabi Flats
Style Notes: They might be divisive, but London It girls can't get enough of Tabi flats. They tap into London’s love of fashion with a slightly rebellious edge—it won't be long before they filter their way into the high street.
Shop the Trend:
The perfect shoe for straight-leg jeans.
2. Square-Toe Heels
Style Notes: Square-toe heels are having a quiet resurgence thanks to their sleek, directional shape that instantly modernises every outfit. London It Girls love them because they feel considered but still wearable—less fussy than pointed styles, but sharper than rounded toes.
Shop the Trend:
Who wouldn't love a pair of square toe mules?
3. Khaki
Style Notes: Khaki has emerged as a fresh alternative to black or brown footwear, especially for those who want something neutral but less predictable. London It Girls are embracing this colour for its versatility—it works across tailoring, denim, soft dresses, flowy skirts, the lot.
Shop the Trend:
Because all of London's It Girls love The Row.
4. Subtle Embellishmnets
Style Notes: Instead of bold sparkle, it’s the small details that are winning this year—tiny studs, discreet hardware or delicate metallic accents. This trend fits perfectly with London style, where the goal is to look interesting without being overly polished.
Shop the Trend:
5. Boat Shoes
Style Notes: Boat shoes are officially back, and London’s take on the trend is officially winning. It Girls are wearing them with fun two-pieces, pared-back jeans, and flowy dresses. Personally, I'm loving the return of classic, "nerdy" footwear.
Shop the Trend:
Katie is a freelance contributor for Who What Wear UK. She has been writing freelance since early 2022, after completing her Master's in Media and Journalism at Newcastle University. Her main focus so far has been writing for interior design titles, most notably Ideal Home. She started out writing ecommerce content for a number of interiors titles, including Homes & Gardens, Real Homes, and Gardeningetc., before moving on to become a regular contributor to Ideal Home's digital news team. She also writes for woman&home. More recently, Katie has started writing around different topics including health and wellness, fashion and beauty. She loves consuming fashion and beauty content most of all, and is always on the hunt for ways to elevate her style. She has a particular passion for skincare, and is always up for trying new products that might help her skin glow. Katie lives in Leeds with her partner, and when she's not reading (and writing) fashion and beauty content, she's probably out for a long walk with a flat white in hand.