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In This Article

Backless Loafers Glove Heels Slim and Sleek Sneakers All That Jazz

Wilder Than Ever Peekaboo Shoe V-Vamp Platform Flip-Flops

Key Takeaways

• 2026's top shoe trends are familiar, but decidedly not overdone, with standouts including backless loafers, ultra-slim sneakers, and a heeled take on glove flats.

• The footwear world is also taking inspiration from jazz shoes, plus taking flip-flops further into statement territory.

With 2026 fully underway, perhaps you’re in the process of editing your closet, tossing pieces that no longer spark joy in favor of the year’s hottest styles. If you’ve yet to touch your footwear rack, you’ve come to the right place: We’re breaking down 2026’s most in-demand shoe trends. After looking into our sartorial crystal ball, we can confirm this year’s It silhouettes are a breath of fresh air. From backless loafers to V-neck pumps, these pairs will do all the heavy lifting for your outfits. Below, check out eight shoe trends destined to reign in 2026.

01 of 08

Backless Loafers

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Loafers have been a mainstay for years, but backless pairs are the upgrade that fashion people can’t stop wearing. Think the same preppy polish, minus the fuss: Just slip them on and go. Expect the silhouette to surge in the coming months: The spring 2026 runways at Tod’s, Calvin Klein, and Bottega Veneta were full of backless loafer styles, signaling an imminent street style takeover. Styling tip: Wear yours with funky socks for a fun footwear moment.

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Zara

Margaux

Reformation

02 of 08

Glove Heels

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Glove flats dominated the style scene in 2025. Now, the silhouette—which, as the name implies, fits the foot like a glove—is coming for your heel lineup. Most of the iterations on the market right now skew minimal (black leather pairs are especially popular), so don’t be afraid to spice up the shoes with, say, colorful tights.

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Aeyde

Everlane

Dear Frances

03 of 08

Slim and Sleek Sneakers

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Will chunky sneakers stage a comeback anytime soon? Not if designers have anything to say about it. From Adidas Sambas to Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 kicks, slim sneakers have stolen the spotlight in recent seasons, and that doesn’t appear to be changing in 2026. Balance the form-fitting sneakers with wide-leg jeans or a voluminous statement skirt.

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Dolce Vita

Vivaia

Veronica Beard

04 of 08

All That Jazz

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Need a little pep in your step? Jazz shoes should do the trick. Michael Rider debuted a white iteration in his inaugural collection for Celine, and, well, you can guess how fashion girls reacted. A week earlier, Sportmax had debuted a similar shoe. Since the shows, jazz-inspired silhouettes have been steadily cropping up everywhere. Try incorporating the silhouette into your 9-to-5 wardrobe—no dance lessons required.

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Larroudé

Malone Souliers

Loulou Studio

05 of 08

Wilder Than Ever

@schutz / Instagram

Sure, animal print shoes are by no means groundbreaking. But for 2026, the new styles on the market are chicer than ever, if you ask us. Zebra, cow, leopard, fawn … choose your fighter. Give this head-turning footwear the moment it deserves by keeping the rest of your look understated.

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& Other Stories

Schutz

Topshop

06 of 08

Peekaboo Shoe

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Since the rise of mesh flats, fashion people have fully embraced the peekaboo shoe. Not for the faint of heart, feet-baring mesh fabrics remain a major part of the fashion conversation, alongside clear and netted silhouettes. Sun’s out, toes out.

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Jessica Rich

Staud

Kendall Miles

07 of 08

V-Vamp

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Phoebe Philo arguably pioneered V-neck shoes (aka shoes with a V-shaped vamp), having incorporated the silhouette in Celine’s fall 2016 runway. More recently, Matthieu Blazy, Chanel’s newest creative director, tapped into the look for the fashion house’s Métiers d'Art 2026 show. Pair them with a V-neck sweater if you’re feeling extra playful.

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Mansur Gavriel

Tony Bianco

Chelsea Paris

08 of 08

Platform Flip-Flops

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If you’re a millennial, there’s a good chance you owned platform flip-flops in middle school, most likely from Limited Too (just us?). The silhouette has received the high-style treatment in 2026, offered in a range of price points and styles. Give every outfit a subtle lift with these sandals.

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Tory Burch

Mango

Melissa