Shoes can completely change an outfit. A simple white tank and jeans can feel casual with sneakers, polished with slingbacks, beachy with raffia sandals, or trendy with a pair of jelly flats.
This summer, the best shoe trends are wearable, stylish, and easy to mix into outfits you probably already own. From slim sneakers and pretty flats to wedges, clogs, flip-flops, and woven sandals, these are the shoe styles that can make your summer outfits feel fresh without needing a whole new wardrobe.
The best part? Many of these trends can be found secondhand on Poshmark, Mercari, eBay, ThredUp, Vinted, Depop, Etsy, local thrift stores, and consignment shops. Before buying new, search the trend online and see what comes up. You might find a beautiful pair for a fraction of the retail price.
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1. Slim Sneakers
Slim, low-profile sneakers are having a major moment this season. Think sleek Adidas-inspired styles, retro trainers, and lightweight sneakers that feel more polished than bulky athletic shoes. Vogue UK and Harper’s Bazaar both highlighted slim sneakers as a key spring/summer 2026 shoe trend, and they are perfect for casual summer outfits that still feel intentional.
How to style them:
Pair slim sneakers with straight-leg jeans, wide-leg trousers, denim shorts, linen pants, or a casual sundress. They look especially chic with a white button-down, a simple tank, or a blazer over a basic tee.
For an easy outfit formula, try:
Slim sneakers + cropped jeans + white tank + oversized button-down + simple gold jewelry.
This gives you that clean, casual, model-off-duty look without trying too hard.
Secondhand shopping tip: Search “Adidas Samba,” “Adidas Gazelle,” “retro sneakers,” “slim sneakers,” “low profile sneakers,” and “vintage trainers.”
2. Chic Flip-Flops
Flip-flops are no longer just for the beach. This summer, fashion flip-flops are being styled with elevated outfits, including maxi dresses, linen sets, capri pants, and flowy skirts. Vogue listed flip-flops among spring 2026 shoe trends, and Real Simple recently showed how flip-flops can be styled beyond beachwear with dresses, skirts, and polished casual outfits.
The key is to choose a pair that looks intentional. Leather, faux leather, platform, kitten heel, or minimal thong sandals look much more stylish than a basic rubber beach flip-flop.
How to style them:
Wear chic flip-flops with a linen maxi dress, wide-leg pants, a striped tee, or a matching shorts set. Keep the outfit clean and simple so the flip-flops feel effortless instead of sloppy.
Try:
Black leather flip-flops + white linen pants + black tank + straw tote.
Or:
Neutral flip-flops + flowy midi skirt + fitted tank + denim jacket.
Secondhand shopping tip: Look for brands like Tory Burch, Sam Edelman, Dolce Vita, Madewell, Birkenstock, or The Row-inspired styles.
3. Woven Sandals
Woven shoes are one of the easiest ways to make an outfit feel summery. They can be raffia, straw, braided leather, crochet, macramé, or woven textile. Who What Wear recently listed woven shoes as a summer 2026 trend, and they are perfect if you love coastal chic, vacation style, or feminine summer outfits.
How to style them:
Woven sandals look beautiful with linen dresses, denim skirts, white jeans, flowy skirts, and casual summer dresses.
Try:
Woven sandals + white jeans + floral blouse + straw bag.
Or:
Raffia slides + linen shorts + breezy button-down.
They add texture, which makes even simple outfits feel more styled.
Secondhand shopping tip: Search “woven sandals,” “raffia sandals,” “braided leather sandals,” “straw sandals,” “espadrille sandals,” and “macrame sandals.”
4. Kitten Heels
Kitten heels are perfect when you want to look dressed up but still comfortable. They are feminine, polished, and easier to wear than high stilettos. This summer, kitten heel sandals, slingbacks, and flip-flop styles are especially popular. Who What Wear included polished kitten heels in its summer shoe trend roundup.
How to style them:
Wear kitten heels with ankle jeans, midi skirts, slip dresses, trouser shorts, or wide-leg pants. They are perfect for date night, brunch, dinner, work outfits, and summer events.
Try:
Kitten heel slingbacks + straight-leg jeans + silky blouse + structured bag.
Or:
Kitten heel sandals + midi dress + gold jewelry.
They instantly make an outfit feel more elegant.
Secondhand shopping tip: Search “kitten heels,” “low heel slingbacks,” “kitten heel sandals,” “pointed toe kitten heels,” and “strappy low heels.”
5. Jelly Shoes
Jelly shoes are back, and they are one of the more playful shoe trends of the summer. They have a nostalgic feel but can look surprisingly chic when styled in a modern way. Who What Wear has listed jelly shoes and jelly flats among key summer 2026 trends.
How to style them:
To keep jelly shoes from looking too childish, pair them with more elevated pieces. Think linen, denim, crisp white shirts, simple dresses, and neutral accessories.
Try:
Clear jelly flats + white sundress + straw tote.
Or:
Colorful jelly sandals + denim shorts + oversized button-down.
This is a great trend if you want something fun, affordable, and a little unexpected.
Secondhand shopping tip: Search “jelly sandals,” “jelly flats,” “Melissa jelly shoes,” “clear sandals,” and “90s jelly shoes.”
6. Clogs
Clogs are having a big style moment again. Vogue, Elle, InStyle, and People have all recently mentioned clogs as a current shoe trend, with People noting their rise as a stylish and breathable summer alternative to sandals and sneakers. Clogs are comfortable, practical, and surprisingly easy to style.
How to style them:
Wear clogs with cropped jeans, wide-leg denim, linen pants, maxi skirts, or casual dresses. They work especially well with relaxed, earthy, boho, casual chic, and “cool mom” outfits.
Try:
Clogs + cropped jeans + white tee + lightweight cardigan.
