Oftentimes, when a shoe trend becomes massive, it leads to offshoot trends within the trend. Is there any spring and summer shoe trend that has been more massive than flip-flops over the past couple of years? The answer is a resounding no. At this point, the flip-flop trend has branched off into a plethora of styles characterized by color, heel type, and material. If you’re bored with your basic thong sandals but aren’t over the trend, I’m here to offer up some fresh options.
Last summer, kitten-heel flip-flops were absolutely inescapable, and I’m not saying to stop wearing them by any means. They’re still considered quite cool, but if I didn’t put the new alternatives on your radar, I fear you’d be missing out. I narrowed it down to six specific flip-flop trends (yes, there are more than that) that I’m 100% sure will be everywhere by summer.
Keep scrolling to familiarize yourself with the top six flip-flop trends of 2026 and shop the coolest pairs.
Two-Tone
After seemingly every fashion-minded celebrity lost it over The Row’s Dune Thong Sandals last summer, other brands have officially jumped on board, releasing similar sandals with contrasting straps and footbeds. The style adds such a cool, eye-catching look to an outfit.
Shop Two-Tone Flip-Flops
Reformation
Jessie Thong Sandals
Tkees X J.Crew
Limited Edition Thong Sandals
ZARA
Contrast Flat Sandals
Christopher Esber
Scala Wedge Sandals
Wedge Heel
Wedge heels are one of the biggest shoe trends of the year, so it makes sense that wedge-heel flip-flops would be the summer version. When I see someone wearing this style, I immediately know they’re a fashion person.
Shop Wedge-Heel Flip-Flops
JUDE
Yaga Leather Wedge Sandals
Prada
Patent Leather Thong Sandals
Reformation
Amelia Thong Wedge Sandals
Tony Bianco
Edgy Thong Wedge Mules
Jelly
Jelly flip-flops are perhaps the most fun trend of the bunch, and brands are getting more and more creative with PVC in 2026. There’s nothing cheap looking about the jelly thong sandals of present day.
Shop Jelly Flip-Flops
ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS
Sayonara Jelly Rubber Flip Flops
Chloé
Junie Satin and TPU Thong Sandals
Vince
San Juan Jelly Thong Sandals
Open Edit
Tori Kitten Heel Flip Flops
Dressy Leather
This one isn’t that groundbreaking, but it’s noteworthy because you can now get away with wearing flip-flops practically anywhere thanks to all the elevated leather iterations on the market. Look for chic details such as croc embossing, suede, and square toes.
Shop Dressy Leather Flip-Flops
TOTEME
Croc-Effect Leather Flip Flops
Zara
Contrast Leather Sandals
Madewell
The Iggy Thong Sandal in Suede
A.EMERY
Kinto Leather Flip Flops
High Heel
High stiletto heels are back, and while that doesn’t mean everyone is putting their kitten heels away, it does mean they’re swapping them for pairs that add a couple more inches from time to time.
Shop High-Heel Flip-Flops
ZARA
Leather Strap Heeled Sandals
Herbert Levine
Kiss and Tell Satin Sandals
MANGO
Heeled Leather Sandals With Straps
Gucci
Vittoria Leather Thong Sandals
Embellished
Pretty sandals are the MVP of summer, so seize the opportunity and add an embellished pair of flip-flops to your warm-weather wardrobe. It’s an easy way to look like you tried while putting in as little outfit effort as possible.
Shop Embellished Flip-Flops
Longchamp
Roseau Thong Sandals
Dolce Vita
Jaina Thong Sandals
Staud
Freja Thong Sandals
Ancient Greek Sandals
Endoxi Flip Flops
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