Sorry, Flip Flops—6 Formally "Dated" Summer Shoe Trends That the Fashion Crowd Just Brought Back for 2026
Simple sandals are a forever staple, but when it comes to the shoe trends that are getting everyone talking this summer, the street-style set is turning to some unexpected trends.
I can't help it, I'm a classicist, and when it comes to shoes, I often like to play it safe to let the rest of my look do the talking. As soon as summer comes around, I immediately reach for one style—a plain black flip-flop, and I will wear them on repeat with just about every outfit until it's too chilly for bare feet.
Imagine then my surprise when the latest shoe trends to surface in 2026 were not only ones we'd already seen before, but were also ones we had officially written off as 'dated'. If you needed any further proof that fashion moves in cycles, the return of the 'dated shoe' should tell you everything you need to know. But, in the spirit of making the pieces in our wardrobes work harder and for longer, I may have found a reason to hang up my black flip flops (well, at least for this summer) and turn to the throwback shoe trend.
Scrolling through the feeds of some of social media's best-dressed, I noticed the same summer shoes cropping up time and again, and so put together an edit of the most popular. From practical flats to reinvented classics, none of the shoes on this list are brand new, but the way they have been restyled for 2026 makes them feel entirely original. Curious to see what made the cut? Keep scrolling to see the 6 summer shoe trends making a return in 2026. You might just be as surprised as I was.
1. Leather Clogs
Style Notes: After seeing Iris Law, Kendall Jenner and Zoe Kravitz wearing glossy, smooth, round-toe leather clogs over the last 8 months, I'm open to giving this clunky trend a second thought. Shoes in this shape always remind me of gardening clogs, but there's something in their 'anti-fashion' approach that ironically makes them very trendy indeed. I'm mostly seeing this polished evolution of the Boston clog being worn with baggy trousers and an equally oversized top, but in summer, they would look incredibly chic styled up with a white linen shirt and ankle-grazing maxi skirt.
Shop Leather Clogs:
These are filling my 'For You' page right now.
The suede finish is such a chic touch.
Chocolate brown goes with just about everything.
These are crying out to be worn with a plaid shirt and baggy jeans.
If you haven't tried them. FitFlop shoes are guaranteed to be some of the comfiest you've ever worn.
2. Derby Shoes
Style Notes: Have Celine already given us the viral shoe of the year? It's quite possible, as I've lost count of how many times I've seen their ballet lace-up shoe on influencers and editors over the month or so. We've always had a popular 'smart shoe' in our rotation, whether it be the loafer, the slingback or the court, but this season it's all about glove-like lace-ups with minimal detail in homage to Celine's dainty Derby.
Shop Derby Pumps:
The shoe that kickstarted a certified trend.
Almost entirely sold out!
Once again, deep cocoa brown is going to enhance your wardrobe.
The slight point makes these feel dressier.
This whole look is worth replicating for spring.
3. White Shoes
Style Notes: As a little bit of an '80s throwback, white shoes once had a reputation for being the reserve of the ultra-conservative and slightly out-of-date dresser. In 2026, white shoes are all about sharp, clean pops that are often the focal point of the look. And the beauty of such a minimalist shoe? White goes with quite literally everything, from rainbow brights to, well, an all-white outfit. I'm calling it now—fresh white shoes are the perfect colour for your warm weather wardrobe.
Shop White Shoes:
Bottega can do so much with such a minimalist shoe.
From the caged leather to the almond toe, these look passingly designer.
If you don't already know Emme Parson's sandals, these are the perfect introduction.
So chic.
Y2k wedges are making their return, and in white these are the ultimate throwback shoe.
4. Gorpcore Shoes
Style Notes: Easily the most controversial shoe trend on the list, gorpcore shoes are the opposite of the prim and proper 'ladylike' shoe that has dominated the runways for the last twelve months. Hiking boots, finger shoes, climbing trainers and utility sandals all fall under this generic term to describe functional outdoor gear (so if it looks like it should be worn with a rugged backpack and hiking pole, you've got the gist). Keen to make comfortable shoes feel cool, you'll find fashion people wearing theirs with pretty dresses and skirts in a deliberately clashing combination that sets them apart from the crowd.
Shop Gorpcore Shoes:
The comments section are fiercely debating whether Vibram Five Fingers are the new cool or a step too far.
A slightly more subtle approach to the trend.
I have a feeling that the latest collab between On and Loewe are going to do incredibly well indeed.
I just know the right person could pull these off with socks.
After years of Adidas and Nike battling it out for supremacy, Salomon were the first to topple both and become the most popular trainer brand of recent years.
5. Jelly Shoes
Style Notes: After we had cargo trousers, pedal pushers, halter neck tops and chokers stage their comeback in 2024, it was only a matter of time before a '90s shoe trend would follow. What we did not see coming was the most definitive style of the early noughts—the jelly shoe, coming back with such a chic new look. Gone is the glitter and platform heels, in their place, delicate kitten stilettos, open toes and a refined colour palette. Red mules were not on my calling card for 2026, but then I wore my first pair of Vince Barcelonas, and suddenly, I understood the hype.
Shop Jelly Shoes:
Tell me this isn't the most grown up jelly you've ever seen.
The cutest princess shoe to wear with blue jeans.
Everyone is wearing red flip flops right now.
Trust COS to do such a pared-back take on everyone's favourite nostalgic shoe.
These come in four equally fun colours—turquoise, cherry red, brown sugar and clear.
6. Peep Toes
Style Notes: If I asked you to imagine a peep-toe shoe, it's likely your mind would automatically go to a demure court. Yes, court shoes are sticking around this summer (particularly in the aforementioned white), but this time around, you can find cool, open-toed shoes as mules, flats, and stilettos too. From Jude's subtle cut-out to Khaite's sculptural wedge, this season the fashion-forward choice is a shoe that shows just a hint of cleavage.
Quite possibly the coolest new shoe shape I've seen in a while.
Despite only being founded in 2024, Jude already has an impressive roster of celebrity fans.
Now these are a work of art.
Trust me, no one will believe where you got these from.
