Last updated on April 30, 2026 by Eve Dawes
If you’re looking for the biggest women’s shoe trends for summer 2026, there are some strong contenders. Sneakers, embellished sandals, and mules have all had their moments on the runways and in street style looks, but there’s one style that continues to top every fashion editor’s list. These are women’s wedge strap sandals. This appeal makes perfect sense. The wedge sole provides height without the instability of a stiletto, the lace straps keep the silhouette minimal and ’90s cool, and the overall effect works equally well with a linen dress, wide-leg pants, or vest denim. From Chanel to Miu Miu to Calvin Klein, every major runway debuted a spring and summer 2026 silhouette that went from trend prediction to sell-out reality faster than almost any other shoe story this season.
I’ve rounded up the best wedge strappy sandals at every price range, from designer investment pieces to high street pieces that look much more expensive than they are.
As a fashion editor, I cover shoe trends and own several pairs of designer sandals, including the Gucci and Dior slides that I review on this site. All styles in this guide were selected based on construction quality, heel height fitability, and overall styling versatility rather than brand name. This article contains affiliate links which do not influence my opinions or prices.
Why wedge strappy sandals are the biggest shoe trend of summer 2026
There’s currently a huge ’90s revival going on in fashion, from clothing to shoes to accessories, and that includes strappy sandals, wedges, and combinations of the two. And if you’re not a fan of wedges, kitten heel strappy sandals are perfect for the 2026 trend. This nostalgic shoe trend has been seen on everyone from Hailey Bieber to Alex Consani and Zoë Kravitz, as well as the spring/summer Chanel and Miu Miu runways. This is a way to stay comfortable while wearing tall shoes this summer, which are much more practical on vacation than skinny heels.
Best Designer Wedge Thong Sandals of 2026
This summer’s shoe trends feature so many designer iterations that it’s easy to find a pair you’ll love. Classic black or white leather pieces from Prada, Bottega Veneta or Stuart Weitzman, sculptural wedges from Paris Texas and glam metallic women’s wedge strappy sandals from Alaïa.
Best wedge strappy sandals under $200.
For the mid-range, Steve Madden, Sam Edelman, Schutz, Dolce Vita, Jeffrey Campbell, and Tony Bianco all have fashion-forward styles that can set you on the warm-weather shoe trend for under $200.
Best wedge strappy sandals under $100.
If you don’t want to break the bank, we looked around and we’ve rounded up the best high street versions for under $100 from ASOS below.
Shop the best women’s wedge strappy sandals for summer 2026.
From designers to styles under $100, here are the top trends for summer 2026. The most popular color trend seems to be black wedge strappy sandals, but honestly, anything goes with anything. This summer’s shoe trend is more about silhouette than color.
How to Style Wedge Strap Sandals in 2026
These are one of those summer sandals that are so easy to style. Create an everyday casual look with a 90s-style slip skirt, tank or satin slip dress, jeans or denim shorts, and a simple tank or t-shirt, or wear a linen outfit with wide pants and a blazer on hot days.
I’ll be styling summer sandals in Bali next month and sharing all the looks on Instagram. Follow @glamourandgains for real-time outfit inspiration and see how these outfits fare in real, hot weather, not in the studio.
What to Look for When Buying Wedge Thong Sandals
When choosing the right wedge strap sandals for you, consider the following:
- Key: What are you planning to wear it for? (3~4cm is the easiest to wear.)
- Upper material: Suede is pretty, but not suitable for the beach or pool.
- Sole material: How much grip do you need?
- Strap width fits around strap toe post. I have wide feet and can’t wear narrow laces, so I’m always looking for thicker laces to keep my feet in the shoes!
Best Wedge Strap Sandals of 2026: Your Questions Answered.
Yes. Wedge strap sandals are one of the biggest shoe trends for summer 2026. The silhouette was featured on the Spring/Summer 2026 runways of Chanel, Miu Miu, Calvin Klein, Celine and more, and retail sales data shows it’s one of the season’s best-performing sandal categories. The 2026 version is sleeker and more minimalist than its predecessor, with a lower, narrower wedge heel and neat Y-shaped lacing straps than the chunkier versions of the early 2000s.
Strappy sandals and flip flops share the same Y-shaped strap structure but have different soles and finishes. Flip-flops typically have flat foam or rubber soles and are designed for casual or beach wear. Strap sandals have more structured soles and are often made of leather, suede, or other premium materials, making them suitable for both casual and dressy situations. Wedge strap sandals add a raised sole that provides height and a higher finish than flat flip flops or flat strap sandals.
This will vary depending on the wedge height and material, but wedge sandals are generally more comfortable to wear all day than stiletto heels. That’s because wedge soles distribute your weight more evenly across the foot instead of concentrating pressure on the ball and heel. A low mid-wedge height of 3-5cm is the most comfortable option for long-term wear. Look for styles with padded soles and non-slip soles for maximum comfort.
Wedge strap sandals go well with almost every outfit in your summer wardrobe. The most flattering combinations are midi dresses and skirts with a striking wedge silhouette, wide pants for an elongating effect, linen shorts for a casual summer look, and swimsuit cover-ups for resort and beach environments.
The best designer wedge strappy sandals worth investing in in 2026 are The Row for minimal luxury, Stuart Weitzman for comfortable engineering at a luxury price point, Ancient Greek sandals for true craftsmanship, and Prada for a fashion-forward styling angle. All four hold their value stylistically over multiple seasons, rather than being purely trend-driven purchases.
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