Global Footwear Trends for Spring/Summer 2026 (SS26)

Spring/Summer 2026 (SS26) is shaping up to be a dynamic season for sports and casual footwear—one defined by contrasts, creativity, and a renewed focus on craftsmanship. Whether you’re designing sneakers, sandals, or loafers, understanding the key aesthetics, colors, materials, and trims will help you create collections that resonate with today’s active, style-savvy consumers. Below, we’ve distilled global SS26 forecasts into actionable insights for footwear designers and product developers, with special attention to how narrow fabrics (laces, elastics, webbing) can elevate both function and fashion.

Design Aesthetics & Key Silhouettes
1. Retro Revival
Nostalgia continues to influence SS26. Classic ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s silhouettes are back, refreshed with modern touches and sustainable materials. Look for:

• High-top and vintage runners: Think worn-in leathers, classic white bases, and subtle tailoring details. Brands like Loewe and Gucci have shown that a retro runner can feel fresh when paired with modern tech soles or unexpected color accents.
• Platform and square-toe sandals: Chunky 70s platforms and 90s square-toe slides are resurfacing. To keep them current, designers are choosing vegan leathers and recycled textiles, and working in nostalgic hues—mustard yellows, moss greens, and burnt oranges.
• Mary Janes and Mary Jane-inspired flats: By adding a wide ankle strap or slightly squared toe, these silhouettes feel timeless yet new. Incorporating soft microfibers or lightweight recycled canvas gives them a sustainable edge.
   

In practice, a retro sneaker in recycled canvas with chunky gum soles—and trimmed with wide vintage-style shoelaces and heel pull tab—speaks to both nostalgia and tomorrow’s sensibilities.

2. Artisanal & Bohemian Craft
A growing appreciation for handcrafted details has permeated SS26. We’re seeing:

•  Woven and braided uppers: Whether leather or natural fibers (hemp, jute, cork), these details imbue footwear with that “Age of Aquarius” free-spirited vibe. Huarache-style sandals in vegetable-tanned leather or canvas blends are especially popular.
• Wooden-soled clogs and wedges: Studded clogs and platform wedges with wooden footbeds celebrate simplicity and authenticity. For women’s collections, expect to find stud accents, hand-stitched finishes, and even laser-cut leather patterns.
• Crochet and macramé elements: From delicate crochet flats to braided macramé sandals, this trend highlights handiwork. It pairs perfectly with flowy dresses, making it a go-to for resort and summer capsules.

 
To incorporate artisanal flair, try pairing a woven natural fiber upper with a cork footbed and complementing it with narrow fabric trims—perhaps a braided elastic ankle strap or a cotton-linen webbing detail.

3. Sporty & Outdoor Fusion
Performance footwear’s influence on casual styles reaches new heights in SS26. This segment includes:

• Technical trainers as everyday staples: Running silhouettes now feature ripstop mesh, TPU overlays, and reflective accents—perfect for a “nocturnal living” lifestyle. Glow-in-the-dark laces and reflective webbing demonstrate how safety and style can merge.
• Trail-inspired outsoles and closures: Pronounced treads, reinforced toe caps, and quick-pull toggles bring hiking functionality to streetwear. Expect trail-inspired sandals—rubberized slides, thong sandals with adjustable webbing, and sporty buckles—to gain traction.
• Elevated rain boots: SS26 sleuths an unexpected twist on waterproof footwear. Think sleek rubber boots with minimalistic silhouettes, perhaps shortened to ankle height, and finished with tonal elastic side panels or webbing loops for a utilitarian-chic vibe.

 
In this fusion space, narrow fabrics shine: imagine a trail sneaker trimmed with reflective jacquard elastic loops, or a sport sandal secured by sturdy nylon webbing with a quick-release buckle.

4. Elevated Classics (“Smarter” Casual)
Even as loungewear culture continues to influence design, there’s a clear shift toward polished, hybrid silhouettes:

• Loafers on cushioned soles: Timeless loafers get a sporty makeover when set on lightweight EVA soles or hidden springy foam. A minimal leather-lace bow or a stitched-on grosgrain tape can update the classic slip-on.
• Hybrid oxfords and monk straps: Polished leather uppers meet sneaker-like midsoles—ideal for “relaxed businesswear.” These blends allow wearers to move seamlessly from desk to dinner without sacrificing comfort.
• Sock-like knits meets ballet flats: Traditional ballerina shapes now emerge in seamless knit constructions, providing a snug, sock-like fit. Subtle great hand feel elastic tapes across the midfoot or narrow grosgrain ribbon laces at the ankle can add both security and style.

