Apologies, Flip Flops—6 Previously "Outdated" Summer Footwear Trends That the Fashion Set Has Resurrected for…

      I can't help it; I'm a classicist, and when it comes to footwear, I tend to play it safe to allow the rest of my outfit to shine. As soon as summer arrives, I instinctively reach for one style—a simple black flip-flop, which I wear repeatedly with nearly every outfit until it’s too cool for bare feet. Imagine my surprise when the latest shoe trends of 2026 weren’t only ones we had seen before but also styles we had officially deemed 'outdated.' If you needed further evidence that fashion operates in cycles, the resurgence of the 'outdated shoe' should confirm it. However, in the interest of making our wardrobes work harder and smarter, I might have found a reason to swap my black flip-flops (at least for this summer) for this nostalgic shoe trend.

      As I scrolled through the feeds of some of the best-dressed people on social media, I noticed the same summer shoes appearing repeatedly, prompting me to compile a list of the most popular choices. Ranging from practical flats to reimagined classics, none of the shoes featured are brand new, yet their restyling for 2026 gives them a fresh feel. Curious to know what made the list? Keep reading to discover the 6 summer shoe trends making a comeback in 2026; you might be as surprised as I was.

      1. Leather Clogs

      Style Notes: After spotting Iris Law, Kendall Jenner, and Zoe Kravitz sporting glossy, smooth, round-toe leather clogs over the past eight months, I'm reconsidering this bulky trend. This shoe shape always reminds me of gardening clogs, but its 'anti-fashion' style ironically makes it quite trendy. Typically, this polished variation of the Boston clog is paired with baggy trousers and oversized tops, but in summer, they would look incredibly chic when styled with a white linen shirt and an ankle-length maxi skirt.

      Shop Leather Clogs:

      - BIRKENSTOCK 1774 + Sftm Amsterdam Leather Clogs: These are all over my 'For You' page right now. The suede finish is such a stylish touch.

      - Chocolate Brown Forever Comfort® Leather Clean Footbed Clogs: Chocolate brown matches just about everything. These are perfect with a plaid shirt and baggy jeans.

      - FitFlop Women's Shuv Leather Clogs: If you haven't tried them yet, FitFlop shoes promise to be among the comfiest you've ever worn.

      2. Derby Shoes

      Style Notes: Has Celine already given us the viral shoe of the year? It's very likely, as I've lost count of how many times I've seen their ballet lace-up shoe on influencers and editors in the last month. We’ve always had a staple 'smart shoe' in our collection, whether it’s a loafer, slingback, or court shoe, but this season, it's all about lace-ups that fit like gloves with minimal details, pay homage to Celine's delicate Derby style.

      Shop Derby Pumps:

      - CELINE Ballet Lace-Up Shoe in Lambskin: The shoe that sparked a certified trend.

      - ARKET Soft Leather Lace-Up Shoes: Nearly sold out!

      - LEMAIRE Souris Flat Classic Derbies in Leather: The slight point adds a dressy feel to them.

      This entire look is definitely worth replicating for spring.

      3. White Shoes

      Style Notes: As a nod to the '80s, white shoes were once seen as the choice of the ultra-conservative and slightly outdated dresser. However, in 2026, white shoes represent sharp, clean statements that often become the focal point of an outfit. The beauty of this minimalist shoe? White complements virtually everything, from vibrant colors to even an all-white ensemble. I'm proclaiming that fresh white shoes are the ideal hue for your summer wardrobe.

      Shop White Shoes:

      - BOTTEGA VENETA Vesta Leather Mules: Bottega masterfully creates so much with such a minimalist shoe.

      - EMME PARSONS Delice Leather Flat Sandals: If you’re not familiar with Emme Parsons' sandals, these are a perfect introduction.

      - COS Strap-Detail Leather Pumps

      - Veronica Beard Clea Leather-Trimmed Wedge Thong Sandals: Y2K wedges are making a comeback, and in white, they're the ultimate throwback shoe.

      4. Gorpcore Shoes

      Style Notes: Easily the most divisive footwear trend here, gorpcore shoes contrast sharply with the polished 'ladylike' shoes that dominated the runways for the past year. Hiking boots, finger shoes, climbing trainers, and utility sandals fall under this overarching term that describes functional outdoor gear (if it looks like it belongs with a rugged backpack and hiking pole, you get the idea). Aiming to make comfortable shoes seem cool, you'll find fashion-forward individuals pairing them with pretty dresses and skirts in a striking combination that sets them apart.

      Shop Gorpcore Shoes