7 Shoe Trends That Will Dominate in 2026

Please do not buy another pair of shoes until you read this entire article, because I don’t want you wasting money on shoes that are going to be out of style in 2026.

That’s why I’m sharing seven shoe trends that will dominate this year. They’re all very stylish, and I’ll also explain how you can wear them in real life.

Make sure you read all the way through, because the last shoe trend is one I personally don’t love and will be skipping. 

1. Adidas Sambas

Adidas Sambas have been on trend for a while and are absolutely still going strong in 2026. I’m a big fan, even though it took me a while to warm up to them.

Once I saw other women my age wearing them, I gave them a try—and now I’m obsessed. They’re stylish and insanely comfortable.

Silver Sambas are especially big, since silver over gold is a major 2026 trend. I styled mine with gray Zara jeans, a gray turtleneck, and a faux fur jacket. Faux fur jackets are one of the biggest trends this year, and they instantly make any outfit feel luxe.

I also love the gray snakeskin Sambas, which feel chic and elevated. I paired those with viral Aritzia pants, a matching navy bodysuit, a Madewell bomber jacket, and a Quince cashmere scarf for a polished, comfortable, and travel-ready look.

2. Slim Sneakers

Slim sneakers are another big trend for 2026. They feel polished, sophisticated, and much classier than bulky sneakers—while still being very comfortable.

One of my favorite pairs is by Veronica Beard from Nordstrom Rack. They come in multiple colors and even have faux laces, which is always a plus.

I styled them with Halara sweatpant jeans that look like wide-leg denim but feel like pajamas. They’re under $50 and incredibly comfortable. I paired them with a Halara 3-in-1 jacket that can be worn together or separately. 

3. Pointy Toe Mules

Pointy toe mules are hot in 2026, and I personally prefer them over round toe styles because they make your legs look longer and slimmer.

One of my favorite pairs is by Jeffrey Campbell. They’re pony hair mules that look very designer, and even with a three-and-a-half-inch heel, they’re still comfortable.

I styled them with a Levi’s blue denim bomber jacket, a brown bodysuit, and Mother Hustler high-waisted wide-leg jeans with a floor-skimming hem.

Another favorite pair of pointy toe mules was my number one selling heel in 2025. They’re budget-friendly, insanely comfortable, and feature mesh detailing. I wear them constantly and styled them with Silver Lake jeans, a Quince cashmere hoodie, and a Quince leather bomber jacket.

4. Kitten Heels

Kitten heels are back and thriving in 2026, and I couldn’t be happier that sky-high stilettos are out. Kitten heels are more comfortable and still elevate any outfit. I love these black and clear kitten heels with a two-inch heel and a pointy toe that elongates the legs.

I paired them with viral Aritzia jeans. I ordered two sizes and kept the larger one because denim in 2026 is worn looser and more effortless. If you’re between sizes, sizing up is a good idea. I finished the look with a navy cropped bomber jacket from Nordstrom.

5. Silver Shoes

Silver shoes are a must-have in 2026. Whether it’s silver Sambas or silver heels, they instantly modernize your wardrobe. I chose silver open-toe heels from Revolve with a three-and-a-half to four-inch heel. These are my go-to date night or evening-out heels and are surprisingly comfortable.

I styled them with cream wide-leg jeans, a baby blue gathered top from Aritzia, and a cropped faux fur jacket. Ivory jeans are also very on trend this year and do a great job of making outfits feel fresh and elevated.

6. Slingbacks

Slingbacks were popular in 2025 and are holding strong in 2026. They’re classy, elegant, and comfortable—especially with a three-inch heel. I love these Jimmy Choo dark cherry burgundy slingbacks with a pointy toe and wearable heel height.

I paired them with Agolde ankle-length pinch-waist jeans and a burgundy cardigan from Good American that’s both stylish and comfortable.

7. Loafers (The One I’m Skipping)

The final trend is loafers—and this is the one I’ll be skipping. I know loafers are stylish and look great on many women, but I personally don’t feel like myself in them.

If you ever put something on and it doesn’t feel authentic to you, even if it’s on trend, don’t wear it. When I wear loafers, I just want to change into heels or sneakers. I’m simply not a loafer girl.

Final Thoughts

Leave a comment and let me know your favorite shoe trend for 2026 and what you’re most excited to wear.

For more style inspiration, check out my post on 5 Denim Trends That Age You Up to 10 Years & What to Wear Instead.