I have to be honest, I’m very much a flat-shoe fashion person most of the time, but on those occasions that I do decide to throw on a heel, I can guarantee you it will be a very simple black one. Polished, put-together, and, most importantly, expensive-looking at any price point, I’ve only ever invested in classic black heels. But with summer 2026 on the horizon, I’ve decided to look for fresher heel trends to elevate my otherwise minimal outfits. And trust me when I say that the heel trends that I’ve found are already giving my flat shoes a run for their money.
Now, of course, this doesn’t mean that I’ll be investing in heel styles that are hard to style or feel too out there for my pared-back comfort zone. But it does mean that I’ve spent the last few weeks searching for non-flat shoe trends that feel as fresh for 2026 as they do timeless enough to last in my wardrobes for years to come
(Image credit: Chanel, Monse, Mugler, Stella McCartney, Simone Rocha Spring/Summer 2026 – Launchmetrics Spotlight)
My first port of call? The runway, of course, and the spring/summer 2026 shows were filled with a myriad of chic heel styles that are set to dominate the upcoming season. And you’ll be pleased to know that they all come minimalist-approved. From elegant high-vamp iterations that are perfect for the office to playful PVC styles reminiscent of my early-2000s childhood, I’ve narrowed my attention down to the seven standout heels trends that everyone will be wearing this summer.
Keep scrolling to discover the seven heel trends set to dominate summer 2026 (and beyond).
7 Heel Trends Every Fashion Person Will Wear In Summer 2026
1. Flip-Flop
(Image credit: Zimmermann, Max Mara, Kent & Curwen Spring/Summer 2026 – Launchmetrics Spotlight)
Style Notes: If you’re a regular reader of Who What Wear UK, then you’ll know just how much we adore a flip-flop in summer. But for 2026, this classic sandal is getting an elegant update in the form of heeled silhouettes. Much more suited to formal occasions than my regular flat-shoe iterations, I’ll be reaching for this polished sandal trend for weddings, garden parties and dinner dates alike.
Shop the Trend:
Whistles
Black Toe Post Kitten Heel Mule
Simple, chic and easy to style.
Gucci
Vittoria Thong Sandals
I’d style these with a white linen co-ord and leather woven tote.
H&M
Heeled Leather Sandals
No one will guess these are a high-street find.
ZARA
Heeled Sandals With Square Toe
Pair with everything from light linen trousers to floaty midi dresses.
Bottega Veneta
Sampieri Thong
2. Snakeskin
(Image credit: Mugler, Elie Saab, Christopher Esber Spring/Summer 2026 – Launchmetrics Spotlight)
Style Notes: With a pattern that’s bold enough to add interest to an outfit, but a colour palette that still remains muted and versatile, snake-print heels dominated the spring/summer 2026 runways with everyone from Mugler to Elie Saab hopping on the trend. Over the past few years, we’ve seen leopard, cow and even deer print take over the footwear market, but as a minimalist, the understated and sleek vibe of snake print makes it by far the most compelling high-heel choice.
Shop the Trend:
CHRISTOPHER ESBER
Blaze Snake-Effect Leather Sandals
These will pair well with neutrals and bold hues alike.
H&M
Kitten-Heeled Sandals
These won’t stick around for long.
Khaite
Mia 45 Snake-Effect Leather Pumps
An investment heel that you’ll keep in your wardrobe for many years to come.
Mint Velvet
Tori Neutral Snake Print Leather Heels
Mint Velvet is so good right now.
MANOLO BLAHNIK
Callasli 90 Elaphe Slingback Sandals
Manolo Blahnik always gets it right.
3. PVC
(Image credit: Simone Rocha, Loewe, Leonard Paris Spring/Summer 2026 – Launchmetrics Spotlight)
Style Notes: If you’re into the playful jelly sandal trend that’s also making a comeback this season, then let me introduce you to the shoe styles’ chic older cousin. Enter the PVC heels. Reminiscent of the vinyl styles that dominated the late ‘80s and early 90’s, this heel trend is officially back for summer 2026, backed by the likes of Simone Rocha, Loewe, Leonard Paris, and so many more.
