Staud dress | Veronica Beard sandals | Poolside clutch | Necklaces: here & here | Bracelet – use SUSIEW15 to get 15% off
The Best Shoe Trends for Summer 2026
Before you buy summer shoes, here’s a stylist tip you have to know! I know it might sound a little dramatic (!!) but here’s the deal. Summer is a short season, so it’s really important that we make our purchases wisely. In my book, that means making sure the shoes you take home are versatile enough to be worn several different ways. There are exceptions of course — and that’s the fun part! We don’t need a million shoes — just a few stylish, on-trend pairs that update all your summer outfits. Even better if they’re versatile enough to last a few seasons. Then no matter if you splurge or save, you’ll feel really good about your shoe purchases.
Today’s post is all about the best shoe trends for summer 2026. These styles are so wearable and will last beyond a season or two. Jelly sandals, for example, are having a major moment — and yes, they really are so comfortable. Then there’s the sandal of the season that just took off and keeps selling out. Keep reading to see what the shoe trends actually are, get a little street style inspo, and find out which pairs might be worth adding to your cart. Cheers!
P.S. I started a Substack with my daughter Emily called Susie & Em Unfiltered. We’re covering wishlist-worthy finds, hotel recs, trends worth knowing about, and what it’s really like to work and travel together. Think different decades, same taste, zero filter. Check out our recent post the May Edit, and subscribe here if you like it!
Recent posts ICYMI:
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#1 The “It” Shoes for Summer: Jelly sandals
Hear me out – these shoes are so comfortable and they go with everything, which makes them the perfect travel shoe. For example, these best-selling ones have a little cushion, and these slides are also so comfortable. The options are endless, including flip flops, mules and a full shoe like the photo in the top left. See below for some favorites!
Left: Images via Pinterest | Right: Linen vest | Farm Rio skirt | Loewe tote | Gold cuff | Sandals | Earrings, similar
Jelly shoe options: Vince, Dolce Vita, Veronica Beard are faves
#2 The affordable sandals that keep selling out
Beaded sandal | Gold sandal | Woven sandal
I’m a little bit of a shoe snob – I Iove designer shoes, and don’t mind making the occasional splurge! But when I popped into Nordstrom the other day, I couldn’t believe how designer these shoes look without acuatally being designer. Right now, there are several styles that keep selling out, including this one that’s finally back in stock, and this one that got added in a new color. See below for some that caught my eye!
#3 Super Chic Red Shoes
The color red is everywhere at the moment, and it won’t be going away any time soon. Lately, I’ve been spotting red ballet flats on all the cool girls and believe it or not, it’s an easy trend to add to our wardrobes. Some styling ideas include red shoes with white dresses (which are perfect this time of year), and of course, every favorite pair of faded jeans jeans in your closet. I LOVE this one, and see below for some favorites I’ve been watching out for.
Left: Images via Pinterest | Right: Reformation top | AGOLDE denim shorts | YSL raffia tote – affordable version here | Red sandals | Bracelet
Red shoes:
#4 The Most Important Shoe of All
After spending over two decades in the Nordstrom dressing room, I came up with a simple trick that works every time: invest in neutral shoes! I feel so passionate about this subject because I’ve tested it out on myself and on hundreds of clients. So trust me — it works. They blend with your skin tone, making them leg lengthening (especially with skirts and dresses) and flattering. And, they work with every color of clothing! See below for my highest recommendations.
Left: Striped shirt | White skirt, similar here | Right: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
Click here to read everything (and more) about neutral shoes. They don’t just include skin tone options …
#5 Thong Sandals: Minimal and Sexy
Thong sandals are having a moment (again) this year – and it’s everything from simple flip flops to ones with heels. Low and high, it all works. A couple standouts include two-toned versions like the one below, with brands like Reformation leading the way. Another trend to note – red and black flip flops inspired by The Row are showing up everywhere! I spotted a couple affordable options here and here. Even classic Havaiana flip flops are cool again – I just put this pair in my cart today! See below for some style board inspo.
Left: Images via Pinterest | Right: Rag & Bone sweatpants | Twp shirt | Cardigan | Polo bag | Bracelet | Flip flops
*use my rag & Bone code SUSIE20 to get 20% off
Thongs & flip flops:
Thank you for reading! xx
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