Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026

Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026

      There's a notable shift occurring in the footwear industry right now, focusing on the variety of styles that can be worn. If you're fed up with living in sneakers and the typical ballet flats this summer, we appreciate them, but they have reached their peak. Instead, a range of styles is emerging that are just as easy to wear but far more intriguing. If you're looking for a change from the usual shoes, keep reading.

      What I appreciate about this new trend in flats is their sophisticated look without being cumbersome. They still pair well with everything in your wardrobe—jeans, dresses, tailored pieces—but they infuse just enough character to make your outfit feel intentional. Below are the styles that are trending this summer.

      Animal Print Everything

      Leopard, zebra, snakeskin—view these as your neutral-with-a-twist. They instantly elevate a basic outfit, giving it a styled appearance.

      Le Monde Béryl

      Babouche 40 Zebra-Print Calf Hair Pumps

      ALAÏA

      Tong 55 Leopard-Print Calf Hair Sandals

      Summer Boots

      Lightweight, often slouchy, and surprisingly comfortable—even during warmer weather. These are the shoes I choose for a longer walk to dinner when I want to avoid sneakers.

      Reformation

      Dominique Knee Boot

      Anonymous Copenhagen

      Jasmina Pebbled Soft Boots

      Boat Shoes

      Unexpected yet very much on trend. When styled correctly, they lean more towards fashion than preppy.

      Reformation

      Annette Moccasin

      Larroudé

      Cyprus Boat Shoe

      Free People

      Yachting Day Boat Shoes

      Updated Loafers

      Chunkier soles, unique textures, and subtle details give this timeless style a modern twist.

      KHAITE

      Milly Embellished Whipstitched Textured-Leather Loafers

      COS

      Croc-Effect Leather Heeled Loafers

      Reformation

      Francine Loafer Mule

      Thongs

      Minimalist, sleek, and effortlessly chic. They are the flat that elevates everything else in your outfit.

      Madewell

      The Iggy Thong Sandal

      Toteme

      Croc-Effect Leather Thong Sandals

      Reformation

      Amelia Flat Thong

      Ballet Mules

      All the grace of a ballet flat, with a more relaxed, slip-on style that feels contemporary. Plus, they promise fewer blisters.

      Tony Bianco

      Maxy Black Suede

      ZARA

      Wedge Slingback Ballet Flats

      Manolo Blahnik

      Ballerimu Bow-Detailed Flat Mules

Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026 Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026 Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026 Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026 Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026 Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026 Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026 Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026 Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026 Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026 Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026 Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026 Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026 Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026 Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026 Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026 Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026 Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026 Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026 Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026 Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026 Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026 Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026 Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026

Other articles

I’m hosting a bridal shower in both NYC and L.A.—here’s what I’ll be wearing in each location (and what… I’m hosting a bridal shower in both NYC and L.A.—here’s what I’ll be wearing in each location (and what… Fashion influencer Sara Walker showcases the beautiful dresses she donned at her bridal showers held in both NYC and L.A. As a New Yorker residing in Paris, here are 40 Zara pieces I would choose to blend in with the locals. As a New Yorker residing in Paris, here are 40 Zara pieces I would choose to blend in with the locals. Pourquoi pas ? I'm a New Yorker residing in Paris—40 Zara pieces I would purchase to fit in with the locals. I'm a New Yorker residing in Paris—40 Zara pieces I would purchase to fit in with the locals. Pourquoi pas ? My mom always discovers the best fashion finds at Walmart—here's what she uncovered for summer. My mom always discovers the best fashion finds at Walmart—here's what she uncovered for summer. Walmart's summer fashion area is unexpectedly impressive at the moment, and these are the budget-friendly items my mom already raves about for 2026. I assembled a Summer Capsule Wardrobe—here’s what I have in my cart. I assembled a Summer Capsule Wardrobe—here’s what I have in my cart. This is the 11-piece capsule wardrobe that our shopping editor relies on to achieve a stylish look during the summer. I'm hosting a bridal shower in both NYC and L.A. — here’s what I'll be wearing in each city (as well as what…). I'm hosting a bridal shower in both NYC and L.A. — here’s what I'll be wearing in each city (as well as what…). Fashion influencer Sara Walker showcases the lovely dresses she adorned during her bridal showers in both New York City and Los Angeles.

Not Sneakers, Not Ballet Flats—These Are the Flat Shoes Dominating Summer 2026

From ballet flats to thong sandals, these are the top flat shoe trends for summer 2026.