Hold the Red—It Girls Are Combining Black Sandals With This More Stylish, Bold Pedicure Color.

      Don't get it wrong. A red pedicure will never truly go out of style. It's one of the most classic polish colors you can select, but that doesn’t mean you can't try something new every now and then! If you're in the mood for a change, consider one of summer's trendy shades like cobalt blue, hot pink, or vibrant orange—also known as the "persimmon pedicure." While it might resemble a traditional red at first glance, I assure you that this slight change adds just the right amount of excitement. Keep reading to discover what manicurists think and how it pairs with stylish shoes.

      Why Is the Persimmon Pedicure Gaining Popularity for Summer 2026? Celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec states that a luscious persimmon polish is the ideal mix of classic and modern. "It closely resembles red, which is one of the most elegant shades in my opinion," she explains. "It's bright and pairs well with everything throughout the summer." The orange tone enhances vibrancy and warmth, making it a fantastic pick for beach season. Editorial manicurist Jin Soon Choi concurs, having noted that bright oranges (like persimmon!) "feel lively and sun-kissed" without overwhelming an outfit. So, if you're craving a subtle shift in your pedicure style, a persimmon pedicure is the way to go.

      How to Achieve the Look A rich layer of persimmon polish is all you need. While you can definitely experiment with intricate designs (like French tips and fine nail art), Kandalec suggests choosing a simple, solid pedicure to "allow the color to shine." However, she mentions that you could apply a chrome powder or a slightly shimmery topcoat to enhance the trendiness. "I've noticed a lot of shimmer accents and topcoats this summer! And why wouldn’t you? Their sun-reflecting qualities are absolutely gorgeous," she adds.

      Regarding persimmon polishes, she recommends a formula that offers a shiny, creamy finish. "My favorite is Candy by The GelBottle, which leans more towards red than orange. If you have a bottle of the now-retired but still beloved Essie Clambake, that's great too," she notes. "Also consider Kokoist Vermilion Orange and Nail Thoughts in Wake Me Up." Below, check out these shades—plus a few others I’ve got my eye on—before your next salon visit.

      The Best Persimmon Polishes to Consider

      A perfectly vibrant persimmon.

      Hermès Les Mains Hermès in Orange Poppy

      Investing in an Hermès nail polish is always worthwhile, especially in this iconic orange.

      If you prefer something with more red tones, Kandalec's suggestion from The GelBottle is a great option.

      Though Essie's Clambake is no longer available (sadly), Be Them All is a beautiful alternative.

      OPI Your Zestination Awaits

      As its name implies, this refreshing OPI hue is quite zesty.

      What a burst of color!

      Another Kandalec-recommended choice for gel pedicures.

      For those who want to go bold with neon.

      It’s true: Chillhouse's no-chip polishes last remarkably well.