dailynewsnblog
As we near the end of 2025, I find myself looking far ahead into the new year for fashion, styling and accessories inspiration. Good job, then, that the spring/summer 2026 runways are full of chic ideas and shopping cues that I am swiftly adding to my Pinterest board ahead of the new season. In the case of shoes, I have been examining the biggest labels that Milan, Paris, London and New York have to offer. I’m seeing tonnes of emerging footwear trends that I believe will hit the big time, which not only look back to past eras and designers’ illustrious archives, but push things forward too.
From key colour trends, finishes, prints, shapes and silhouettes, I have made a deep dive investigation into SS26’s key shoe moments from the runway, which I know will define the year in footwear ahead. You will not doubt see some of fashion’s major players here, such as Prada, Dior, and Saint Laurent, as well as a wealth of cult-following faves, Simone Rocha, KNWLS and Mithridate.
Ready to read my observations? Scroll on to check out what shoes you are bound to see all over the streets near you in 2026, plus shopping ideas to get you ahead of the game.
The Biggest Shoe Trends for 2026:
1. Y2K Details
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; Prada; Zimmermann; Simone Rocha; Isabel Marant.)
Style Notes: Fashion can’t get enough of looking backwards, and this season, designers are hedging their bets on the 2000s. A little bit boho, with a splash of grunge, I’ve spotted some of the industry’s biggest names adopting motifs, embellishments and fabrics which were famous 20 years ago, such as diamantés, cargo straps, jelly elements and suede wedges. Prada and Isabel Marant were the purveyors of this shoe trend, way back then and even now. Zimmermann and Simone Rocha and hopped on board, too, using wooden footbeds for a bit of clog action. Into it!
SHOP THE TREND:
M&S
Suede Eyelet Block Heel Muels
The eyelet detail to these suede clogs is so Y2K.
Prada
Antiqued leather pumps
Prada’s antiqued heels look old-school but super fresh.
Chloé
Jeannette Wedge Clog
Chloé’s clogs have been spotted on Sienna Miller, don’t you know?
Gianvito Rossi
Diana 85 Leather-Trimmed Slingback Pumps
I love the sepia brown tone to these Gianvito Rossi heels.
2. Pointed Toe Heels
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; KNWLS; Saint Laurent; Balenciaga; Acne Studios.)
Style Notes: A debate has been circulating the Who What Wear offices about this trend, and I am here to tell you that I think it is incredibly chic. I bookmarked pointed, exaggerated, and elongated toe heels all over the runways this season, from KNWLS, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and Acne Studios, which are arguably some of the most trend-forward brands out there. A little bit medieval, a little bit witchy, and abundantly sexy, this shoe type tricks the eye into thinking the leg is way much longer than it is, particularly when the shoe is in a relatively natural or skin-colour shade. Call it an optical illusion, witchcraft or just plain silly, this shoe trend is about to blow up. Trust me on this one!
SHOP THE TREND:
Saint Laurent
Amalia 110 Patent Leather Slingback Pumps
ZARA
Slingback High Heel Shoes
These Zara slingbacks shoes are tapping into the trend lightly.
Saint Laurent
Jeanne Slingback Pumps in Smooth Leather
Go for gold with a metal-hardware toe. Chic!
Acne Studios
Leather Pump
The chocolate hue, high-vamp and pointed toe score serious fashion points.
3. Code Red
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; Givenchy; Ferragamo; Stella McCartney; The Attico.)
Style Notes: Maybe we are all still a little bit enchanted by all things Wicked and The Wizard of Oz, but red shoes are still very much a prominent trend on the runway for 2026, much like the pair Dorothy Gale wore to tread the yellow brick road. Luxury brands are taking note, and utilising this punchy, lipstick-like shade on sculptural heels, including peep-toes, v-shape wedges, bow-embellished pumps and freaky stilettos. Injecting a bit of fun into your look, as well as feeding into the unexpected red theory, this trend is fierce, fiery, and flirty. Will you be wearing it?
SHOP THE TREND:
JUDE is the coolest new shoe brand on the block.
ZARA
Leather Strap Sandals
Wear with coloured tights for a stylish spin.
GIANVITO ROSSI
Nuit 95 Patent-Leather Pumps
Fierce and fiery, this red heels mean business.
Jimmy Choo
Azia 95 Patent Leather Sandals
No one does heels like Jimmy Choo.
4. Pretty in Pink
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; Jacquemus; Dior; Maison Margiela; Erdem.)
