A new year is a great time to upgrade your footwear game.
As you head into 2026, perhaps you have a few pairs of shoes on your wish list, or a couple in your collection you’re prepared to part with.
Before you shop your closet, head to a store, or pull out the donation bin, read on to see which shoe trends stylists predict will be in and out this year.
Ballet sneakers could be taking center stage in 2026.
Dianne Boyer, personal stylist and founder of Dianne in Style, said this year will see a shift toward low-profile sneakers — the epitome of which are ballet sneakers.
These hybrid, slipper-like designs usually combine the rounded, delicate look of a ballet flat with the athletic sole of a typical sneaker.
“Ballet sneakers blend the elegance of a flat with the support of a sneaker,” Boyer said. “The low-profile elongates the leg, and the structured stole provides the lift, making them both flattering and easy to wear.
“They go perfectly with the new refined looks of 2026,” she added.
Backless loafers are not going anywhere this year as people continue to prioritize comfort.
Slip-on loafers are in this year because they combine ease with polish, celebrity stylist Anna Lavo said.
“In a few words, backless loafers are the definition of ‘effortless sophistication,” she told BI.
The loafer shape keeps the shoe structured and classic, while the slip-on element makes it seem more modern and effortless.
“They are perfect for the way people are dressing now — relaxed but still intentional,” Lavo added.
Western-inspired boots may just be everywhere this year.
You may have a pair of these boots sitting in the back of your closet from when you dressed up for Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour, but you’ll want to whip them back out in 2026.
“Western-style boots, tall and short, are in every designer’s line this year,” Desiree Miranda, a New York City and Miami-based celebrity stylist, told BI.
If you’re going to dabble with this trend, you may want to start with two options.
“I suggest purchasing a tall western-style boot along with a shorter style, as they’re comfortable and easily take you from day to night,” Miranda said.
Mary Jane flats could totally be an everyday wardrobe staple in 2026.
Allie Carter, a New York City-based personal stylist, said that Mary Janes won’t be leaving the fashion scene this year.
“Mary Jane flats are still going strong, especially those with luxe details and satin embellishments,” she told BI.
These closed-toe shoes with a signature strap across the top are pretty versatile and come in both solid colors and prints across a range of fabrics.
For example, leather or bejeweled styles can be dressed up for work or a special occasion, and patterned Mary Janes can add whimsy to a day-to-day look.
On the other hand, bright-white sneakers may be phased out this year.
According to Boyer, classic bright-white sneakers are not “the trend-forward choice” this year.
“There’s more of a shift toward richer colors and textures — especially suede — and more intentional designs,” she said. “The look for 2026 is more elevated and polished, and the bright white can feel over the top.”
Instead, you may want to try sneakers in cream, light gray, or other neutral shades, made with fabrics other than the usual canvas or leather.
Still, Boyer said, white sneakers are a great wardrobe staple. Trends are always changing, so she wouldn’t get rid of any pairs of these just yet.
Chunky “dad” sneakers are being replaced with sleeker options.
Bulky “dad” sneakers have had their moments over the last five years — and even luxury brands like Balenciaga got on board with the trend — but their time may be up.
“It was so fun wearing this chunky sneaker that had this odd, huge shape,” celebrity stylist Sandra Okerulu told BI. “Your feet stood out, and you didn’t care what size you were.”
However, she said, people want to be comfortable and stylish — and they’re realizing it’s possible to do so without a clunky, awkward-looking shoe.
Instead, we can expect to see “more sleek and discreet styles” like the aforementioned ballet sneakers this year.
Platform shoes are falling out of favor as many prioritize more functional footwear.
Platforms that are excessively chunky or disproportionately thick may start to look extra clunky and dated this year.
“The era of big and bulky shoes has officially ended,” Lavo told BI. “When a shoe’s sole becomes the focal point, it stops supporting the outfit.”
Okerulu said that platforms are just “not practical” unless you’re on the shorter side and want to gain a few inches, plus they don’t offer much comfort and can be difficult to style.
Instead, according to Lavo, more people may opt for shoes with more “balanced proportions” that can make an outfit feel harmonious.
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