Warm-Weather Shoe Trends You Won't Be Able To Avoid For Spring/Summer 2026

If you're keen on keeping up with trends, you'll know that basic ballet flats and bulky block heels are outdated shoe trends to ditch in 2026. As we lean into the warmer months of the new year, the heavy shoe silhouettes of the previous years are being replaced by a much more sleek, lightweight aesthetic.

To find out what warm-weather shoes will be impossible to avoid in spring/summer 2026, Glam spoke exclusively to Upasna Singh, a stylist and the founder and creative director of U-GLAM NYC. Singh says this season is all about shoes with the "right balance" that "incorporate ease and personality as well as a bit of design tension." That's right — gone are the days of having to choose between whether you want to look stylish or be comfortable. "Soft shapes, lower heels, and versatile sandals along with flat styles are winning along with embellished clear heels and wedge styles which satisfy the request for modern edgy styles," she adds.

According to Singh, we are moving away from overly complex, heavy designs and opting for footwear that feels fresh and contemporary. The stylist makes it clear that spring/summer 2026 is all about "shoes that are expressive and easy to wear in day to day lives." So, if you've been scrolling endlessly on social media platforms, unsure of which shoes you'll need to consider adding to your wardrobe for spring/summer 2026, we've rounded up the top styles that are actually worth the investment. 

In our exclusive chat, Upasna Singh explains that bold footwear is the driving force behind spring/summer 2026. A part of that trend is flower-embellished sandals — because what could be more expressive that 3D architectural accents that turn your feet into a literal work of art? 

This might be a hot take, but flowers for spring and summer will always be groundbreaking. Anything floral is such a classic way to add personality and color to an outfit during any season. Brands like Cult Gaia and Christian Dior are adding beautiful vivid blooms to their warm-weather footwear and it proves comfortable never has to mean boring. Singh says shoes with embellishments are "good fashion investments as they will refresh basic summer outfits." 

"I'd recommend choosing one statement pair and keeping everything else in the outfit minimal, as that's what makes these trends feel modern rather than dated," she notes. Our favorite shoe from this trend? The Genevieve Red/Green Moiré Flower Sandal from Loeffler Randall. The vibrant texture of the design lets the "basic outfit feel more polished," according to our expert. Whether you want flat sandals or a version with kitten heels, just imagine how perfect your summer outfit would be if you styled floral sandals like the ones from Loeffler Randall with a crisp, white linen shirtdress.

While ballerina flats will always remain timeless, they don't really have the most personality. And remember, according to Upasna Singh, spring/summer 2026 is all about footwear that makes a statement. If you've been looking for shoe options that will inject some personality into your outfits, jazz flats might be the warm-weather shoe for you in 2026. 

"In the spring/summer collection of 2026, I am witnessing a clear division between highly polished, practical shoes, and, expressive, statement footwear," Singh explains exclusively to Glam. On the practical side of that divide, the stylist notes there's a major "momentum around ... refined ballet/jazz flats." Brands like Celine, Ganni, and Miu Miu have all showcased their very own versions of jazz flats, highlighting that the "comfort-based approach" our expert has highlighted is the ultimate showstopper for the upcoming season.

For a casual day out, jazz flats will look amazing when paired with your favorite straight jean and lightweight sweater look. Add some colored socks to the mix for extra personality. These shoes are also perfect for office days; just throw them on with a midi skirt and cardigan, and you're set. 

During our exclusive conversation with Upasna Singh, we were floored to hear gladiator sandals have officially shed their reputation of being outdated and returned just in time for spring/summer 2026. Fashion houses like Michael Kors, Prada, and Celine are proving that the tend has undergone a full reinvention. 

While more minimal sandals will always have a place for those aiming for a classic look, Singh notes that "a sleek gladiator style sandal" is perfect for 2026, since it's "good for dressing up for the weather." If you're going out for the evening and just not thrilled about wearing heels, flat gladiator sandals are the perfect alternative. They give an outfit that main character energy and modern edge without sacrificing too much comfort.

If you love the idea of gladiator sandals, make sure you take our expert's advice about styling expressive shoes and keep other elements of your outfit simple and refined. This will allow the caged silhouette to easily take center stage. 

People either love them or hate them, but wedges are a shoe trend that has bounced back from outdated to old favorites. You'll find wedge sandals, wedge boots, and even wedge sneakers, but for spring/summer 2026, the wedge mule is the contemporary shoe your wardrobe needs for a refresh. Wedge mules will give your warm-weather outfits that refined stylish touch and just enough height to keep your feet comfortable.

Upasna Singh tells Glam exclusively that wedge mules are one of the shoes that are super "personality-driven" and offer a fresh perspective in an industry that is currently leaning toward practicality. She recommends wedge mules over stilettos, which are heel trends that are incredibly outdated in 2026, as they're shoes that offer "more comfort and less stiffness."

If you're a big fan of wedged shoes, but unsure where to start looking when it comes to wedge mules, just take a look at Khaite's Colt Wedge. They're perfectly sleek and clean-lined, and while you don't have to drop a thousand dollars to get the chic look, they serve as the perfect blueprint for what makes a wedge mule feel contemporary.

The two specific shoes we introduced in this article were selected because they were the perfect examples of the 2026 trends highlighted by our expert. The Khaite Colt Wedge was chosen as an anchor to the wedge mule trend and because it's the ultimate solution for readers looking to find a comfier alternative to killer heels like stilettos. 

As soon as we laid eyes on the Genevieve Red/Green Moiré Flower Sandal from Loeffler Randall during our research of flower-embellished sandals, we knew this shoe deserved our readers' attention. Not only are the sandals simply stunning, but they also perfectly embodies the "expressive" side of warm-weather shoes for spring/summer 2026 that Upasna Singh mentioned in our exclusive chat.