Style Notes: The powder pink trend took the fashion and street style worlds by storm this year, and its reign will no doubt continue into 2026, thanks to some of the prettiest brands on the runway, including Jacquemus, Dior, Maison Margiela and Erdem. I took note of this sugary sweet hue across leather wedge heels, bow-adorned ballet slippers and dainty heels alike. Wear yours with lace-trimmed skirts, polka dresses and tights to emulate this charming vibe.
SHOP THE TREND:
Le Monde Béryl
Babouche Kitten Heels
Every editor at Who What Wear is obsessed with Le Monde Béryl.
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
Bow-Detailed Grosgrain-Trimmed Satin Pumps
I adore the ballet-core mood to these Christian Louboutin pumps.
M&S
Satin Strappy Flat Ballet Pumps
If you’re looking for something chic and flat, these M&S number’s are spot on.
Gucci mules are the stuff of my dreams, particularly when they come in this powder pink shade.
5. High-Vamp High Heels
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; Toteme; Mithridate; Chanel; Otte.)
Style Notes: Another rising trend I have been seeing creeping up the feet of runway models, celebrities and tastemakers alike is the high-vamp high heel. Say goodbye to toe cleavage; this shoe shape is all about coming up a little bit higher to the front of the foot, encasing and concealing it. This trend is one for the minimalists, and noticeably, I keep spotting it on white, nude or taupe heels. Toteme, Mithridate, Chanel and Otte are all in on the action, with patent, soft leather and two-tone takes on the trend.
SHOP THE TREND:
JIL SANDER
Crinkled Patent-Leather Pumps
Jil Sander is one for the minimalist dressers. Pared-back but endlessly cool.
Amina Muaddi
Jamie 80 Leather Mules
Amina Muaddi is a shoe expert, and these Jamie mules prove why.
Toteme
Sharp Nappa Wedge Pumps White
Toteme footwear is not to be slept on. These sharp beauties give me chic ’80s vibes.
AEYDE
Clara Pointed-Toe Pumps
AEYDE is the cool-girl shoe brand to know now.
6. Flirty Florals
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; Sportmax; Fendi; Patou; Dior.)
Style Notes: We know florals aren’t exactly groundbreaking (Miranda Priestly says so, don’t you know), but for 2026, designers are taking them in retro-leaning, watercolour washes, on satin, mesh and leather fabrics. Sportmax, Fendi and Patou went down the vintage-vibe look, whilst Dior doubled down on the trend, with oversized rosettes embellishing kitten heel pumps, in yes, you guessed it, rose-printed satin. So gorgeous, and spot on for spring and summer events and dressed-up occasions. Team with lacy tights and pretty skirts to max out on this darling trend.
SHOP THE TREND:
Loewe
Pebble Soft 45 Floral Leather Mules
Cute, trend-forward, and a bit subversive. Classic Loewe, then!
Manolo Blahnik
Carolyne 50 Floral Slingback Pumps
I can see these working well for high summer events and dressier occasions.
Christian Louboutin
Floral Silk Satin Sandals
The decadent print is something to behold.
Roger Vivier
Rose Vivier 85 floral satin mules
Roger Vivier’s rose mules are a vintage dream.
7. Jazz Shoe Trainers
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; Prada; Fendi; Onitsuka Tiger; Dries Van Noten.)
Style Notes: All of my internet boyfriends have been sporting this trend for some time now, and it’s about to hit mega mainstream (I’m looking at you, Harry, Jacob and Paul). Silky, collapsible, slim-line sneakers skipped down the catwalks for 2026, in pop colours and decadent tones. Prada and Dries van Noten are the flag-bearers of this trend, as well as Fendi and IYKYK faves Onitsuka Tiger. Go for gold and pick a style which is part jazz shoe, part plimsoll, in the most head-turning colour you can find. Race you!
SHOP THE TREND:
COS
Minimal Leather Trainers
COS sneakers are constantly selling out. This hot red pair won’t stick about for long.
DRIES VAN NOTEN
Leather-Trimmed Shell Sneakers
These soft lavender trainers from Dries Van Noted are equal parts chic and sporty.
Miu Miu
Plume Satin Sneakers
No, you don’t understand—I’m obsessed! Miu Miu trainers are every stylist’s fave.
Prada
Collapse Re-Nylon and Suede Elasticized Sneakers
Prada Collapse trainers are Harry Styles’ most worn pair of 2025, and will not doubt be in 2026.
