dailynewsnblog
As we move from a fashion space defined by quiet luxury to one heady with nostalgia, subtly evolved fashion trends have become the new norm. Think the recent return of the “skouser” or Toteme’s beloved “scoat”; as the years pass, the blending of juxtaposing styles is what’s getting fashion people most excited, but it’s shoe trends that have really embraced the hybrid concept with full force.
Genre-defying, silhouette-scrambling and perhaps some of the coolest pairs on the market, hybrid shoes have been quietly gaining traction for quite some time, albeit amongst more daring dressers. In 1988, Margiela’s Tabi Ballet Flats (a silhouette highly regarded as the first hybrid) became the ultimate “ugly” shoe. Fast forward to 2023, the “Dr Frankenstein” reputation of hybrid shoes was officially dropped, and everything from Simone Rocha’s Tracker Ballerinas (a blend between ballet flats and trainers) to the Yeezy 950 Pirate (a lace-up, military-style duck boot with thick lug rubber soles) instantly became a hit.
By the start of 2025, LYST reported searches for “ballet sneakers” up 1300%, with the Puma Speedcat Ballet (a style favoured by Dua Lipa and Julia Garner) landing at number three on the list of the quarter’s hottest products. Stock X also reported that sales of “Mary-Jane-inspired sneakers” were up more than 350% year on year, with the Nike Air Rift, Adidas Samba Jane and Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 TGRS representing 92% of the stockist’s best-sellers.
However, hybrids don’t just come in trainer form. With everything from kitten-heel court shoes to loafer-front mules filling my social media feeds (on the feet of both celebrities and fashion people alike), it’s clear that hybrid silhouettes are making their presence felt in the lead-up to summer. I’ve rounded up seven styles worth making a note of, and of course, there’s a touch of styling inspo layered in too. Scroll down to discover and shop the trends.
1. Toe-Post Kitten Heels
Style Notes: Arguably the most popular summer shoe, hybrids don’t come chicer than the toe-post kitten heel, in my opinion. A revived relic of Y2K, today, the floral motifs and Rachel Green-coded foam wedge have been replaced in favour of a sophisticated, minimalist heel. These pared-back, pedicure-friendly heels are everywhere, and with summer fast approaching, the style is only gaining in popularity. So whether you channel Hailey Bieber’s polka-dot-capri-pants look, or if her satin two-piece is more your speed, either way, toe-post kitten heels will take you far this summer.
Shop Toe-Post Kitten Heels:
M&S
Kitten Heel Toe Post Sandals
If you like these, I’d be quick, as I have a feeling these £50 leather heels will sell out fast.
TOTEME
Croc-Effect Leather Sandals
Pair these with a floral dress and raffia tote this spring.
The White Company
Leather Kitten Heel Toe Post Sandals
The ankle strap will provide support for extra comfort.
Tony Bianco
Annie Suede Heeled Sandals
The square toe adds a cool edge.
Reformation
Sophie Heeled Sandal
I love the combination of brown and snakeskin.
2. Backless Ballet-Flat Heels
Style Notes: Long considered a footwear staple, in summer 2026, even the humble ballet flat has received a hybrid twist. Not quite flat but far from towering, kitten-heel ballet flats maintain their inherent French appeal even when backless. Thanks to their mule shape and pared-back design, this style is fast becoming the choice of elegant dressers this season. Whether paired with tailored trousers or fashion-forward balloon pants, these heels guarantee an elevated finish.
Shop Backless Ballet-Flat Heels:
MANGO
Pointed-Toe Leather Heeled Shoes
Herbert Levine
Gather Around Patent Leather Mules
This oxblood Herbert Levine pair is utterly divine.
M&S
Mesh Wedge Pointed Mules
The chicest wedges I’ve seen on the high-street this season.
Reformation
Inez Heeled Mule
Fashion people love Ref’s Inez heels.
Saint Laurent
Lido Slip-Ons
Barely there but utterly divine.
3. Loafer Mules
Style Notes: Loafer mules are my personal favourite hybrid style and the one I’ll be gravitating towards this summer. Providing all the polish of a loafer with a comfortable cushioned sole, these slip-on-and-go shoes look less orthopaedic and more easy elegance. With Bottega Veneta, Victoria Beckham, Calvin Klein and Celine all incorporating versions of the silhouette in their spring/summer 2026 collections, I can already envision these paired with jeans, trousers and maybe even tracksuit bottoms this season.
