If you know me, you'll know I have a bit of an unhealthy obsession with shoes. I'll go to a designer sample sale and buy pairs I know will end up being an ornament rather than a walk-around-all-day style, I'll buy the same shoe in multiple colours if they have it, and I own more heels than my nights out (or lack of) will allow. But after a damp problem in a previous house, I had to part with some of my beloved shoe collection. The good news? There's room for a few more pairs to add this season.
The thing is, though, I'm a bit tired of dragging multiple shoes from house-to-house that no longer serve a purpose, so I'm on the lookout for flat pairs that I'll actually wear as part of my everyday uniform. So I went on the lookout for the key flat summer shoes, and it turns out that caged jellies are absolutely everywhere (7-year-old me is happy about this), slipper mules are as comfy as they sound and when it comes to flip flop, it's two-tone pairs that are sticking around for the duration. Add to these fuss-free ballerinas and pinched-toe loafers and you get the 5 flat shoes I'll be buying for summer 2026,
1. Caged Jellies
Style Notes: Flip flops are great and all (more on those later), but caged style jellies are taking over from the toddler-esque buckle-up pairs we wore in previous years, to a chic new staple. I love how Chloe has made hers work as the 'unexpected red theory' with a monochrome shorts and T-shirt look that stands out from the crowd.
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These have sold out multiple times on Asos, and they're finally back in stock.
When I got the email about these this week, I knew I needed them.
7-year-old me would cry over these.
Clear will work with every ensemble.
The burgundy colour feels more grown up.
2. Pasty Loafers
Style Notes: Now I've called these 'pasty loafers' I can't unsee it, as the ruched, pinched toe on these particular pairs resembles the crust found on a pasty—but of course more chic. Made popular by Saint Laurent, I always reach for these on days where neither sandals or sandals will work. And by work, I mean when the UK weather isn't playing ball.
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I want to wear these with dusty pink linen trousers.
Love the crackled leather on this pair.
Hello, new summer office shoes.
Couldn't not include the OGs.
All about that pastry crust detail.
3. Boring Ballets
Style Notes: Let me just clear up what I mean by the word 'boring' here. Firstly, these ballets are timeless, classic and oh-so-very-chic, but, in terms of the other ballet flats we've seen in recent months—mesh, buckled, ruched and satin—these pairs, are, well, on the more safe side. But that doesn't mean they're not equally as fabulous when paired with a sleek outfit like Hannah's [pictured above].
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The colour everyone can't stop wearing.
Simple, yet very chic.
The perfect pair courtesy of Jil Sander.
Just add balloon pants and a Broderie top.
Colours iterations will liven up the fuss-free shape.
4. Split Personality Sandals
Style Notes: Two-tone flip flops are here to stay—largely thanks to The Row—and now there are all kinds of colour matches to be found. Monikh goes for blue and black, but there's also yellow and black, clear and green and pretty much any colour pairing you're into. Anything goes with these can't-make-their-mind-up pairs.
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Some of us will appreciate that these come in half sizes.
That love-forever kind of chic.
Green + clear is my new favourite combo.
These have the tiniest wedge, but I'm allowing it.
The thicker sole looks extra comfy.
5. Nan's Slippers
Style Notes: Team Who What Wear UK has already flagged that the divisive mesh slippers are a mini trend, and practically any pair of flat mules are key this season. Like wearing your nan's favourite slippers (but outdoors, they're the comfiest backless shoes that actually work with everything from loose-fit trousers to Bermuda shorts.
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Imagine these with ecru jeans.
My new work shoe.
Big fan of all the woven pairs.
And crochet can certainly come on holiday with me.
And also caged.