For several seasons now, fashion has been quietly re-evaluating its relationship with heels. Once the unquestioned cornerstone of “dressed-up” style, they have steadily given way to something far more in tune with the realities of modern life. On the spring/summer 2026 runways, that shift was unmistakable. Designers doubled down on flat shoes, not as an afterthought or a concession to comfort, but as a defining element of the season’s look.
Read more: The Key Spring/Summer 2026 Shoe Trends To Know Now
Across the fashion capitals, flat shoes anchored collections that championed everyday wearability. But don't be mistaken, this was not about dressing down. Instead, designers reimagined flats as tools of styling, grounding tailoring, sharpening slouchier silhouettes and lending an element of undone cool to even the most considered outfits. On the runway, ballet flats were updated with embellishments, brogues and loafers came polished and purposeful, and boat shoes, Mary-Janes and mules emerged as some of the season’s most versatile players in the shoe department.
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Of course, when investing in a pair of flats, most supple styles come with their own realities – namely, their incompatibility with rain-soaked city streets. But that’s where this season’s Derbies, brogues and loafers come in handy. Think of them as the backbone to your 2026 footwear rotation, equally suited to tailored separates and unexpected party pieces and designed to weather real life while still delivering on polish.
Elsewhere, consider widening your flat-shoe collection to include ballet pumps, boat shoes, Mary-Janes and slip-on mules, all shapes that were a firm fixture on the spring/summer 2026 runway. Transeasonal by nature and refreshingly versatile, they’re the kind of investment pieces that earn their place year after year.
Here, Vogue brings you the lowdown on the best flat shoes to invest in for 2026 and how to style them, now.
The boat shoe
Miuccia Prada catapulted the preppy slip-on into the fashion stratosphere back in spring/summer 2024, when she debuted several iterations on the Miu Miu runway. Leaning into traditional design, with unlined interiors, rubber soles and leather or suede uppers, Mrs. Prada offered plenty of boat shoe styling inspiration for seasons to come. Since then, the flat has enjoyed a full-blown revival, with both luxury labels and high-street brands reimagining the seafaring classic. And with prep firmly back on the agenda for 2026, expect the boat shoe to continue its smooth sail into spring.
Dressing for the liminal months between winter and spring can be a challenge; one day brings rain, the next brilliant sunshine. Footwear-wise, mules are the ultimate transeasonal hero. Hard-wearing enough to withstand the elements yet breathable enough when temperatures rise, they strike a rare balance. As for the summer months? Simply style them with a skirt or shorts and a button-up cardigan, or a sprightly dress. This season, slip-on styles akin to gardening clogs and hybrid backless loafers have proven to be particularly popular.
The classic black loafer
Few shoes rival the polish of a penny loafer. G.H. Bass’s Weejuns remain a street-style favourite, but the high street is awash with excellent alternatives. Whether you favour glossy patent leather, a classic pared-back finish or decorative tassels (as seen on the Issey Miyake runway), this is one flat shoe that truly works with everything. From the sleek iterations by Aeyde to Dr Martens’ cult Adrian loafer (first introduced in the ’70s for sharp-dressing mods), the classic black loafer proves its enduring appeal season after season.
The ballet pump
Enthusiasm for the ballet pump has been building steadily over the past few years, cementing the slimline shoe as a new classic. From embellished styles to second-skin designs that mould to the foot like a glove, there’s no shortage of choice. Take styling cues from Wales Bonner, where flats were paired with crisp shirting, tailoring and utility-inspired separates. Or look to contemporary womenswear labels such as Akris and Carven for sleek, refined takes rendered in polished patent leather.
The heritage brogue
A great shoe is for life, not just a season. Invest in a sturdy pair that can be resoled and repaired, and they’ll serve you for years, if not decades. Derbies and brogues are a reliable choice, even if they require a little breaking in. Styling-wise, lean into their traditional appeal with a sharply-cut suit, or create contrast by pairing them with a statement party skirt – much like the unexpected combination seen at Matthieu Blazy’s glimmering debut for Chanel.
The Mary-Jane
If you’re seeking more support than a paper-thin ballerina, Mary-Janes are your answer. Featuring a strap for added comfort and practicality, the style has been refreshed for 2026 with bolder materials and proportions. At Givenchy, patent square-toed were styled with black minidresses and gold accessories, while Chopova Lowena’s grungier, contrast-stitched designs came paired with the brand’s signature attitude-packed dresses and skirts.
The two-tone loafer
A jazzy nod to old-Hollywood dressing, two-tone loafers offer a playful way to elevate everyday flats. Their resurgence on the spring/summer 2026 runways, including Jonathan Anderson’s much-anticipated debut for Dior, signals that this spirited style is set to carry well into the year ahead.
