Sandal trends for summer 2026

With the arrival of good weather comes the same question: which sandals deserve a spot in the wardrobe this season? The answer for 2026 is clear: the women's sandal that truly defines the season is the one that takes you through the whole day from a stroll around the city to dinner, from the working day to an event without forcing you to choose between style and comfort.

Versatility as the big trend

For years, sandals seemed to fall into two hard-to-reconcile categories: the eye-catching ones you could barely stand for a few hours and the comfortable ones that were rarely flattering. That line has blurred. In 2026 the key word is versatility: fine materials, well-designed lasts, stable soles and silhouettes that go with almost everything. Buying wisely means paying attention to the material, the fit, the height and, above all, how you're actually going to wear them. It's a less spectacular choice, but a much smarter one in the medium term.

Leather sandals: the basic that ages best

If you had to keep just one style, it would be this one. The flat leather sandal remains the smartest wardrobe staple: it doesn't depend on any passing fad and works equally well with a linen dress, jeans or wide-leg trousers. This season it comes slightly wider, with padded straps and bolder buckles. In natural tones it adds brightness without stealing the spotlight from the outfit. 

The backless sandal gains ground

One of the silhouettes growing most this season is the open-heel one. Halfway between a sandal and a clog, the backless version slips on and off effortlessly, lets your foot breathe and adds a laid-back vibe that works as well with jeans as with a midi dress. In suede and neutral tones it gets you through the whole day without sacrificing comfort, and its flat base makes it a very comfortable alternative to the strappy sandal when plans run late.

Cork, the star of the sole

Compared with synthetic bases, cork reasserts itself as the sole material of the season. Light, cushioned and natural to the touch, it absorbs every step and brings that warm texture so closely associated with the Mediterranean summer. Paired with a leather or fabric upper, it creates fresh, stable sandals that are comfortable on any surface and easy to match with the earthy palette that dominates the summer wardrobe. It's the ideal option for anyone looking for a little height and a steady step without resorting to heavy platforms.

Colours and materials of the season

The palette leans towards the natural: earth tones, brown, beige, sand, white and those sunny golds that flatter tanned skin. Animal print is establishing itself as a new neutral, able to blend into almost any outfit as long as the rest of the look stays simple. As for materials, authenticity wins: leather, nubuck, braided jute and natural fibres that breathe and age well. In the face of throwaway fashion, 2026 champions long-lasting footwear.

Getting it right rather than making an impression

The lesson of the season is simple. The most desirable sandal isn't the most extreme or the most repeated on social media, but the one that balances trend, comfort and versatility. A well-made, comfortable and flattering style will go with you all summer and come back the next. Before getting carried away by what's new, it's worth asking yourself three questions: will I really wear it? Will it last a full day? Does it go with what I already have? If the answer is yes in all three cases, it's the right choice.