These 7 shoe styles are taking over 2026

The year drawing to a close is the perfect time to analyse everything we have witnessed over the past 365 days, but also an ideal moment to ask ourselves what lies ahead in the coming months. When it comes to trends, fashion is very transparent: we have already seen the collections for the upcoming spring/summer 2026 season at fashion weeks, and now it remains to analyse which aesthetic directions are emerging as dominant. Another question, of course, is how much of the fashion diktats shown on the runways will truly make their way onto the streets. To find out which shoe styles we will be seeing everywhere in 2026, we took a detailed look at the spring collections of leading fashion houses. Below, we bring you seven of the most interesting trends.

#1 Floral motifs

Groundbreaking florals will move from dresses to shoes next spring. And we have to admit, the trend looks quite exciting. In his first womenswear collection for the fashion house Dior, Jonathan Anderson presented a series of intriguing designs, with sandals featuring striking floral appliqués standing out in particular. Patou and Fendi also found inspiration in bloom, offering spring models in more subtle, discreet floral interpretations. Floral elements on shoes are an elegant way to give an outfit a touch of the unexpected, which is why we are fairly certain that shoes with floral motifs will be one of the biggest trends of 2026.

#2 Red shoes

Red fashion accessories have long been considered a classic. Red goes with almost everything and can always serve as a great accent for an outfit when it is missing a touch of colour. In the year coming to an end, we especially loved red sneakers, and in 2026 we are adding red shoes in all possible styles to the mix. Chanel, Ferragamo, and Versace presented their versions of instant outfit boosters, offering funky designs in red tones, from Ferragamo’s sandals with sculptural heels to Versace pumps paired with short white socks. If you choose red shoes in 2026, let them be not only bold in colour but also a little unusual.

#3 Sneakers with very thin soles

After years dominated by sneakers with massive, decadently noticeable soles, much to the dismay of those of us who love a sleek, narrow silhouette, fashion has turned to what it loves most: the complete opposite. With the rise in popularity of adidas Samba and similar retro models, it was clear that thin-soled sneakers would take over the trends, and that is exactly what happened. Onitsuka Tiger, as one of the leaders of the trend, presented new models for spring/summer 2026, while brands such as Dries Van Noten and Fendi also showcased their visions of extremely slim sneakers. What is also significant is that the trendy colour palette is anything but shy, so alongside a narrow silhouette and thin sole, bright colours will take centre stage. It seems that sneakers in 2026 will be anything but boring.

#4 Shoes with a pronounced pointed toe

Pointed-toe pumps are a classic that always bring a dose of allure to any outfit. However, next year we will be seeing slightly different versions of these already popular styles. Namely, the pointed toe in the spring/summer 2026 season is extremely pronounced, from the softer versions by Patou to the exceptionally bold designs signed by Saint Laurent or Acne Studios. We plan to wear them with virtually all combinations, except sporty ones, because they instantly elevate any outfit, while playing with slightly grotesque pointed toes will be reserved for eclectic, daring looks when we decide to step outside the boundaries of rules and norms.

#5 Shoes with gold details

A touch of glamour is returning to fashion through gold details adorning shoes, or even forming entire models, as seen in Matthieu Blazy’s vision for Chanel’s Métiers d’art show. Fendi presented its funky version with a chain, while Dior offers black and white loafers decorated with a large gold detail, creating a striking and luxurious look. Since these are highly noticeable fashion accessories, in 2026 we will wear them like statement jewellery, to make every outfit glamorous and refined.

Related: 10 standout looks from Chanel’s Métiers d’Art show in the New York subway

#6 “Menswear” shoes

A touch of masculinity, in a back to school style, will be especially noticeable in footwear, dominated by models that look as if we borrowed them from our partner’s wardrobe. Chunky “menswear” slip-on shoes dominated the runway at Miu Miu’s spring collection, while Jil Sander and Loewe also presented their versions for the upcoming warm season, in a slightly more classic style. Although these models appear somewhat robust and formal, the runways recommend wearing them with dresses and skirts, creating an interesting contrast with feminine clothing.

#7 Transparent shoes

Judging by the runways, transparent shoes are emerging as one of the key fashion trends of 2026. In the spring collections of brands such as Simone Rocha, Bottega Veneta, and Moschino, they appeared in a range of different interpretations, united by a common denominator: transparency. Rocha offered an elegant version with a transparent heel and a striking embellishment, while Moschino highlighted models reminiscent of transparent loafers. It will be interesting to see how this trend develops and how it will manifest on the streets in the coming year.