7 Summer Sandal Trends Fashion Insiders Are Wearing Everywhere in 2026

We’re not waiting around for a music şenlik or a beach vacation to buy into the biggest summer sandal trends of 2026. After all, the best stuff tends to sell out early—and we’re ready to bust all our warm-weather essentials anyway. The vibe this year is sleek and chic: flip-flops in understated colors, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy–worthy mules, and sandals that are just as slim as our current favorite sneakers. Pick up our most coveted finds below to instantly elevate everything from jeans to floral dresses (and give yourself an excuse to book that pedicure). These are the summer sandal trends you’re about to see everywhere.

Our summer sandals wish list, at a glance

Rich-girl flip-flops

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Cushionaire Surf Flip-Flops

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$25 (38% off)

Amazon

Chic granny slides

Seychelles Good Hearted Slingback Sandals

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$129

Nordstrom

’90s thong sandals

Riekhany Kitten-Heel Sandals

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$55

Amazon

Extra-skinny straps

Quince Italian Leather Strappy Heels

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$68

Quince

Boho clogs

Splendid Quintana Sandals

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$119

Nordstrom

1. Rich-girl flip-flops

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Flip-flops underwent a huge glow-up last summer, graduating from a beachside afterthought to a genuine fashion statement. They’re officially back for another season—and you’ll still be an early adopter if you hop on the trend now. The key is mixing them in with more refined pieces, such as relaxed blazers, tailored trousers, and little black dresses, to lean into a high-low look. Nail your styling, and you can even get away with wearing flip-flops to work.

Styling tip: To make your flip-flops look as fancy as possible, stick to spare shades like black and brown; a little pop of red, à la Jennifer Lawrence, also works wonders.

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FJQNXGY Square-Toe Flip-Flops

$50

Amazon

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Free People Sona Thong Sandals

$68

Free People

2. Granny slides

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Grandmas are very much on the mood board this season; we want to steal everything from their jeans to their manicures. But perhaps the easiest (and most practical) way into the nonna-inspired look is granny sandals: flat leather slides, often complete with practical details like buckles and ankle straps. While they could be unremarkable, whimsical styling makes them feel fresh, not orthopedic. Don’t leave for your next warm-weather getaway without a pair in tow.

Styling tip: Throw on a statement skirt and chic sunnies to bring out the youthful side of these slide sandals. They also look great with understated tailoring, including roomy trousers.

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Amazon Essentials Flat Slide Sandals

$18

Amazon

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Birkenstock Madrid Big-Buckle Printed-Footbed Sandals

$155

Zappos

3. ’90s thong sandals

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One understated silhouette we’ve noticed everywhere recently is the humble thong kitten heel, which is synonymous with ’90s glamour. While they aren’t exactly walking sandals, they are absolutely ülkü for elevating a vacation outfit, dressing up linen pants, or helping you get through a sweltering outdoor wedding ceremony. It’s amazing how much a küçük heel can do to make flip-flops feel grown-up.

Styling tip: This silhouette is so minimalist that it’s a great fit for eye-catching patterns, colors, or details. While they might feel like too much elsewhere, zebra stripes or dainty bows are easy to try here.

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Fitory Sexy Kitten-Heel Thong Sandals

$28 (20% off)

Amazon

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Riekhany Kitten-Heel Sandals

$55

Amazon

4. Extra-skinny straps

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Strappy sandals will always have a place in our summer rotation—but this season’s top pairs stand out for their spaghetti-like straps. Gone is the chunky leather of years past. In its place are itty-bitty bands that still keep your flats or heels in place, just with less of a chance of awkward tan lines. The effect is charmingly chic (and, it must be said, perfect for a summer wedding or a Euro vacation).

Styling tip: Use these sandals as a chance to try your hand at the color-blocking trend. Pair coral shoes with butter-yellow shorts, or try cream kitten heels with black satin pants.

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Nine West Maizy Sandals

$50 (28% off)

Nordstrom

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Difema Square-Toe Ankle-Strap Flats

$36

Amazon

5. Crisscross heels

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As we’ll explore in a second, the ’90s are having a moment—call it the Love Story effect—and crisscross sandals fit right in. The heels, evvel worn by style luminaries like Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, are flirty, sophisticated, and a little sexy, meaning they’re perfect for a fancy brunch or a big night out. Pair them with satin pants to go full-on quiet-luxury, or try a simple miniskirt and a light cardigan for a date-night look.

Styling tip: Throw on stockings or sheer socks to add warmth and texture for chilly evenings; it’s a favorite styling hack among fashion people.

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Calvin Klein Skylor Sandals

$69 (30% off)

Amazon

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Marc Fisher LTD Tracey Sandals

$91

Amazon

6. Boho clogs

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Why not chop the toes off of your clogs this season? Chloé jump-started the trend, and brands like Simone Rocha and Zimmermann hopped on it during their spring-summer 2026 runways. The effect was pure bohemian style: Sandals as polished as they are free-spirited. There’s no need to overthink things here—just grab a flowy dress, a lace-trimmed skirt, or flared jeans, and you’ll be living the full boho fantasy.

Styling tip: For an easy ensemble with a bit of an edge, pair a lace midi and a funnel-neck jacket with your clogs. It’s equal parts boho and street-smart.

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Reformation Jordyn Clog Sandals

$278

Reformation

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H&M Wedge-Heeled Sandals

$55

H&M

7. Super-slim soles

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All of our footwear—sneakers, boots, flats, you name it—has slowly been shrinking its soles into near-oblivion for the past few seasons. And that trend has finally come for sandals, which are now as close to the ground as possible. No matter your preferred silhouette, from spaghetti-strap fisherman sandals to barely there flip-flops, look for a pair with virtually no soles to speak of this summer.

Styling tip: If you’re going to be walking a lot, choose a pair with an ankle strap. It’ll keep the footbed glued to the soles of your feet, minimizing drag and grime.

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Madewell Milano Fisherman Sandals

$138

Madewell

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Anonymous Keesha 10 Sandals

$315

Anonymous