The 2026 Sandal Trends Perfect For Older Women To Wear All Summer Long

For many years, older women have been gently guided to the frumpy sandal rack, as if that should be the go-to for footwear in warmer months. Thankfully, footwear designers agree that it's time to ditch the ugly orthotics in favor of trendier options that are still comfortable and sturdy enough to make us feel confident at any age. LA-based stylist and lifestyle expert Joseph Katz agrees. "One of the biggest sandal trends this summer is the continued move toward effortless comfort with elevated style," he tells us exclusively.

He says, "For women over 60, my advice is to embrace trends that balance style with wearability." After all, comfortable footwear is one of the things every woman in her 60s should have in her closet. And thankfully, there are plenty of options for summer 2026. That being said, yes, pieces like barefoot sandals and elevated flip-flops are on-trend right now, but they also have a timeless quality about them, so they can remain in the closet for winter-time tropical getaways and return next summer as well. "The best trends this season are the ones that combine comfort, versatility, and timeless appeal, making them easy to wear year after year while still feeling current," Katz confirms. The below styles fit that brief, without a clunky orthotic in sight.

A mule sandal is an open-toe, open-back style, which has many iterations, and all of them are on-trend for summer 2026. "Flat mules [continue] to be a standout because they're timeless, easy to wear, and versatile enough to pair with everything from linen trousers to midi dresses," Joseph Katz tells us in an exclusive interview. If you like wearing a shoe that gives you a bit more height, then a wedge-heel mule, like the Katz-approved Stuart Weitzman Vinnie Wedge Mule 85, offers more stability than a narrow, stiletto-style heel. Also, pencil-heeled mules are one of the heel trends that are incredibly outdated in 2026.

He adds that peep-toe sandals, which are in the mule family but with a narrower toe opening, are returning to the fore. He suggests wearing them with cropped bottoms, which can show off your trendy footwear beautifully: "I love pairing them with cropped trousers, a structured dress, or even lightweight suiting because they soften the formality while still looking refined." Again, if stability is a concern, opt for a flat or wedge heel.

While fashion has seen a shift this year away from quiet elegance to a more maximalist aesthetic, that doesn't necessarily mean every element of the outfit needs to scream at onlookers, and often a pared-back shoe will feel more appropriate for older women. Cue the minimalist, barefoot sandal. "We're seeing a shift toward minimalist 'barefoot' sandals with slim soles and clean, ergonomic silhouettes that allow the foot to look natural while still feeling polished," pro Joseph Katz explains. Basically, it should feel light, like you aren't wearing restrictive shoes, but also secure on the foot.

So how should you wear them? Katz recommends barefoot sandals with wide-leg linen trousers or cropped straight-leg denim. Midi skirts are also trending in 2026, especially ones with a fun fringe element at the hem, so the barefoot sandal will finish that look off with balance. "The contrast between the simplicity of the sandal and the elegance of the clothing creates an effortless, sophisticated look," Katz tells Glam exclusively. He recommends the Kate Leather Knot Sandals from Manebi, which come in black and tan. The tan shade is particularly versatile and light for summertime.

If you have preconceived notions about thong sandals as beachwear, we ask you to consider them again. After all, flip-flops don't have to look lazy and can be dressed up for summer. As stylist Joseph Katz explains in our exclusive chat, "Modern flip-flops are being styled in a much more sophisticated way — think tailored separates instead of beachwear." He adds that "elevated leather flip-flops can be styled with tailored shorts, an oversized blazer, or a monochromatic linen set for a look that feels relaxed yet polished."

We suggest avoiding cheap plastic flip-flops that can wreak havoc on your feet, which is a no-no past a certain age. Make this a fashion moment that also feels lovely on your tootsies. Katz loves the splurge-worthy Alaïa Flat Jewel Sandals in Patent Leather, since the gemstone at the toe oozes glamour and proves that you don't need a heel to have statement-making footwear. For a casual take on the trend, Katz recommends the FitFlop Gracie style, which retails for under $100 at the time of writing, and is designed for comfort and support, making it a solid everyday option for all ages this summer.

According to our expert Joseph Katz, feminine touches that are found on footwear — think soft ruffles or sculptural details — are in right now. If you're feeling inspired by the adventurous celeb outfits that prove older women can have so much fashion fun, then this 2026 sandal trend is up your alley. You can combine this trend with the ones listed above. For example, look for barefoot sandals with textural rope detailing, or flip-flop sandals with beaded straps, or Katz's pick, the Kate Spade Flourish Heeled Sandals with rosette detail, which shoppers called both comfortable and compliment-getters.

These outgoing styles with statement details are perfect accompaniments to understated summertime outfits, like simple slip dresses or monochromatic linen outfits. "If you're wearing sandals with statement details like ruffles or sculptural accents, let them be the focal point," Katz recommends exclusively for Glam. "Pair them with clean, streamlined silhouettes, such as a simple slip dress or an understated monochromatic outfit, so the footwear adds interest without competing with the rest of the look."