Sandals season always arrives with the same tension between comfort and style, and this spring the SS26 collections resolved that tension decisively. Designers leaned into a wide range of references, from ancient civilizations to early 2000s nostalgia, producing a lineup that covers both the minimalist and the maximalist without compromise. Whether the priority is practicality, statement-making, or something in between, the current offering has an answer.
Below, ten sandal trends from the SS26 runways that are worth paying attention to right now.
The 10 spring sandal trends shaping the season
1. Jelly sandals
The ’90s jelly sandal has returned in its most polished form yet. Chloé presented a sculptural PVC heel with a Cinderella-adjacent quality, while St. Agni brought out slim clear-strap flip-flops styled alongside tailored suiting. The category has expanded well beyond its fisherman sandal origins, with iterations ranging from understated to sharply avant-garde.
2. Wedge sandals
The wedge has been refined considerably since its ’90s peak. This season’s versions sit on slender stacked heels in sleek leather and metallic finishes, with details including cutouts and delicate ankle straps. Brands like Aeyde and Ancient Greek Sandals brought sculptural and flip-flop hybrid takes respectively, landing somewhere between casual and dressed up.
3. Clog sandals
The clog has shed any remaining associations with practicality over fashion. Moschino showed towering cork platforms while Simone Rocha sent out wood-sole versions covered in crystals, a pair that would hold its own at a formal event without apology.
4. Decorative details
Embellishment dominated across multiple SS26 collections. Dior finished heels with fringe and a bow for a balletcore reference. Balmain went in the direction of chunky shell-adorned flats. At Proenza Schouler, floral appliqué kitten heels read as playful and considered in equal measure.
5. Trusty stompers
Chunky crossband and high-vamp sandals continue to earn their place in the rotation. The silhouette brings an androgynous quality to whatever it is worn with, pairing as naturally with loose trousers as with dainty sundresses, and the added structure keeps feet secure through long days.
6. T-strap sandals
The T-strap has a long history as a minimal, refined choice, associated most often with Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s pared-back aesthetic. Bitu’s asymmetrical red version on the SS26 runway brought a modern edge to the format, while simpler iterations remain strong for anyone who prefers a barely-there silhouette.
7. Ankle-strap sandals
Ankle-strap sandals occupy a useful middle ground between relaxed and polished. Delicate lace-up versions and adjustable buckle styles both appeared across collections, and both work well in city settings paired with sharper separates.
8. Elegant leather flip-flops
The leather flip-flop has moved far from its beach-only origins. Fforme showed ultra-slim black pairs while Bottega Veneta brought out all-white styles with an easy, breezy quality. Both operated within the minimalist direction that has defined several recent seasons.
9. Ancient influences
Several designers looked past recent decades entirely for SS26. J. Salinas showed knee-high gladiator sandals, and Roberto Cavalli presented gilded snake hardware climbing the foot alongside flowing gowns. Khaite offered a more grounded interpretation through thick leather strap construction that felt current without requiring a costume reference to land properly.
10. Cool colour-blocking
Colour-block sandals brought the most immediate visual energy to the season. Fendi showed braided, fabric-detailed slingbacks in primary colours while Chloé went with jewel tones in high-shine finishes. The category reads as playful but lands as deliberate when the rest of the outfit is kept simple.