Or:
Tan clogs + flowy dress + denim jacket.
For a more modern look, choose leather, suede, neutral, or platform clogs.
Secondhand shopping tip: Search “Dansko clogs,” “Birkenstock clogs,” “wooden clogs,” “suede clogs,” “leather clogs,” and “platform clogs.”
7. Backless Loafers and Slip-On Mules
Backless loafers and soft slip-on mules are stylish, easy, and perfect for women who want comfort without looking too casual. Vogue listed backless loafers as one of the spring 2026 shoe trends, and Who What Wear noted soft slip-ons as a summer shoe capsule favorite.
How to style them:
Wear them with ankle jeans, cropped trousers, linen pants, midi skirts, or casual dresses. They look especially chic with a blazer, button-down shirt, or simple knit top.
Try:
Backless loafers + wide-leg jeans + white button-down + structured tote.
Or:
Neutral mules + black trousers + striped tee.
They are a great alternative to sandals when you want something polished but still easy.
Secondhand shopping tip: Search “backless loafers,” “loafer mules,” “slip-on mules,” “leather mules,” “suede mules,” and “Gucci loafer style.”
8. Square-Toe Sandals
Square-toe shoes are still going strong because they feel modern and minimal. Elle included square-toe styles in its spring 2026 runway shoe trend roundup. A square toe can instantly make a simple sandal look more fashion-forward.
How to style them:
Square-toe sandals look great with almost everything: jeans, trousers, maxi dresses, slip skirts, shorts, and summer dresses.
Try:
Square-toe sandals + wide-leg jeans + fitted tank + oversized blazer.
Or:
Square-toe heels + slip dress + gold hoops.
For everyday wear, choose a low block heel or flat square-toe sandal. For night, try a strappy square-toe heel.
Secondhand shopping tip: Search “square toe sandals,” “square toe heels,” “strappy square toe sandals,” and “minimalist sandals.”
9. Ballet Flats and Mary Janes
Ballet flats and Mary Janes are still one of the prettiest ways to finish an outfit. They add a feminine, classic touch and work beautifully with both casual and dressy outfits.
How to style them:
Ballet flats look chic with cropped jeans, wide-leg trousers, midi skirts, mini dresses, and denim shorts. Mary Janes are especially cute with dresses, skirts, ankle jeans, or tailored pants.
Try:
Ballet flats + cropped jeans + cardigan + simple tote.
Or:
Mary Janes + midi skirt + fitted tee + light sweater over your shoulders.
This trend is perfect if your style is feminine, classic, preppy, romantic, or Parisian-inspired.
Secondhand shopping tip: Search “ballet flats,” “mesh flats,” “Mary Jane flats,” “leather ballet flats,” “pointed toe flats,” and “cap toe flats.”
10. Statement Shoes
Summer is the perfect time to have a little fun with your shoes. Statement shoes can be colorful heels or wedges, metallic sandals, animal print pumps, embellished flats, floral appliqué shoes, or anything that makes a simple outfit more exciting. Vogue noted “fancy footwear” and fun statement details among spring/summer 2026 shoe trends. I personally love a statement shoe. They can take the simplest outfit and give it some spice.
How to style them:
Let the shoes be the star. Keep the outfit simple and let the bold shoe add personality.
Try:
Leopard heels + jeans + black tank + blazer.
Or:
Metallic sandals + white dress + gold jewelry.
Or:
Embellished flats + denim skirt + simple tee.
Statement shoes are a great way to make basics feel fresh again.
Secondhand shopping tip: Search “leopard heels,” “metallic sandals,” “embellished flats,” “floral heels,” “beaded sandals,” “colorful heels,” and “statement shoes.”
How to Shop Summer Shoe Trends Without Overspending
You do not need to buy every trend brand new. Shoes are one of the best things to search for secondhand because so many people buy a pair, wear them once or twice, and then resell them. Lightly used shoes are my number 1 seller in my closet, and when I’m looking for a specific style or type of shoe, Poshmark is my go-to.
So before buying from a store, check places like Poshmark, Mercari, eBay, ThredUp, Vinted, Depop, Etsy, local thrift stores, consignment shops, and church thrift shops. You may be surprised at what you’ll find and the price you will pay.
Use specific search terms. Instead of searching only “sandals,” try:
- Raffia sandals
- Woven leather sandals
- Kitten heel slingbacks
- Square toe sandals
- Backless loafers
- Slim sneakers
- Leopard heels
- Jelly flats
- Neutral clogs
- Mary Jane flats
The more specific you are, the better your results will be.
Just a little advice: Always check the condition. Look at the soles, heels, straps, buckles, footbed, and toe area. If shopping online, zoom in on the photos and read the description carefully. If measurements or condition details are missing, ask the seller before buying.
And remember, on online marketplaces like Poshmark, Mercari, and eBay, you can often make an offer. You do not always have to pay the asking price unless the item is already priced fairly and you are happy with it. A reasonable offer is usually welcomed by resellers, but lowballing can come across as rude. Aim for a fair price that respects both your budget and the seller’s time.
My Final Thoughts
Summer shoes are such an easy way to refresh your wardrobe. You can take the same jeans, dress, or linen pants and completely change the look just by switching your shoes.
Slim sneakers make an outfit feel casual and cool. Kitten heels make it polished. Woven sandals make it summery. Clogs make it relaxed. Statement shoes make it fun.
The key is to choose the trends that actually fit your lifestyle and personal style. You do not need every shoe trend. You just need a few pairs that help you feel stylish, comfortable, and confident.
And if you can find them secondhand? Even better.
Fabulous style does not have to be brand new to look chic.
Looking for stylish secondhand fashion finds? Browse my curated closet for timeless pieces, unique styles, and affordable fashion that never goes out of style.