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Evening Standard

Lifestyle

Jessica Burrell

Boots away! Welcome to the big spring shoe switch-up of 2026

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy Manolo Blahnik Reformation Cos Dior Mango Vivaia

It might be time to book a pedicure, or invest in some chic sheer socks (the name to know is Tabio). Spring is now officially in the air — and with it, a slew of new footwear options. It’s a truth annually acknowledged that as soon as you get your autumn/winter shoe game sorted, the sun comes out and renders those painstakingly selected square-toe boots redundant.

Don’t be dismayed; there are all manner of new styles and catwalk-inspired trends out there to put the proverbial spring in your step. Plenty of these can be found on the high street, where footwear is going from strength to strength at key players including Cos and M&S, as well as smaller names to know such as Essen the Label, Ancient Greek Sandals and Dear Frances.

But what are the key trends and silhouettes defining the season? Expect trainers to get sleeker, pumps to get snugger and a touch of whimsy (Jonathan Anderson’s Dior — need we say more?) to be added to just about everything. Here are the five styles to know if you’re ready for the big spring shoe switch-up.

Glove pumps

Whether heels, flats or something in between, closer-fitting styles that cover more of the foot than classic court shoes are must-buys, especially in glossy patent leather or buttery suede. For proof, see Matthieu Blazy’s second skin pumps and reinterpretation of Chanel’s two-tone signature (the best to buy now take their cues from these with squared-off toes), or the classic minimalism reasserted at Khaite and Toteme. Another strong reference point is the shiny black Phoebe Philo pair Kendall Jenner wore repeatedly at Milan Fashion Week (Reformation’s vampy Inez pumps are a good alternative, so join the waiting list now).

“It’s clear that shoes have become more form-fitting in flats, and we’re seeing this translate to heels too,” says Marre Muijs, founder and creative director of Essen the Label. “Glove pumps are a new silhouette we’re seeing redefine traditional heels with a sock-like fit that sculpts the foot’s natural contour with architectural precision and understated sensuality.” The good news is this style feels considerably more supportive than fiddly slingbacks or slippery mules and less exposing than mesh flats or braided styles. They’re ideal for elevating jeans or tailoring without feeling overdressed. Just remember: if they fit like a glove, you’re good to go.

Whimsical slippers

Ever since Anderson sent those lilypad shoes down the Jardin des Tuileries runway during his autumn/winter 2026 Dior show, the world has been wondering how to bring a touch more whimsy to its footwear — without sky-high designer price tags. Charles & Keith is one of the first high-street level brands to deliver this at an accessible price point (the brand’s acetate flower-heel pumps have sold out in pink, but are still available in black), while Mango and Zara have plenty of pretty bow-adorned styles that will help you channel the Dior mood. See also ribbon-tie flats and colourful embellishment — great if you want your shoes to bring personality to neutral outfits.

Streamlined sneakers

Keep the chunky trainers in storage this season — it’s time to embrace the sleeker, more streamlined silhouettes that are currently dominating the category. This is thanks, in large part, to the slimmer shapes seen at Fendi, Miu Miu and Prada for spring/summer 2026.

“Narrow, flat, and form-fitting trainers are at the forefront this season,” says Muijs. “Often crafted from soft leather or suede, these sneakers blur the line between casual and polished, making them versatile staples for modern wardrobes.” This extends to the ballet-inspired “sneakerina” and a slew of haute jazz shoes that blur the boundary between sneaker and flat. All of these feel smart enough to take you from office to dinner reservation and are particularly good juxtaposed with sporty separates.

Just ask Bella Hadid, who has been a fan of the style for years, specifically ribbon-laced pairs from celebrity favourite Vivaia. You can find similar styles on the high street at Cos, or go full sport mode with Alo’s sunset sneakers, which come in classic black and sandy ecru (and frequently sell out).

Kennedy deck shoes

If you’re sick of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy imitators clogging up your algorithm (a white shirt does not a CBK make), but still want to channel some upstate New York in insouciance this summer, put some prep in your step with the Kennedy deck shoe. These are traditionally made with a classic moccasin construction, but there are some good twists out there — see Massimo Dutti’s deck-loafer hybrid, or Ancient Greek Sandals’ animal-print boat shoes. There is a high probability a dad you know owns a pair of these — do look to his for inspiration. The more casually beaten up, the better.

Fashion flip-flops

Last year, Havaianas were so popular they topped Lyst Index’s hottest product list for the third quarter of 2025. This year, flip-flops have remained in fashion’s good graces, especially those with wedge heels (courtesy of Alaia, if money is no object), or square-toed leather iterations (M&S and Mango have solid options).

“Minimalist flip-flops and thong sandals are evolving beyond casual wear, balancing comfort with elevated design,” says Muijs. “Flip-flops are being worn more than ever, and I love to style them as an unexpected alternative to sneakers as the weather warms.”

This is not an easy trend to navigate for office dwellers. I once heard a very stylish fashion editor decrying anything that shows more than the merest hint of toe as utterly unacceptable in a professional setting, so keep them for evenings, weekends and hard-earned holidays. See you on the beach!

Five fabulous spring shoes

A pair of new shoes is scientifically proven to make your month (or more). From M&S to Manolo Blahnik, there are plenty of pairs out there to put a spring in your step.