Longing for sunshine: shoe trends for summer 2026
On cold winter days, summer seems almost unattainable, but nothing could be further from the truth. While we wait for warmer temperatures, we'll guide you through the shoe trends for summer 2026. And it promises to be elegant, sensual, and a touch nostalgic!
Your ideal summershoes
After years of utilitarian and sporty silhouettes, SS26 footwear fashion is bringing femininity back into our wardrobes. No bold statements, just refined details. Ready to brighten up your outfits with boat shoes, wedge heels and sneakerinas?
Soft comeback for heels
Ultraflats and chunky platforms have been the shoes of choice lately, but this year marks a turnaround. One of the most important shoe trends for spring/summer 2026 is the return of the heel. Low, refined and wearable. So don't expect towering drama, but rather slingbacks and kitten heels that add a feminine touch to even the most minimalist outfit For example the Prada slingback in mesh. The heel of 2026 is modern, light and perfectly suited to busy summer days that effortlessly flow into lovely evenings on the terrace. Will you go for silver, mesh or perhaps retro?
Sporty chic with sneakerinas & retro trainers
Sneakers remain a staple, but with a softer and more fashionable look. The sneakerina, as the name suggests, is a combination of ballerina flats and sneakers and promises to be a must-have for every fashionista. The flexible and surprisingly elegant sneakerina can be found at Chloé Kick, Gianvito Rossi and Miu Miu, among others.
Vintage sportswear is the inspiration for retro trainers for women. Think rounded toes, subtle colours and a nostalgic look. The Gymnasium trainer from Miu Miu is a popular choice or the Miu Miu collab New Balance, but Prada and Dries Van Noten also offer retro trainers for women. These shoes can be perfectly combined with modern tailoring.
Wedge heels and flatforms 2.0
Wedge heels are back, and how! The new generation of wedge heels is sculptural and refined. Designers such as Dries Van Noten and Prada pay attention to proportion and material, which guarantees a stylish look. For example the Prada wedge sandals
Platforms have been popular in summer collections for a while, but in 2026 they are a lot softer and more refined than their chunky predecessors. Prada's sandals, for example, excel in elegance. Another reason to choose platforms or wedge heels this summer: they give you height without compromising on comfort!
Fashionable preppy with boat shoes
Unexpectedly, one of the striking shoe trends for summer 2026 is boat shoes. Fashion houses such as Miu Miu and Gianvito Rossi are offering a new interpretation of the classic silhouette: boat shoes made from luxurious leather in modern colours and with fine details. These preppy chic boat shoes are perfect for giving your summer city looks a contemporary twist. For example the Gianvito Rossi Vandeé.
Effortless without a heel
Step in and go: flat shoes are the symbol of casual elegance. They combine the comfort of slippers with the look of classic shoes. Bottega Veneta brings us the sophisticated Astaire Loafers without heels and the Rosa Mary Jane, while Dries Van Noten gives trainers an effortlessly modern look.
Prat on flat classics
Ballerina flats and loafers remain staples. New materials, soft shapes and modern details give them a contemporary look. For example the Prada crochet ballerina.Thanks to their timeless appeal, they form the basis of a versatile summer wardrobe.
Clash of materials
The SS26 shoe fashion stands out not only in terms of design, but also in terms of materials such as used leather and mesh.
Used leather: imperfection as luxury
Perfection is no longer the highest good; used leather gives shoes extra character. At Prada in particular, we see leather that looks deliberately weathered, as if the shoes already cherish a summer full of memories. For example the Prada pumps and loafers in vintage leather.
Light mesh in ballerinas and more
Mesh will remain popular for summer shoes in 2026. The material feels airy, looks modern and gives shoes a subtle, sensual look. Miu Miu and Dear Frances create mesh ballerina flats, Jacquemus uses the material in trainers, and at Prada and Gianvito Rossi we see mesh pumps for example the Gianvito Rossi Nikki. The minimalist material makes a visual statement. Technical and surprisingly chic, just the way we like it.
Re-editions of fashion icons
Nostalgia reigns supreme in the shoe trends for summer 2026. Fashion houses are deliberately looking back and bringing back beloved archive pieces that once defined the fashion scene. A trend close to our hearts!
Prada Montecarlo re-edition 2005
These elegant and sleek retro trainers for women symbolise this season's rediscovered femininity. Originally intended for sports, today they are styled with dresses and tailoring.
Chloé Susanna flats
These iconic flats are loved for their bohemian character and subtle attitude. Less rock “n” roll, more romantic freedom, without compromising on character.
Your favourite shoe fashion for SS26 at Sevens
The shoe trends for summer 2026 are all about balance. The balance between feminine and functional, between classic and innovative. From low heels to sneakerinas and from heel-less loafers to boat shoes... they invite you to slow down, stroll and enjoy fashion!
Of course, we are happy to share in that pleasure and advise you on your ideal pair from the SS26 shoe fashion collection. Visit our shop in Ghent or take a look online.
Translated with deepl