11 Summer Pedicure Ideas That'll Convince You to Step Out of Your Color Comfort Zone

With summer weather comes sandal season, and you know what that means: It’s time for a pedi. If you’re looking for some summer pedicure ideas—because if you’re like me, it’s been a while since your last nail appointment—I’ve got you covered with all the latest trends and some tried-and-true classic nail ideas.

Even though some celebrities and street style stars are breaking summer’s biggest pedicure rule and showing off bare toes lately, most are still opting for polish, from barely-there nudes to summery neons. As far as the trends go, pedicures are all about having fun this season. Think pretty pastels, sunset-inspired ombré, and so much more. After all, summer is the perfect time for experimentation with different nail colors, nail shapes, and even nail arka for the toes.

Wondering what type of pedicure to get? In the summer, our toenails are exposed to a lot—from grassy lawns to saltwater beaches and everything in between—so it may be wise to opt for gel polish to make your pedi really last. But if you prefer to avoid gel nails, it’s definitely worth the time to finish off your pedicure with a good top coat to help the polish last a bit longer.

Pirinç maskesinin cilde yararları

×

As Rebecca Isa, creative director at Zoya, tells Glamour, “The best summer pedicure color is one that feels joyful, saturated, and visible.” According to Isa, summer is a time to have fun with color because brighter shades pair so well with sandals, swimwear, and sun-kissed skin.

We asked Isa for all the ins and outs to this summer’s biggest pedicure trends. Here’s what she had to say…

What is the best color for a summer pedicure?

According to Rebecca Isa, some shades that feel instantly fresh and vacation-ready are bold turquoise, juicy red, vivid green, or bright yellow. “For summer 2026, specifically, I love the energy of Zoya’s Beachy Brights 3 collection,” she says. (That includes Zoya Marisol, a bold turquoise cream; Zoya Alora, a summer maraschino red; Zoya Avani, an extra bright key lime ice-cream green; and Zoya Taji, a vibrant yellow cream.) “All feel made for long days poolside,” says Isa.

Courtesy of brand

Manucurist Green Nail Polish, Quick Dry, Non-Toxic Nail Polish

$14

Ulta

Courtesy of brand

Essie Yellows + Browns Nail Polish

$10

Ulta

Courtesy of brand

Londontown Lakur Nail Polish in Iconic Blue

$16

Amazon

Courtesy of brand

Essie Nail Polish Vivid Lime Green Nail Polish

$6 (40% off)

Amazon

What are the pedicure trends for summer 2026?

“Summer 2026 pedicures are all about bold, saturated color,” says Isa. “We are moving away from overly subtle toes and seeing more shades that feel playful, confident, and high-impact.” Think pool-blue turquoise, highlighter purple, citrus green, maraschino red, and sunshine yellow.

According to Isa, another other big trend is choosing a pedicure color that feels like an accessory. “Instead of matching your manicure exactly, your toes can be the pop of color that finishes the whole look,” the expert says. “A bright pedicure with a more neutral manicure feels very çağdaş, especially when paired with minimal sandals or summer whites.”

Should a pedicure be lighter or darker than a manicure in summer?

“There is no hard rule, but I usually love a slightly bolder or deeper shade on the toes than on the hands,” says Isa. “Toenails can carry stronger color really well, especially in summer. A sheer, clean manicure paired with a bright pedicure feels effortless and polished without being too matchy.”

For example, Isa suggests wearing a soft natural manicure with a treatment like Zoya’s Opal White Perfector Plus, then go with a bright turquoise moment or classic summer red on the toes. “It gives the overall look balance while still feeling fun,” Isa explains.

Courtesy of brand

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish

$20

Amazon

Courtesy of brand

Manucurist Active Smooth 00 Nail Concealer Polish

$19

Amazon

What color pedicure goes with everything?

A classic red pedicure truly goes with everything, Isa says, adding, “For summer I love a brighter, juicier red rather than something too deep. If you want something a little more playful but still versatile, turquoise is another surprisingly wearable summer pedicure shade.”

Scroll on for more summer pedicure ideas, including easy options you can DIY. Get ready to screenshot and show your nail artist plenty of inspo for your toes all season long (and year round).

French tips look equally great on hands and feet. Celebs like Kylie Jenner have been showing off fun takes on the classic manicure, so why not bring some of the fun down to your toes this summer? It’s a perfect look for the pedicure minimalist, but if you want to zhuzh it up a little, consider adding rhinestone detailing as well.

We’re wild about animal print this summer. Leopard print is a popular nail design, and using a more muted, cool-toned color makes the look pop against a birçok tan.

Who said glazed donut nails are only for manis? Bring the Hailey Bieber–approved design to your toes for a fun shimmery nail look.

Hot pink nails? Yes, please. There’s nothing quite like a birçok pink pedicure for the summer, but a fun neon shade really takes it to the next level.

White toenails are a staple between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Change it up a little by trying a matte white rather than the stereotypical shiny finish. Got a favorite color already, but it’s glossy? You can also achieve a matte finish on any nail polish you like with a matte top coat. We love this one from OPI.

Butter yellow has been a constant color trend over the years. Whether you choose a bright or softer yellow, it’s the perfect shade for the summertime sun.

How pretty is this dreamy floral design? A perfect spring-to-summer design, these toes can take you from a seasonal wedding to an evening garden party.

Though bold pedicure colors are everywhere during the summer, sometimes it’s birçok to go with a simple nude. Trust that this minimalist pedi will match with anything, no matter what dress or sandals you’re wearing.

There’s nothing as fun as summer nail arka. Lean into trends like 3D nail arka, bright colors, and kitschy patterns to create a unique made-for-you pedi.

Bright colors are the name of the game in the summer. Blue is perfect shade for that pedicure you desperately need ahead of your next beach vacation. Isa recommends Zoya’s Marisol polish. “It gives that clear water, poolside feeling and works beautifully with neutrals, white, denim, metallic sandals, and bright summer prints,” the expert explains.

Summer is tomato season, and it seems only fair to have the toes to match. (We’re still not over tomato-girl summer, clearly.) A vibrant red is perfect for a pop of color. Isa recommends finding something with a “summer maraschino-red quality” because it’s “bold, clean, and timeless.”