2026 sandals worth investing in: wedges are back, clogs are hot—which pair would you pick?

As temperatures rise and the sun begins to carry the weight of summer, have you quietly pulled your sandals out after a season in storage? With Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s ’90s minimalism making a comeback and the fashion world continuing to pay tribute to past decades, sandal trends for 2026 have taken on a familiar yet fresh feel. We’ve rounded up a few key pairs worth noting, which may offer some direction as you organize your spring and summer shoe collection.

• Related reading: Stylish girls are wearing them like this: 7 easy tips for mastering socks with sandals this summer!

Wedge sandals

Wedge sandals are making a strong comeback this year, returning to the sandal lineup in a new guise. They may have a nostalgic feel, yet their versatility is more stylish than you might expect. A thong lace-up pair with a breezy cotton dress creates just the right laid-back vacation mood; add buckles or rugged details, and they instantly shift into a bohemian city look with a free-spirited edge. Their range makes them a natural fit for all kinds of spring and summer outfits.

Isabel Marant / Zimmermann

Clogs

If your outfits have been feeling a little less fun lately, clogs may be the answer. They’re back this season with a strong boho feel. The chunky soles and wooden silhouettes remain, now accented with rhinestones, studs, and metal buckles that give the retro look a more polished feel. They’re comfortable to walk in while subtly adding height, making them especially friendly for petite women.

Daniela Gregis / Marques Almeida

Zimmermann / Simone Rocha

Chic flip-flops

Who doesn’t have a pair of chic flip-flops yet? Alongside The Row’s Ginza thong sandals, which were already a celebrity favorite last year, Alaïa, Max Mara, and Balenciaga have joined the mix this season with kitten-heel, wedge, and platform versions, once again putting this style on fashion insiders’ essential lists.

Kent & Curwen / Max Mara

Khaite / Balenciaga

Cloud Dancer

If I could choose only one new pair of shoes, sandals in Cloud Dancer would definitely be at the top of my list. As this year’s Color of the Year, its soft quality can brighten an outfit while bringing a clean, fresh, airy feel to spring and summer looks. It’s also easy to style.

Dior

Toteme / Gabriela Hearst

Leather sandals

The styles above may catch the eye, yet understated, practical pieces are the ones that last. This season, wide X-strap leather sandals are appearing frequently. They conform to the shape of the foot, with clean, unfussy lines, and paired with slightly puddled wide-leg tailored trousers, they can give the whole look more attitude.

Miu Miu / Ralph Lauren

Miu Miu / Margaret Howell

Minimal thin straps

Minimalist sandal lovers have never gone away. Nearly invisible thin straps and slim soles that sit close to the ground offer an understated polish that quietly enhances an outfit. Also, gladiator sandals with laces that extend up the calf, paired with a skirt, will be a combination that’s hard to look away from this year.

Zimmermann / Avant Toi

J. Salinas / Francesca Liberatore

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