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Photo Courtesy of Anthropologie
Let’s be honest: your shoes are often the most hardworking part of your outfit—and 2026 is doubling down on that energy.
The runways were less about fantasy footwear and more about “I could actually live in those” designs, without sacrificing that little thrill that happens when you put on a great pair.
The standout message? Refined nostalgia. Designers revisited archival shapes—T-straps, almond-toe pumps, ballet flats—and reimagined them with modern proportions and glossy finishes. Instead of dainty, these styles feel grounded and confident. Severe V-shaped vamps lengthen the leg, while block heels are getting sleeker and taller, but still wearable from desk to dinner.
Expect PVC and patent moments too, but less club kid and more polished practicality. Rain? Sidewalk slush? Commuter chaos? These pairs are built to survive it all. Even sneakers are getting dressed up with slender silhouettes and luxe materials that pair as easily with trousers as they do with minis.
Bottom line: 2026 footwear wants you to move, flirt, commute, party, and live—without needing a backup pair in your tote.
Transparent Shoes
DREAM PAIRS Women's Open Toe Low Block Chunky Heel
Seen in Loewe's and Chloe's 2026 Spring/Summer collections, PVC is so in. The material that does not care about puddles, sand, spills, or whatever chaos the forecast is serving. These heels pair with everything and look just as good at dinner as they do dodging raindrops.
Jeffrey Campbell Fixed Split Toe Jelly Flat
Yes, PVC shoes are useful, but they’re also unapologetically fabulous. It’s giving modern glass slipper vibes, but make it shatterproof and flat-friendly for heel skeptics.
Cape Robbin Women's Pointed Toe Clear Heels
For anyone who wants a timeless heel that still feels current, consider your search over. And yes, the upkeep is basically zero thanks to its easy-to-clean surface.
Vintage Shapes
Dolce Vita Umara Heels Light Blue Satin
As seen in Versace and Chanel's Spring/Summer 2026 collections, it's clear designers are taking inspiration from '50s silhouettes. Taking materials like satin and transforming them into more wearable designs, like this Dolce Vita version, is exactly the type of shoe trend you'll start to see everywhere.
JENN ARDOR Slingback Heels
Almond-shaped toes mixed with touches of patent leather have also been seen on the runway, and we're loving this Jenn Ardor vintage-inspired heel. Think of it as a 'playing house' trend, which plays into the retro homemaker fantasy but with a more campy take.
V-Neck Vamps
Coutgo Women's Low Kitten Heel Pointed Toe Slingback Pump
Much like your favorite sweater, the plunging V-neck is officially moving down to your feet, as seen on the Balenciaga and Stella McCartney Spring/Summer 2026 collections. This is your sign to go bold and let your shoes do the talking.
Old Navy Faux-Suede V-Cut Ballet Flats
Show a hint of toe, go sky-high, or stay sleek and flat with an Old Navy moment. Your choice, but commit to the drama. Flirty and bold, these shoes are total attention magnets.
Fresh Blooms
Circus NY by Sam Edelman Aria Flower Block Heels
According to Dior's and Proenza's Spring/Summer 2026 collections, florals dominated the spring/summer 2026 runways, appearing as full-on 3D blooms at Dior and lush patterns at Fendi. Translation: your footwear is about to get very botanical. We recommend starting with this gorgeous pair.
Coutgo Womens Slingback Flower Kitten Heels
Florals have always been a staple, but 2026 is giving us bold, sculptural takes like this Coutgo version that feel more like art than decoration. And yes, there’s a sly nod to The Devil Wears Prada 2—but I’ll spare you the infamous line.
T-Strap Heels
Franco Sarto Ovett Pointed Toe T-Strap Pump
Take it from Ferragamo's and McQueen's Spring/Summer 2026 collections, the T-strap is officially back and reclaiming its crown from the sultry yet chic pump option. Add a daring pattern like this Franco Sarto gem, and you'll have your next go-to shoe for going out.
Madewell The Maycie Lace-Up T-Strap Sandal in Suede
Fully strapped and totally secure, these Madewell shoes are as durable as they are chic. It’s easy to see why dancers have leaned on this silhouette onstage for generations.
Looking for more trends to shop? Add a pop of red to your outfit!
How We Choose
The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
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