ICYMI, we’re experiencing our first heat wave of the year. 30 degrees and counting London! As such, the pedicures have been booked in and the dogs (as in our feet) are officially out. Footwear in summer isn’t easy, it’s actually a topic that we get most questions on: what shoes should I wear in summer, that look good but are comfortable to walk in? What sandal trends will be big this year? Well; I’m here to tell you!
Your shoes say a lot about you, and importantly, your style. Whilst I like to suggest investing in worthwhile, wearable pieces that can be worn multiple ways time and time again, there is something to having a couple of solid pairs for different occasions and outfit aesthetics. For example, if you’re looking for a pair comfortable enough to walk all day in, but refined enough to wear in the office, I would suggest a wedge sandal. If you’re looking for a sandal for a high-summer occasion, a holiday or abroad wedding, then I’d suggest something a little more fun and vibrant, perhaps a colourful stiletto or kitten heel with an embellished to, or if you're really daring, look to the princess shoe trend.
What are the Biggest Sandal Trends For 2026?
Although summer always inspires us to venture more into colour and playful prints, this year we’re experiencing a truly maximalist awakening. After years of quiet luxury leading the charge, we're about to embrace bolder hues and more gregarious silhouettes than we have in some time. For example, the long-lasting return of Y2K has sparked interest in many shoes trends popular at this time. Studs and eyelets, beaded details that feel quite boho, as well as clogs are all back on the menu. Let's not forget jelly shoes, too. This being said, minimalists shouldn't worry, staples like linen shirts and cotton dresses and are still very much on-trend, and the sandal trends that are gaining traction aren't all 'extra', for example, clear PVC straps are trending, as are mother-of-pearl buttons, which feel understated and chic.
Which are the Most Comfortable Sandals?
When it comes to comfort, I always recommend anything with a wedge heel instead of a stiletto or kitten silhouette. Whilst espadrille wedges have fallen out of favour a little lately, plastic wedges for those that love the '90s and 2000s are fun, and wood wedges are great with jeans or white linen, and are perfect for those like me who are obsessed with the return of boho.
5 Sandal Microtrends For Summer 2026
1. Boho Beads
Style Notes: Equal parts folky and bohemian, beaded sandals are the chic maximalist microtrend that is an easy way to add a little colour to your outfit, without too much commitment. I’ve seen many cool girls on early summer holidays wearing theirs with column skirts, shell belts and a tank top, which feels very Mischa Barton in The O.C.
Love this yellow colour.
I've seen these on many influencers already.
M&S just get it—these look much more expensive than they are.
2. 'Life in Plastic' PVC
Style Notes: Something I'm finding very chic at the moment is clear vinyl and PVC sandal straps. From fisherman shoes to slides, mules with a heel as well as generic flip flop silhouettes, sandals are getting the 'life in plastic, it's fantastic' memo. This is closely tied to the jelly shoe phenomenon going on right now, but instead of adopting nostalgic silhouettes like the princess shoe, these versions I've seen feel much more wearable.
I am obsessed with these shoes. Minimalists, rejoice!
So chic and so affordable.
These also come in some really fin colours.
3. Surfer-Girl Shells
Style Notes: Shells are a huge microtrend well beyond footwear, seen on belts, jewellery and even adorned on net skirts this season. But there’s nowhere I’ve seen them look chicer than adorned on the top straps of thong sandals. The creamy tone with the mother of pearl effect is so sultry and chic, and feels a little noughties nostalgic, but not in a way that feels tacky.
So elegant yet fun for an abroad wedding!
Jeffrey Campbell is king of mules.
A great 'throw on and go' shoe.
4. Studs and Eyelets
Style Notes: Cool girls obsessed with Charli XCX and Gimaguas will no doubt have a few studded trousers or t-shirts already in their arsenal, but it’s a microtrend now infiltrating our sandals, too. From Zara to Mango, I’ve noticed studded and eyelet details embossed on the sandal straps from all my favourite brands,
I've tried these on and they're very comfy.
A great wedge option.
These are those pictured.
5. The Two-Hue Shoe
Style Notes: You know you're in for a maximalist summer when everyone starts switching our their tan and black leather sandals for flip flops in not one, but two shades. Giving credit where credit is due, The Row started this trend with the flip flops with a red sole and black top thong straps, but now I'm seeing so many styles in various colour pairings that are just too cute!
They are so many fun colours that these come in.
The O.G. two-tone flip flop.
A great leather option.
6. Wedges
Style Notes: If there's a heel trend to invest in this summer, it's the wedge. Kitten heels are still popular, but we love the wedge for its extra support and comfort. Whether you're into a '90s mule or more of a traditional suede and studded clog with a wooden bottom, the wedge is the heel that you can actually walk around all day in, and dance all night.
I can't express how much I adore these, the tortoise shell vinyl is so French!
This colour! Chic! Anonymous Copenhagen is one of my new favourite brands, if you don't already know it, get to know it!
These will sell out quickly.