13 shoes fresh from the runways on everyone’s summer vision boards

When you look at the spring/summer 2026 collections, you will realise that when it comes to footwear—there really is something for everyone. The spectrum ranges from sculptural and embellished statement shoes to slim sneakers that bring you back to earth, with a heel thrown in for good measure.

There’s a strong focus on re-inventing classics, from the ’90s loafer getting a new sheen to the new luxury flip-flop, but the biggest buzz has to be Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel collection as he re-works the classic Chanel pumps with square toes, textural details and higher vamps. In fact, the Matthieu mania is so wide-spread that Elle reported that in just a few days of dropping the new pieces, size 41 was sold out across Europe.

As Blazy’s North Star, Coco Chanel famously said “A woman with good shoes is never ugly,” So, whichever style you choose, this season, you’ll definitely have a spring in your step.

The thong sandal

We’re definitely not in Havaianas territory any longer. Last summer The Row’s thong sandal topped the charts, elevating the humble flip-flop to new, fashionable heights. A ’90s favourite, it was worn by everyone from Carolyn Bessette Kennedy to Cali-cool girls like Jennifer Aniston who prove that a slipper is not just for the beach or the pool, but is also a summer wardrobe staple to be paired with all your looks—evening dresses and cigarette jeans, and everything in between. Feel free to play around with heel height—there are brightly-coloured flat versions at Ralph Lauren, stiletto styles at Saint Laurent and wedge heels at Alaia.

The slim sneaker

The chunky Dad sneaker has gotten grounded. Taking balletcore and our obsession with athleisure onto a new playing field, the styled dubbed the ‘sneakerina’ (the hybrid of ballet flats and sneakers) promises to bring ease to your wardrobe. Slim, low-to-the-ground, in materials like satin, suede and soft leather, this pair showed up on every runway from Celine and Dries Van Noten to Fendi and Miu Miu. Wear with lace socks, or baggy jeans to maximise the masculine-feminine contrast.

The glove pump

With a high vamp (the front part of the shoe that covers the toes), this style seems almost moulded to the foot. Usually in a soft stretchy material or supple leather, it’s sleek, sophisticated and already the shoe of choice for It girls like Hailey Bieber who paired her version from The Row with jeans and a crew-neck. There were spotted on the runway at Proenza Schouler, Balenciaga and more incase you’re looking for any more proof that the gloves are out.

The backless loafer

As someone who bought way too many Gucci Princetown slippers during the reign of Alessandro Michele, I was thrilled to hear that this style is dominating again. Quite frankly, given its versatility, I never stopped wearing them. They are all business in the front and summer at the back, making it an easy transition into the fall and colder months. Bottega Veneta, Gucci and Victoria Beckham have some of my favourite versions.

The fancy shoe

If there’s one thing we love, it’s a statement accent. A dramatic shoe allows us to dress from the bottom up, making that decision making process just a little bit easier. This season there were bold, sculptural, three-dimensional florals at Dior (“florals for spring, groundbreaking!”) but also sequins (Calvin Klein), appliqué (Simone Rocha), and jewelled embroideries (Dries Van Noten). Whether you choose a peep-toe, classic mule or a pair with barely-there straps, there’s something to remind you that footwork can be fun.