 
These “smarter” casual styles often rely on hidden narrow-fabric details—like unseen elastic gore inserts in a leather boot or a discreet elastic strap under a dress shoe’s vamp—to ensure both ease of wear and sleek aesthetics.

5. Playful Youthful Edge
Gen Z’s appetite for self-expression brings us “Whimsical Grunge” and experimental designs:

• Chunky-soled combat inspirations: Think platform lug soles with harness straps, graffiti graphics, or mismatched paneling. These edgy details often come softened by unexpected pastel pops or hand-painted touches.
• Asymmetrical and mismatched designs: Left- and right-foot variations—different color blocking, contrasting laces, or off-kilter toe boxes—create a playful friction. A luxury brand’s asymmetrical “ballet runner” weds a retro runner sole to a delicate toe silhouette, epitomizing this vibe.
• Bold prints and motifs: Animal prints (leopard, tiger, zebra) are back not just on uppers, but on straps, linings, and knit patterns. When executed thoughtfully—say, a leopard-printed elastic strap on a tonal sneaker—the effect feels fun without overwhelming the design.

 
To capture this youthful energy, consider combining a chunky combat boot sole with pastel-colored elastic pulls at the heel, or contrast a classic canvas sneaker with mismatched neon laces and an embroidered heart motif.

Color Directions for SS26
SS26’s color story ranges from electrifying brights to understated neutrals. WGSN, Coloro, and other forecasters highlight a balanced palette designed to complement varying design themes.

1. Transformative Teal

• Description: A gender-inclusive blue-green, chosen as Color of the Year 2026. It symbolizes ecological responsibility and adaptability.
• Applications: Use in high-gloss leather sneakers, breathable mesh running shoes, or molded EVA midsoles. On sport sandals, a matte Teal webbing strap can evoke marine and nature-inspired moods. Pair with white or light grey for a crisp, modern look.

2. Electric Fuchsia

• Description: A vivid, high-impact pink that electrifies any design.
• Applications: Ideal for statement accents—like an Electric Fuchsia heel tab on a classic low-top—or head-to-toe monochrome editions for boldness. In trim, Electric Fuchsia jacquard laces or printed elastic bands elevate a basic silhouette.

3. Soft Saffron

• Description: A warm, golden-yellow that’s approachable without being neon-bright.
• Applications: Suitable for casual canvas sneakers, suede loafers, or even espadrille-inspired slides. Consider Soft Saffron braided laces or woven webbing straps for a sun-kissed, earthy aesthetic.

4. Midnight Plum

• Description: A deep purple alternative to black, exuding luxury and sophistication.
• Applications: Perfect for polished leather loafers, evening sandals, or satin-finish sneakers. Midnight Plum elastic goring or jacquard webbing pull loops on a slip-on sneaker can add a refined flair.

5. Waxed Paper (Coloro 041-80-02)

• Description: A muted, parchment-like off-white with subtle warmth.
• Applications: Use as a base color for streamlined sneakers or minimalist sandals. Waxed Paper mesh panels or canvas uppers let narrow-fabric trims—like off-white elastics or tonal laces—be the design’s star without clashing.

 
Other noteworthy SS26 hues include Blue Aura (vibrant aquatic blue), Amber Haze (translucent golden-orange), and Jelly Mint (playful pastel green). The prevailing advice: combine a bold accent (Electric Fuchsia or Transformative Teal) with classic neutrals (black, white, beige) to maximize both trend appeal and wearability. For example, a Jelly Mint knit sneaker with a Waxed Paper webbing strap feels fresh yet versatile.

Materials & Textures
Functional and sustainable material choices drive SS26. Designers are merging performance textiles with natural fabrics and luxe finishes.
1. Mix of Natural & Tech

• Contrast Play: Pair airy engineered meshes or perforated technical netting with patent TPU trims or glossy leathers. A single sneaker might juxtapose a breathable knit quarter with a reflective patent toe cap—offering visual depth and a story of duality.
• Examples: Mesh uppers with leather overlays; ripstop nylon tongues against suede side panels; TPU cages atop knitted sock-like constructions.

