At a Glance
- Comfort and style blend in 2026’s top shoe trends.
- Sneakers, loafers, and kitten heels lead the pack.
- Amazon offers a curated list of must-have shoes.
- Why it matters: Updating your footwear can boost confidence and keep you on trend.
Samantha Dawn, a stylist and style coach, has mapped out the shoe trends that are expected to dominate 2026. Her recommendations focus on comfort without sacrificing fashion, and she points to Amazon as the go-to destination for these looks.
Comfort First: Low-Profile Sneakers
Dawn’s first pick is the Jackshibo Ribbon Lace-Up Sneakers. She says, “I am always recommending low-profile sneakers to my clients,” and highlights their sleek but not overly boring design. The sneakers, priced at $40 with a coupon, feature lace detailing and ribbon laces that add visual interest while maintaining a low silhouette. The style was inspired by Nicole Kidman’s choice for low-profile ballerina sneakers seen at the airport.
- Price: $40 (coupon available)
- Key features: lace detailing, ribbon laces, low silhouette
- Where to buy: Amazon
Work-Ready Loafers
For office wear, Dawn recommends Franco Sarto Carolynn Tassel Loafers. She notes, “loafers to wear in the winter paired with fun or chunky socks for a more preppy-casual office look.” These loafers come with a tractioned lug sole and a subtle 1.5-inch platform, and are covered in patent leather with tassel detailing. The price point is $66.
- Price: $66
- Key features: tractioned lug sole, 1.5-inch platform, patent leather
- Where to buy: Amazon
Winter Essentials: Lug-Sole Boots
Athlefit’s Lug-Sole Chelsea Boots are highlighted as a timeless, functional trend for winter weather. The boots feature a lug-sole and a chunky block heel for comfort, along with an elastic band and rear pull tab for easy wear. They are priced at $40.
- Price: $40
- Key features: lug-sole, chunky block heel, elastic band
- Where to buy: Amazon
Mom-Approved Heels
Dawn’s personal favorite are Vince Camuto Pilar Slingback Kitten Heels. She shares, “I am still a die-hard slingback kitten heel fan. I’m a mom of two young kids, but I also love heels… Realistically, I can’t walk around in 3+-inch heels all day when I’m on the go or when I’m with my kids, but I can do all of that in my kitten heels.” These heels range from $32-$71.
- Price range: $32-$71
- Key features: slingback design, kitten heel
- Where to buy: Amazon
Elevated Pumps
The Vivaia Anna Mid-Heel Pumps showcase a V-shaped vamp that Dawn predicts will be a major silhouette in 2026. The pumps are made from a soft, breathable knit with a modest heel. They are priced at $169.
- Price: $169
- Key features: V-shaped vamp, breathable knit, modest heel
- Where to buy: Amazon
Statement Flats
Dawn also points to mesh and transparent shoes as upcoming trends. The Gothictor Leopard-Print Mesh Mary Jane Ballet Flats are an example, priced at $31 with Prime. These flats feature a leopard-print mesh and a Mary-Jane style.
- Price: $31 (Prime)
- Key features: leopard-print mesh, Mary Jane style
- Where to buy: Amazon
Quick Price Comparison
| Shoe | Brand | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ribbon Lace-Up Sneakers | Jackshibo | $40 |
| Tassel Loafers | Franco Sarto | $66 |
| Chelsea Boots | Athlefit | $40 |
| Slingback Kitten Heels | Vince Camuto | $32-$71 |
| Mid-Heel Pumps | Vivaia | $169 |
| Leopard-Print Flats | Gothictor | $31 |
What to Expect in 2026
Dawn predicts that V-shape vamp heels will become ubiquitous, adding sharpness to the pointed-toe shape and elongating the legs. She also foresees a resurgence of mesh or transparent shoes in spring and summer, citing the nostalgia of ’90s fashion.
> “I believe maximalism will still be a big hit… There will be a lot of colors, a lot of textures, more animal prints, like zebra, will be everywhere.”
These insights help shoppers decide which styles to invest in for the coming year.
Key Takeaways
- Comfort and style can coexist; look for low-profile sneakers and loafers with traction.
- Winter footwear should combine durability with ease of wear.
- Mom-approved heels offer a practical yet stylish solution.
- Upcoming trends include V-shaped vamp heels and mesh/transparent shoes.
- Amazon provides a wide selection of these trending shoes at competitive prices.
Samantha Dawn’s guidance offers a clear roadmap for updating your shoe collection in 2026, ensuring you stay both comfortable and on-trend.
