Arriving in 2026: The Footwear Trend That Will Push Peep Toes, Ruched Loafers, and Others Into Early Retirement

      Whether or not you consider yourself a fashion expert, you're likely aware that cap-toe shoes are timeless, largely due to Chanel's iconic designs like ballet flats and slingbacks. These styles have ingeniously blended trendiness with timelessness, appealing to individuals of all ages and diverse tastes. They have universal appeal, and now, a fresh take on them has emerged to ensure their continued popularity in the coming years. The new iteration resembles the classic cap-toes but features a modern touch: a shrunken, dipped-toe design that both Chanel and Loro Piana are actively embracing as we approach 2026.

      The dipped-toe shoe trend first drew attention during Matthieu Blazy's debut show for Chanel at the S/S 26 runway season. The entire collection paid homage to the House's archives, infused with Blazy's distinctive offbeat style, highlighted by dipped-toe pumps worn by several models on the runway. Following Awar Odhiang's exuberant finale, attendees both on-site and watching remotely found themselves captivated by the shoes, and the excitement surrounding this particular silhouette has only continued to grow over the past three months.

      These dipped-toe shoes offered a glove-like fit, crafted from luxuriously soft leather and featuring a stiletto heel. They were available in a variety of two-tone color combinations, such as white and black, beige and black, and white and beige, styled with pencil skirts, tweed trousers, and more. This styling was echoed at the Métiers d’Art show earlier this month, held in a deserted New York City Subway station. Many Chanel ambassadors, including Ayo Edebiri and Emily Ratajkowski, attended in looks from Blazy's debut collection. Edebiri paired a white and black dipped-toe style with a black skirt suit, while Ratajkowski chose a black suit with oxblood accessories and beige-and-black dipped-toe shoes. Others, including Kristen Stewart and Alek Wek, also embraced this Chanel footwear trend.

      However, Chanel isn't the only brand exploring the shrunken cap-toe style. Loro Piana's S/S 26 collection also showcased this trend but with their own unique flair. The standout piece for next year will be the flat, slipper-like mules, available in luxurious satin-like colors such as navy and chocolate. These mules strike a balance between casual and upscale, making them ideal for both home comfort and sophisticated outings. Another appealing item in their collection is a pump characterized by elegant tortoiseshell block heels, a soft brown hue, and a bright white dipped-toe accent.

      There's only one drawback, which often occurs after a standout fashion season: the coveted runway pieces are generally unavailable—at least for now. However, since I’m not particularly patient, I took the initiative to search for shoes that are currently available and align with this trend. My search yielded an array of enticing options, with Loro Piana's iconic Rebecca flats emerging as a top choice. While the brand also offers more minimalist, single-color variants, the dipped-toe styles remain highly desirable and fashionable, featuring distinctive materials like tweed and suede. Other designers such as Saint Laurent, Christian Louboutin, and Manolo Blahnik also have their own interpretations. Browse the selections below.

      Shop Loro Piana's Dipped-Toe Shoes:

      LORO PIANA

      Rebecca Leather-Trimmed Checked Tweed Ballet Flats

      Loro Piana

      Rebecca Ballet Flat

      Loro Piana

      Rebecca Cap Toe Ballet Flat

      Loro Piana

      Rebecca Ballet Flat

      Shop More Dipped-Toe Shoes:

      YSL

      Jeanne Slingback Pumps in Glazed Leather

      Manolo Blahnik

      Mionel Wool Bicolor Pumps

      Gianvito Rossi

      Diana PVC Slingback Pumps

      Christian Louboutin

      Katissima 45mm Patent Leather Pumps