At this point in the year, some people start to think about their New Year’s resolutions. But us? We’re thinking about the 2026 trends we can begin investing in now, before everyone else. We’d even go as far as to argue that shopping in this way is a resolution in itself.
Shopping now for the person you want to dress like next year is forward-thinking. It’s a way to get ahead of the “I hate everything I own” complaints we all fall victim to once a major seasonal shift hits. It’s also the ideal time to think about which runway trends from this past fashion month actually resonated with your personal style—and how it makes sense to integrate them into your daily wardrobe.
The shoe trends of 2026 are also shaping up to be fairly fun. It appears that the flip-flop craze of 2025 has led to a more toe-forward approach to all of the shoes everyone will be wearing, and pumps are also making a comeback after getting shafted for more comfortable sneakers following the pandemic.
Below, see four of the big shoe trends that are getting us excited for next year.
Elegant Pumps
Chanel Spring/Summer 2026.
It’s been a while since heels were hot. During the pandemic, most of us lived in flat shoes and cozy sneakers. With nowhere to go, there wasn’t a reason to wear pumps at all. Since then, it’s felt like heels, in general, have left the zeitgeist almost entirely. That kind of thinking is likely what led to the rise of flip-flops as fashion shoes. But now, the OG fashion girl staple is back, and elegant pumps are about to be very in again. This time around, though, they’re more comfortable, with reasonable heel heights and easier-to-wear silhouettes. And best of all, they weren’t really designed with a 9-to-5 office lifestyle in mind, making them far more fun to wear every day.
Peep-Toes
Simone Rocha Spring/Summer 2026.
The rise of flip-flops means most of us are already accustomed to seeing toes everywhere. Apparently, it hasn’t been enough. On nearly every runway this past fashion month, even the most buttoned-up heels and serious stilettos featured small peepholes for toes to peek through. It’s a freaky little trend that reminds us fashion doesn’t have to be so weighty—it can also be quirky and fun. Just be prepared to budget for more pedicures than usual.
Freaky Flip-Flops
Chloe Spring/Summer 2026.
And given their discussed impact on other shoe trends, flip-flops also aren’t going anywhere. If anything, they’re only getting weirder. At Copenhagen and Paris Fashion Week, models wore flip-flops that challenged the very notion of what the shoe could be. Some were heeled. Some were shiny. Some had PVC straps. Some had all of the above. So if you didn’t go all in on the flip-flop trend last year, you still have time.
Embellished or Extra in Every Way
Tory Burch Spring/Summer 2026.
As we veer farther into maximalism after years of minimalism and quiet luxury, shoes are expected to become even more of a statement. Instead of relying on your loafers or sneakers next year, consider embellished or embroidered slingbacks. Backstage at Tory Burch, the designer couldn’t stop talking about finally perfecting an embellished heel covered in beading and embroidery. She’d been wanting to do it for seasons, but the timing felt right this time around—and clearly, she was onto something. Expect to see far more shoes with plenty of bling.