2. Sustainable & Recycled Fabrics

• Eco-Friendly Trends: Recycled poly-knit uppers, plant-based leather alternatives, and regenerated canvas are prevalent. Retro silhouettes now appear in sustainable materials—vintage runners in 100% recycled PET mesh; platform sandals with cork footbeds and hemp braided straps.
• Natural Textures: Huarache-inspired sandals in jute or hemp: think organic, biodegradable sensibilities. Vegetable-tanned leathers in artisan-style clogs, or recycled ocean-plastic mesh details on sport shoes reinforce eco-conscious narratives.

3. Lightweight Knits & Breathables

• Engineered Knit Uppers: One-piece knit sneakers offer sock-like comfort and minimal seaming. Patterned knits can incorporate color gradients or reflective yarns, serving both function and design.
• Perforated Leathers: Luxe loafers and sneakers get perforations or laser-cut patterns for ventilation—a nod to summer wearability without sacrificing premium appeal.
• Transparent & Translucent Panels: PVC or TPU “window” inserts in sneakers or see-through straps in sandals create a floating effect. Translucent finishes on nylon elastic narrow fabric webbing or TPU overlays maintain breathability and modernity.

4. Traditional Materials, Modernized

• Leather Variations: Tumbled leathers, nubucks, and second-skin suedes cater to comfort, forming to the foot over time. High-shine patent leathers and metallic coatings add glamour—especially on evening-oriented sandals or statement sneakers.
• Canvas Reimagined: Waterproof-treated canvases for sneakers and slip-on boots marry casual style with practicality. Satin and silk-like textiles even appear on relaxed silhouettes, bridging dressy and sporty contexts.
• Multi-Material Assemblies: Combine leather, neoprene, and mesh in hybrid builds. For instance, a sandal might feature a neoprene footbed for comfort, a leather vamp for polish, and elastic gore for a snug fit.

Trims and Narrow Fabrics: Laces, Elastics & Webbing
Trims are no longer afterthoughts; in SS26 they’re central to both function and storytelling. As a narrow-fabric supplier, you can support designers by offering a versatile range of laces, elastics, and webbing that align with these trends.

1. Statement Laces

• Glow-in-the-Dark & Reflective Laces: Engineered for nighttime visibility, these laces suit the “night runner” aesthetic and festival culture. Imagine a running sneaker with luminescent laces that charge in daylight and glow after dusk.
• Wrap-Around & Ballet-Style Laces: Extra-long cotton or satin ribbon laces that crisscross the ankle or calf recall ballet and gladiator inspirations. They lend drama to sandals and flats alike.
• Lace Play: Contrasting colors (Electric Fuchsia against Transformative Teal), printed logos, or intentionally mismatched pairs add personality. Fat laces—wide 80s-style shoelaces—complement chunky retro runners.
• Faux-Lace Detailing: No-lace slip-on sneakers might feature stitched-on faux-lace overlays as a nod to tradition, while maintaining a streamlined silhouette.

 
By supplying premium glow-in-the-dark fibers, recycled polyester printed laces, or wide vintage-style laces, suppliers can help brands make large statements through detail.

2. Elastic Straps & Gore

• Exposed Elastic Gores: Slip-on sneakers and Chelsea boots are showcasing visible elastic gussets in bold stripes or jacquard patterns. A tonal—or contrasting—elastic gore can be a design highlight rather than just a functional component.
• Elastic Sandal Closures: Wide elastic straps replace buckles or laces on sporty sandals. Some designs feature toggle-adjusted elastic cords, perfect for quick cinching on trail sneakers or water-friendly slides.
• Sustainable Elastics: Recycled jacquard elastics bring both stretch and eco-credentials. Expect to see organic cotton-elastane blends in artisanal sandals or braided elastics in feminine flats.
• Ruching & Scrunchie Straps: Elastic straps gathered into soft ruffles—think “scrunchie” style—add a romantic, whimsical touch to sandals and flats, aligning with the boho and youthful trends.

Supplying a variety of stretch percentages, widths, and patterns in sustainable elastics ensures that designers can achieve both performance fit and fashion-forward looks.

