If there’s one thing I’ve noticed lately while scrolling through Parisian street style photos or walking through downtown New York, it’s that everyone’s outfit seems to start with the shoes. This summer is not just about silhouettes. From sophisticated chocolate brown sandals to powdery pastel heels and bold two-tone ballet flats, it’s this color that brings freshness to your look. The chicest dressers are replacing predictable neutral colors with hues that instantly elevate even the simplest outfit formula. I’ve been particularly drawn to the way these shoe colors make summer basics like relaxed denim, crisp white dresses, and tailored shorts feel like they’re intentionally styled without trying too hard.
Below, we break down the seven shoe color trends Paris and New York fashion insiders are wearing nonstop this summer, and share the best pairs to buy if you’re ready to give your warm-weather outfit a chic refresh.
Shop the best summer shoe color trends
stark white
Get ready to wear your favorite white shoes. Just as crisp white dresses and maxi skirts are back in style, so too is this amazing shoe color trend making its way back into the trend cycle. Pure white flip-flops or ballet shoes look effortlessly cool when paired with linen pants or jeans.
tory burch
pierced wedge sandals white
Havaianas
slim square flip flops
Bifal
prudence ballet flats
Vivia
Christina Snykina
transparent pvc
Just as jelly sandals entered our whimsical collective consciousness last year, clear gummy bear shoes are here to stay. But unlike in the past, fashion insiders are going all in on the PVC footwear trend, opting for transparent materials and see-through shoes.
ancient greek sandals
Goodbye Jelly PVC Beach Sandals
loewe
Emily Aqua PVC Ankle Boots
gap factory
jerry ballet flats
asos design
Foxton jelly flip flops
los angeles apparel
jelly flat
calm turquoise
red beach sandals, So 2026. Instead, fashion insiders are turning to darker, more muted tones like turquoise and olive green. Deep, rich blue shoes look especially striking when combined with the bright hues and colorful pastels you’ll find everywhere on the streets of Mallorca and Taormina.
Alaia
cube satin wedge mules
everlane
italian leather flats
Jeffrey Campbell
go getter slingback sandals
butter yellow
Who doesn’t love a bright, summery, buttery yellow moment? Paired with a simple white button-down or jolt, butter yellow shoes are sure to be a bright spot in summer 2026 shoe trends.
manolo blahnik
Moiram leather mules
margaux
butternappa demi
vintage brown
Continuing the rich theme, well-worn vintage brown mules, boat shoes and ballet flats are popular. Nothing looks more chic than shoes that have traveled the world or been loved in your own neighborhood.
tory burch
brown boat tee
reform
ines flat mule
gap
vegan leather wedge thong sandals
idea
Delia leather pumps
A. Emery
Kinto leather flip flops
black and white
Thanks to Mathieu Blazy’s newfound love for Chanel, the fashion insider’s affinity for two-tone shoes, especially black and white, is permeating across our feeds. You can keep it classic with simple ballerina flats and a matching color-blocked toe cap, but options like espadrilles or comfy sneakers will also work.
tory burch
cap-toe espadrilles
asos design
black and white penny loafers
Tony Bianco
Chelsea Dove Nappa/Black
Valette
White leather ballet flats, black patent toe
faded denim
The rise of colored jeans has inspired fashion insiders to modify the classic denim by incorporating jeans material into footwear. Whether it’s faded slingback flats or funky designer denim, this summer 2026 shoe color is an It-girl favorite.
Zara
denim kitten heel slingback
Karel
Oceano Light Two-Tone Denim Slingback
margaux
denim suede demi
coach
signature denim soft sneakers
Source: Latest from Who What Wear – www.whowhatwear.com