Shop the Trend:
MANGO
Pointed Heel Sandals
These will go with everything.
These are currently at the top of my luxury summer wish list.
AMINA MUADDI
Alexa Pvc Mules
These are perfect for minimalists who want to try out the trend.
ZARA
Laminated Vinyl Heeled Sandals
Zara always gets it right.
For if you really want to make a statement.
4. Two-Tone
(Image credit: Ferragamo, Chanel, Sportmax Spring/Summer 2026 – Launchmetrics Spotlight)
Style Notes: If you know that you’re unlikely to branch out from your neutrals this summer, then the two-tone heel trend thats set to dominate 2026 is for you. Not only does this shoe style feel more elevated than your typical one-coloured heel, but the high-contrast nature of the trend will look expensive and intentional at any price point.
Shop the Trend:
Straight from the runway.
MANGO
Heeled Leather Sandals
These look like so many designer options on the market right now.
Lauren
Lanette Iii Canvas Leather Pump
Perfect for in or out of the office.
Charles & Keith
Two-Tone Ankle-Strap Heeled Sandals
Between the canvas base, contrasting leather, and curved heel, this pair is seriously elevated.
Manolo Blahnik
Sarto 90 Leather Slingback Pumps
5. Barely-There
(Image credit: Monse, Mark Fast, Kim Shui Spring/Summer 2026 – Launchmetrics Spotlight)
Style Notes: If you’re a minimal dresser, then you’ll be happy to know that barely-there heels are trending again for summer 2026. Classic, incredibly easy to style and inherently polished, you cannot go wrong with investing in a pair of these versatile heels to keep in your wardrobe for many seasons and years to come. But the best part? This ’90s-inspired shoe style looks expensive at every price point, meaning there’s something suited to all budgets this summer.
Shop the Trend:
PROENZA SCHOULER
Tee 90 Satin Slingback Sandals
H&M
Heeled Strappy Sandals
Minimalists will love these.
The perfect summer event heel.
ZARA
Crossover Strap Heeled Sandals
The styling possibilities are endless.
Paris Texas
Lidia 70 Patent Leather Mules
These have such a ’90s feel to them.
6. High-Vamp
(Image credit: Stella McCartney, KNWLS, Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2026 – Launchmetrics Spotlight)
Style Notes: Sandal season is officially here, but if you dislike getting your feet out around the busy streets of London as much as I do, then I have the perfect shoe trend for you. The high-vamp heel trend, defined by its obvious lack of toe cleavage and higher coverage around the front of the foot, echoes the chic power-dressing silhouettes that defined the 1980s. To me, it’s the perfect heel style for those of us who prefer that sleeker, more sophisticated look, lending itself well to office and evening dressing.
Shop the Trend:
Victoria Beckham
100 Leather Pumps
Wear with jeans, midi skirts or Bermuda shorts alike.
The chicest shoe silhouette I’ve seen in a very long time.
I almost mistook these for designer.
Le Monde Béryl
Babouche 40 Leather Pumps
For an effortless pop of colour.
KHAITE
Cecilia Leather Pumps
7. Statement Stiletto
(Image credit: Weinsanto, Chanel, Aje Spring/Summer 2026 – Launchmetrics Spotlight)
Style Notes: From edgy metallics to bold floral applique, statement stilettos were spotted all over the spring/summer 2026 runways from the likes of Chanel and Weinsanto. Wearing this eye-catching shoe style might initially feel rather daunting, but trust me when I say they’re actually incredibly easy to style, due to the fact that this statement shoe will stand out on its own, needing only the simplest of basic layers to go with it. It’s the kind of low-effort, high-reward heel that you’ll rely on for special occasions, no matter the time of year.
Shop the Trend:
CULT GAIA
Grape Leather Sandals
A statement heel if I’ve ever seen one.
Jacquemus
Les Doubles Sandals
Imagine this with a white satin midi dress and statement clutch.
These look way more expensive than their under-£50 price tag.
DRIES VAN NOTEN
Leather Slingback Pumps