3. Webbing & Tech Straps

• Outdoor-Inspired Webbing: Durable nylon, polyester, or cotton webbing straps with hook-and-loop closures deliver that rugged, sport-luxe vibe. Sandals with adjustable webbing across the forefoot or ankle offer both support and utility.
•  Jacquard-Branded Webbing: Patterned and logo-adorned webbing adds branding opportunities and visual interest. Heel pull loops, sandal straps, and sneaker overlays can all feature custom jacquard webbing.
• Reflective & Technical Finishes: Reflective webbings—sometimes bonded with TPU—serve dual roles: night-time safety and a futuristic look. Ideal for trail runners or city commuters.
• Hiking-Grade Buckles & Straps: Chunky plastic side-release buckles paired with resilient nylon webbing show up on platform sandals and urban hiking sneakers, underscoring utilitarian streetwear influences.

Furnishing high-strength, colorfast webbings with various textures (matte, gloss, or reflective) can empower brands to blend function with on-trend aesthetics.

4. Hardware & Embellishments

• Subtle Yet Custom Hardware: D-rings, metal eyelets, and low-profile buckles—often in blacked-out or tonal finishes—support webbing and elastic straps without overwhelming the design.
• Laser-Cut Patterns & Embroidery: Narrow-fabric trims might feature embroidered logos or laser-cut motifs. For instance, a tonal elastic strap with perforated geometric patterns can echo the look of a perforated leather upper.
• Toggle-Lacing Systems: Plastic or metal toggles paired with elastic cords speed up lacing, appeal to on-the-go consumers, and fit perfectly with trail-inspired silhouettes.

By emphasizing quality—sturdy stitching, abrasion-resistant coatings, and robust buckles—trim suppliers help ensure that these small details deliver lasting performance and on-point style.
Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts
SS26 invites footwear professionals to embrace contrast and versatility. From nostalgic retro revivals and artisanal craftsmanship to sporty outdoor influences and playful youthful riffs, the season is all about balancing bold self-expression with refined simplicity. Designers should think critically about how each element—color, material, silhouette, and trim—works together to tell a cohesive story.

• Color: Lean into the season’s curated palette. A strategic splash of Electric Fuchsia can transform a neutral design. Transformative Teal resonates with eco-conscious consumers, while Waxed Paper-based neutrals ground a collection.
• Materials: Blend high-tech textiles (engineered knits, TPU meshes) with natural or recycled fabrics. Knit uppers invite breathability; perforations and transparent panels offer visual intrigue and comfort. Updated leathers (tumbled, patent, embossed) lend luxury.
• Trims: Never underestimate the power of narrow fabrics. Glow-in-the-dark laces, jacquard elastics, and branded webbing can become pivotal design details—enhancing fit, performance, and narrative. Hardware, from custom buckles to laser-cut accents, finishes the look.

For narrow-fabric suppliers like ECI Elastic, SS26 presents opportunities to partner closely with brands, offering specialized trims—recycled jacquard elastics, colorfast woven laces, high-strength nylon webbings, and performance-driven webbings with reflective properties. By delivering both the technical specs and the trend insights, you help designers elevate their collections and stay ahead of market shifts.

Ultimately, SS26 is about versatility: consumers want footwear that can transition seamlessly from workouts to weekends, from office-ready hybrids to festival-ready statements. By integrating the above trends—bold colors, sustainable materials, and inventive trims—your next SS26 lineup can capture both the spirit of tomorrow and the legacies of the past. Keep the boundary between sport and fashion fluid, celebrate craftsmanship alongside high-tech innovation, and let your trims tell the story of every step.

Sources:
●    Trend forecasts by WGSN, Coloro and industry experts

c2fashionstudio.comlinkedin.comfootwearbiz.comfootwearbiz.com

●    Kaiteen Shoes, “2026 Footwear Trends” – style and color insights

kaiteen.comkaiteen.comlinkedin.com

●    Vogue & Glamour – Spring 2025/26 runway trend analysis

vogue.comglamour.com

●    Arrow 22 Boutique, “2025 Shoe Trends” – consumer trend perspective

arrow22.comarrow22.com

●    APLF & trade show reports – material and trim innovations

aplf.comaplf.comcherryribbon.com.au

●    Cherry Ribbon (industry supplier) – on the role of webbing in footwear

cherryribbon.com.aucherryribbon.com.au