TREND & NEW SEASON

Summer Sandals to Have Right Now: the Must-Haves from Day to Night

06/18/2026

With the arrival of the warmer season, few types of footwear can accompany summer days as effortlessly as a pair of sandals. Lightweight, versatile, and increasingly central to outfit building, sandals are no longer simply a functional accessory, but they have become a key element capable of defining an entire look.

From urban-inspired flip-flops to artisanal woven designs and jeweled details, this summer's sandals reflect a search for balance between quality, functionality, and personality, adapting naturally to every moment of the day, from morning through evening.

Summer 2026 Sandal Trends to Know

Runways and collections from leading brands have highlighted a return to a more relaxed femininity, where luxury is expressed through balanced proportions, refined craftsmanship, and increasingly sophisticated materials.

Flip-Flops Take Over the City

One of the season's most interesting trends is undoubtedly the return of the flip-flop. No longer reserved for vacations or beach days, it has been reimagined with slim straps, soft leathers, and low heels that make it perfectly suited for urban settings as well.

Versions created by brands such as Toteme, Aeyde, and Stuart Weitzman have helped solidify this trend, transforming a style traditionally associated with leisure into a staple of the contemporary wardrobe.

Woven Designs and Artisanal Craftsmanship

Braided leather, handcrafted details, and natural textures continue to play a central role in summer collections. This trend is expressed through a variety of interpretations, from the iconic woven designs of Bottega Veneta to raffia craftsmanship that celebrates artisanal expertise and Italy's long-standing manufacturing tradition, hallmarks of the footwear industry.

Woven styles easily complement both relaxed looks and more sophisticated outfits while maintaining a visual lightness that makes them especially versatile throughout the season.

The Return of the Mules

Among the styles that continue to secure an important place in the summer wardrobe are mules, now reinterpreted with a modern approach focused on clean lines and versatility.

Open at the heel and available in both flat and mid-heel versions, they perfectly embody the sense of lightness and simplicity that runs through many of this season's collections.

Sandals to Wear During the Day

For daytime, the season's most appealing styles focus on simplicity and comfort. The standout pieces dominating the summer wardrobe include:

Flat sandals: They continue to hold a central place thanks to their ability to suit a variety of occasions, from days in the city to weekend getaways.

Thin-strap sandals: In natural shades such as butter, tan, and sand, they remain among the season's most popular styles. Worn with linen dresses or long skirts, they help create balanced, contemporary looks.

Gladiator sandals: the laces become discreet, and the result appears less linked to the boho aesthetic of past years, integrating naturally into the seasonal wardrobe.

Evening Sandals: Precious Details and Contemporary Character

As the day turns into evening, the sandal takes on a different role and often becomes the defining element of an entire outfit. Evening styles explore this dimension through luminous details, luxurious materials, and distinctive craftsmanship.

Among the standout designs are jeweled sandals, embellished with crystals, sparkling applications, and metallic finishes. Long associated with ceremonies, evening events, and special occasions, they remain an essential presence in the evening wardrobe. Designs from René Caovilla, Aquazzura, and Jimmy Choo demonstrate how these styles continue to evolve season after season while retaining their timeless appeal.

Alongside these more glamorous options are mules and mid-heel sandals, reinterpreted by brands such as Gianvito Rossi, Amina Muaddi, and Jacquemus through clean lines, geometric heels, and carefully considered proportions. Styles in which aesthetic research and wearability coexist naturally.

The Season's Key Materials and Colors

Leather, suede, raffia, and woven textures define much of the collections dedicated to summer thanks to their ability to combine lightness, quality, and versatility.

As with clothing, nature-inspired shades dominate the color palette: cream, sand, tan, and hazelnut remain the most prevalent tones, accompanied by accents of burgundy, olive green, and pastel yellow.

From flip-flops worn in the city to styles designed for special occasions, the Spring/Summer 2026 collections demonstrate how even the most essential footwear can become the defining element of a look.