7 Sandal Trends Every Fashion Person Will Wear in Summer

Spring has just started here in the UK, and although we’re very much still feeling the cold weather, I’m determined to get the most out of sandal season this year. So, of course, this means that I already have my eyes on the trending sandal styles that I’ll be investing in as early as possible.

My first port of call? The runway, of course, and the spring/summer 2026 shows were filled with a myriad of different sandal styles that are set to dominate the upcoming season. You’ll be pleased to know that there’s something to suit everyone this season, from the barely-there minimalist styles that those of us with a pared-back sense of style will love, to playful jelly iterations for the bolder dressers out there. And after hours of scrolling through the look books of my favourite designers, I’ve narrowed my attention down to the seven standout sandal trends that everyone will be wearing this summer.

Keep scrolling to discover the seven sandal trends set to dominate summer 2026.

7 Sandal Trends Every Fashion Person Will Wear in Summer

1. Snakeskin

(Image credit: Mugler, Avant Toi Spring/Summer 2026/Launchmetrics Spotlight)

Style Notes: Over the past two years, we’ve seen leopard, cow and even deer print take over the footwear market. However, for 2026, fashion people have their eyes set on a classic pattern that both minimalists and maximalists can get behind. Enter the snakeskin sandals. With a pattern that’s bold enough to add interest to an outfit, but a colour palette that still remains muted and versatile, I have a feeling that we’ll be seeing snakeskin sandals everywhere this summer

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2. Barely-There

(Image credit: Ujoh, Tove Spring/Summer 2026/Launchmetrics Spotlight)

Style Notes: If you’re a pared-back dresser, then you’ll be pleased to know that minimalist, barely-there sandals are trending again for summer 2026. Timeless, easy to style and effortlessly elegant, you cannot go wrong with investing in a pair of minimal sandals to keep in your wardrobe for years to come. But the best part? This inherently polished summer shoe style looks expensive at every price point, meaning there’s something to suit each and every budget this season.

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3. Jelly

(Image credit: Susan Fang, Simone Rocha Spring/Summer 2026/Launchmetrics Spotlight)

Style Notes: From Caroline Bessette-Kennedy’s outfits to the chic makeup trends that are making a comeback, it’s clear that 2026 is the year of the ‘90s fashion revival. However, one trend that I did not expect to kick off this season was jelly sandals. Reminiscent of the playful shoe styles that dominated the late ‘90s and early 00’s, jelly sandals are back, but now, in much more wearable, clear iterations that lend themselves to easy styling.

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4. Wedge Flip-Flops

(Image credit: Zimmermann, Kate Barton Spring/Summer 2026/Launchmetrics Spotlight)

Style Notes: If you’re a regular reader of Who What Wear, then you’ll know that we love a flip-flop in summer. But for spring 2026, this timeless sandal style is getting an elevated update in the form of wedge heels. Much more suited to formal occasions than your classic flip-flops, I’ll be reaching for this chic sandal trend for each and every summer outing.

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5. Buckle Details

(Image credit: Cynthia Rowley, Ferrari Spring/Summer 2026/Launchmetrics Spotlight)

Style Notes: You don’t always need a high heel or bold colour to add interest to your shoe collection. Sometimes, it all lies in the finer details, and for summer 2026, buckle embellishments dominated the luxury runways. This simple but elevated feature is an easy way to make your outfits feel just that little bit cooler, but also remains well within the comfort zones of minimalists like myself.