If there’s one thing I’ve noticed while scrolling street style photos from Paris and walking around downtown NYC lately, it’s that everyone’s outfits seem to start from the shoes up. This summer, it’s not just about the silhouette. It’s the color that makes the look feel fresh, from polished chocolate-brown sandals to powdery pastel heels and bold two-tone ballet flats. The chicest dressers are swapping predictable neutrals for shades that instantly elevate even the simplest outfit formula. I’ve been especially drawn to how these shoe colors make summer basics—like relaxed denim, breezy white dresses, and tailored shorts—feel intentionally styled without trying too hard.
Below, I’m breaking down the seven shoe color trends fashion people in Paris and NYC are wearing nonstop this summer and sharing the best pairs to shop if you’re ready to give your warm-weather outfits a chic refresh.
Shop the Best Summer Shoe Color Trends
Stark White
Prepare to drag our your favorite pair of white shoes. Just like breezy white dresses and maxi skirts are back in, this surprising shoe color trend is once again making its way back into the trend cycle. Stark-white flip-flops or ballet shoes looks effortlessly cool with linen pants or jeans.
Tory Burch
Pierced Wedge Sandal in White
Havaianas
Slim Square Flip Flop
Byfar
Prudence Ballet Flat
Vivaia
Cristina Sneakerina
Schutz
Carolyn Sandal
Clear PVC
Just as jelly sandals entered our whimsical collective consciousness last year, clear gummy-bear shoes are here to stay. Unlike previous iterations, though, fashion people are leaning all in to the PVC footwear trend, opting for clear materials and see-through shoes.
Ancient Greek Sandals
Saionara Jelly PVC Flip Flops
Loewe
Emily Aqua PVC Ankle Boots
Gap Factory
Jelly Ballet Flat
ASOS Design
Foxton Jelly Flip Flop
Los Angeles Apparel
Jelly Flats
Muted Turquoise
Red flip-flops are so 2026. Instead, fashion people have been taking a liking to dark, muted tones like turquoise and olive green. Deep, rich blue shoes are especially striking when layered against bright hues and colorful pastels that will no doubt be everywhere on the streets of Mallorca and Taormina.
Tkees X J.Crew
Sandal
Alaïa
Cube Satin Wedge Mules
Everlane
Italian Leather Flat
Jeffrey Campbell
Go Getter Slingback Sandals
Madewell
The Hester Flat
Butter Yellow
Who doesn’t love a bright, summery butter-yellow moment? When worn with a simple white-button down and jorts, butter-yellow shoes have to be the bright spot in summer 2026 shoe trends.
Manolo Blahnik
Moiramu Leather Mules
H&M
Flip-Flops
Margaux
The Demi in Butter Nappa
Axel Arigato
Daze Runner
Zara
Kitten Heel Sandals
Vintage Brown
Continuing on the rich theme, worn-in vintage-brown mules, boat shoes, and ballet flats have been having a moment. Nothing looks quite as chic as shoes that have been well-loved on travels across the globe or in your own neighborhood.
Tory Burch
The Boaty in Brown
Reformation
Inez Flat Mule
Gap
Vegan Leather Wedge Thong Sandals
Aeyde
Delia Leather Pumps
A.Emery
Kinto Leather Flip Flops
Black and White
Thanks to the newfound love of Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel, fashion people’s affinity for two-toned shoes, specifically in black and white, has been making its way across our feeds. While you can keep it classic with simple ballerina flats and corresponding color-blocked toe cap, options like espadrilles and comfortable sneakers will serve you well too.
Tory Burch
Cap-Toe Espadrille
Adidas
Tokyo Shoes
Asos Design
Penny Loafers in Black and White
Tony Bianco
Chelsea Dove Nappa/Black
Ballertte
White Leather Ballet Flats With Black Patent Toe
Faded Denim
With the rise of colored jeans, fashion people have been getting their classic denim fix by incorporating jean material into their footwear. Whether it’s a pair of faded slingback flats or a funky designer denim pair, this summer 2026 shoe color is an It-girl favorite.
Zara
Denim Kitten Heel Slingbacks
Carel
Oceano Light Two-Tone Denim Slingback
Margaux
The Demi in Denim Suede
Coach
Soft Sneaker in Signature Denim
Jimmy Choo
Alexia Heel