Shop Loafer Clogs:
M&S
Suede Saddle Loafer Corkbed Mules
The cork footbed will provide comfort for hours.
Topshop
Addie Real Suede Mule Loafer
These come in six fashion-forward colourways.
Birkenstock
Naples Wrapped
I’ve worn these mules at least once a week since I bought them.
Khaki is one of the season’s biggest colour trends.
JW ANDERSON
Stitch Suede Mules
My dream hybrid-footwear buy.
4. Mary-Jane Trainers
Style Notes: This list would be incomplete without Mary-Jane trainers. Balancing the inherently French polish of a Mary Jane with the functionality of a trainer, this style hasn’t just become “trendy” but has cemented itself as a staple in the trainersphere. Elevating jeans and working particularly well with Bermuda shorts, Mary-Jane trainers show no signs of slowing down this summer.
Shop Mary-Jane Trainers:
Onitsuka tiger
Mexico 66 TGRS
Pair these with jeans and a white tee like Kristen Manu above.
Adidas
Samba Jane Ballet Trainers
Adidas’ Mary Janes come in more colours and patterns than I can count.
Puma
Speedcat Ballet Flats
lululemon
Mary Train Sneaker
Though they’re chunky and slightly orthopaedic in shape, I can’t lie: I kind of love them.
I’m yet to find a pair of Salomons I don’t love.
5. Kitten-Heel Court Shoes
Style Notes: A glance at the S/S 26 runways is all you need to realise fashion is leaning into a witchy mood. With a Hocus-Pocus-meets-Practical-Magic undercurrent, it makes sense that kitten-heel court shoes are having a moment. Defined by their elongated point, glove-like fit and micro heel, these shoes featured in collections from Roberto Cavalli to Prada, Johanna Parv to BLSSD. Whilst it’s unlikely we’ll see many furry Prada pairs stomping the streets this summer, the silhouette adds a polished yet cool-girl edge to everything from cropped leggings to broderie anglaise dresses.
Shop Kitten-Heel Court Shoes:
Charles & Keith
Emmy Pointed Kitten Heel Pumps
Don’t overlook Charles & Keith for excellent, on-trend shoes and bags.
M&S
Kitten Heel Pointed Court Shoes
These also come in classic black.
Burberry
Check Leather Dame Low Pumps in Black
The embossed heritage check makes this Burberry pair stand miles apart from the rest.
Aeyde always gets it right.
6. Ballet-Flat Derby Shoes
Style Notes: It’s clear ballet flat derbies are the shoe trend to know this summer, but these aren’t the chunky Oxford styles you might be imagining. Sleeker, daintier and elegantly fitted to the foot, from the moment they appeared on the Celine S/S 26 runway, the fashion set was sold. These may look like the jazz shoes you remember from the dance classes of your youth, but in summer 2026, derbies are so much cooler. Exquisitely polished and with the fashion-insider stamp of approval, they’ll pair just as beautifully with dresses as they do shorts or trousers.
Shop Ballet-Flat Derbies:
CELINE
Ballet Lace-Up Shoe in Lambskin
The shoe that started it all.
MANGO
Lace-Up Leather Shoes
If you’re brave enough to go for white.
Officine Creative
Meredith 004
The details on this pair are so intricate.
Vivaia
Square-Toe Lace-Up Sneakerinas
Bella Hadid was recently spotted out in this exact pair.
7. Split-Toe Shoes
Style Notes: A classic in the hybrid shoe space, split-toe shoes are the gift that keeps on giving. The OG “ugly” Maison Margiela Tabi is like intellectual property to fashion people; the style that says you’re in the know. Deemed too avant-garde for decades, it was when the infamous “Tabi swiper” hit our TikTok FYPs in late 2023 that we were reminded that spit-toe shoes are precious cargo. Since then, popularity has soared, and with a Nike Rift X Skims collaboration and five sold-out Tabi colourways this year alone, it’s clear that these low-profile shoes are ones to look out for this summer.
Shop Split-Toe Shoes:
Maison Margiela
Tabi Split-Toe Leather Ballerina Shoes
Maison Margiela, you’ll always be famous in this house.
Nike
Nike Air Rift Leather Trainers
Our fashion and beauty writer, Brittany, wears these at least once a week to the office.
Steve Madden
Cyra Black Leather
Trust Steve Madden to offer an affordable, yet well-crafted pair.
Maison Margiela
Tabi Split-Toe Leather Ballet Flats
The backless silhouette makes these so easy to slip on.
This blush-pink satin is so pretty.
