I know, I know, you’re just starting to break out the UGGs for the snow, and you might even be looking to our winter shoe guide for inspiration, so your mind isn’t really in the place to start thinking about what shoe trends 2026 has up its. But the runways have already given us a preview of what’s ahead—and some of these styles are ready to wear now.
We’ve already broken down the fashion trends and bag trends to know for 2026—now let’s talk shoes. For 2026, that means practical materials like PVC that can handle real life, vintage-leaning shapes that feel familiar but refreshed, and silhouettes that balance comfort with a little bit of allure. From grounded T-strap shoes to more severe details like plunging V-neck vamps, these shoes are already shaping how we’ll get dressed next.
Transparent Shoes
Chloe Spring/Summer 2026
Loewe Spring/Summer 2026
PVC is the perfect material to brave the elements. Puddle-proof, sand and water resistant, and ready for whatever the weather throws at you—it’s practical, yes, but these iterations are more fabulous than functional. Think a modern glass slipper, but shatterproof.
Vintage Shapes
Versace Spring/Summer 2026
Chanel Spring/Summer 2026
Designers are pulling from ’50s silhouettes—think almond-shaped toes and materials like satin and patent—but polishing them to feel current. This style goes hand-in-hand with the Playing House trend we break down in our 2026 fashion trends guide.
T-Strap Heels
Ferragamo Spring/Summer 2026
McQueen Spring/Summer 2026
The T-strap is reclaiming its place as the sensible but sexy option. With your foot fully strapped in, these shoes are not only good-looking but sturdy enough to go the distance—no wonder dancers have been leaning on this silhouette onstage for decades.
V-Neck Vamps
Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2026
Stella McCartney Spring/Summer 2026
Much like a sweater, a plunging V makes its way down to your feet. This is where we say go bold—embrace the toe cleavage, add height to the heel, and lean into the drama. Cheeky and a little daring, these shoes are sure to turn heads.
Fresh Blooms
Dior Spring/Summer 2026
Proenza Schouler Spring/Summer 2026
Floral motifs were all over the spring/summer 2026 runways, from flower appliqués blooming at Jonathan Anderson’s debut Dior show to floral patterns at Fendi. Florals in fashion are nothing new, but these feel fresh—more sculptural and artful than your typical garden-variety print. And maybe it’s a wink to the upcoming release of The Devil Wears Prada 2, but the reference is clear—I’ll spare you the infamous quote!
Jessica (aka Jess) is a Senior Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan, working across both fashion market and styling for print stories, as well as digital fashion and commerce coverage. Prior to joining Cosmo, she worked in fashion at Vanity Fair. Jess lives in New York City and loves spotlighting emerging designers you might not have heard of yet—while also being an unabashedly devoted Love Island fan (dating back to Season 1 of Love Island UK, that’s how serious). See more of her work here, and follow her on Instagram if you love her.