6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection

6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection

      In case you missed it, we're currently enduring our first heat wave of the year with temperatures in London hitting 30 degrees and rising! Consequently, appointments for pedicures have been made, and our feet are officially on display. Choosing summer footwear can be challenging, and it's a frequent topic of inquiry: what shoes are stylish yet comfortable for walking in during summer? Which sandal styles will be popular this year? I'm here to guide you! The shoes you wear convey a lot about you and, crucially, your personal style. While I recommend investing in quality, versatile pieces that can be worn repeatedly in different ways, it's also smart to have a few reliable pairs for various occasions and outfit types. For instance, if you want something comfortable enough for all-day wear yet polished enough for the office, I recommend wedge sandals. If you’re after sandals for a high-summer event, a holiday, or a wedding abroad, consider choosing something more fun and vibrant, like a colorful stiletto or kitten heel with embellishments, or if you're feeling bold, check out the princess shoe trend.

      What are the Major Sandal Trends for 2026? While summer typically inspires us to explore brighter colors and playful patterns, this year marks a significant shift towards maximalism. Following a period where quiet luxury dominated, we’re ready to embrace bolder colors and more varied silhouettes than we've seen in a while. For instance, the resurgence of Y2K fashion has revved up interest in many shoe trends from that era. Studs and eyelets, beaded details that evoke a bohemian vibe, and clogs are back in style. Don’t forget jelly shoes either. However, minimalists need not fret; staples like linen shirts and cotton dresses remain fashionable, and the emerging sandal trends aren't all overly extravagant—clear PVC straps and mother-of-pearl buttons are trending, offering a subtle yet chic appeal.

      When it comes to comfortable sandals, I always suggest opting for wedge heels over stilettos or kitten styles. Although espadrille wedges have waned in popularity lately, plastic wedges that harken back to the '90s and 2000s are playful, and wooden wedges pair excellently with jeans or white linen, perfect for those, like me, who appreciate the boho revival.

      Five Sandal Microtrends for Summer 2026:

      1. Boho Beads

      Chic and maximalist, beaded sandals provide an easy way to infuse some color into your outfit without a heavy commitment. I've spotted trendsetters wearing theirs on early summer getaways with column skirts, shell belts, and tank tops, giving off a very Mischa Barton vibe from The O.C.

      2. 'Life in Plastic' PVC

      Right now, I find clear vinyl and PVC sandal straps to be incredibly stylish. From fisherman shoes and slides to heeled mules and classic flip-flops, sandals are embracing the 'life in plastic, it's fantastic' theme. This trend is closely related to the popularity of jelly shoes, but the current styles are much more wearable.

      3. Surfer-Girl Shells

      Shell motifs are surfacing far beyond just shoes, appearing on belts, jewelry, and even net skirts this season. However, they shine brightest when they adorn the top straps of thong sandals. The creamy, mother-of-pearl tones look sultry and chic, reminiscent of the early 2000s but without veering into tackiness.

      4. Studs and Eyelets

      For the cool crowd influenced by Charli XCX and Gimaguas, studded items have likely made their way into their wardrobes, and this trend is now popping up in sandals as well. From Zara to Mango, I've noticed many of my favorite brands introducing sandals with studded and eyelet details.

      5. The Two-Hue Shoe

      You know it's time for a lively summer when people start swapping their tan and black leather sandals for flip-flops that come in two shades. The Row initially sparked this trend with their two-toned flip-flops, which are being seen in various adorable color combinations.

      6. Wedges

      If there's one heel trend worth investing in this summer, it's the wedge. While kitten heels remain popular, wedges are favored for their added support and comfort. Whether you prefer a '90s mule or a classic suede clog with a wooden base, wedges are the heels you can comfortably wear all day and dance in all night.

6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection 6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection 6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection 6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection 6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection 6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection 6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection 6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection 6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection 6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection 6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection 6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection 6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection 6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection 6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection 6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection 6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection 6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection 6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection 6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection 6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection 6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection 6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection 6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection 6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection 6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection

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6 Stylish Sandal Trends to Add Character to Your Summer Footwear Collection

From bohemian beads to PVC straps, sandals have never been so stylish. As a fashion editor with a passion for shoes, I've gathered the summer shoe microtrends you should be aware of in the months ahead.