Revisiting the 2026 Trends We Predicted

At the beginning of 2026, we made a few predictions about the footwear trends we thought would define the year. Bow details. Two-tone styles. Laser cutouts. Stud accents. Clogs and flats. Platforms.

Now that we’re well into 2026, we thought it was time to revisit those predictions. Some of those predictions have played out exactly as expected, but others have evolved into something a little bigger. A few trends we didn’t predict have found their way into the mix.

Here’s what we called at the beginning of the year and what we’re actually seeing now:

Bow Details -> Whimsy is Everything

What we predicted: After years of understated dressing, bow details would bring a softer, more playful element to footwear in 2026.

What we’ve seen: The bows were only the beginning. We’ve seen beads. Charms. Unexpected colors. Sculptural shapes. Statement embellishments. More!

Shoes in 2026 aren't just finishing an outfit, they're becoming the fun part of it. What started as a prediction about one specific detail has turned into something much bigger: whimsy is everywhere. Even some of the season's biggest footwear trend reports have called out playful details and expressive designs as a defining part of 2026 style. Not every shoe needs to be sensible, neutral, or match everything you own. Sometimes the best pair is simply the one that makes the outfit more interesting.

Check out the Dansko Kane in Butter & Baguettes or Flamingo for a playful pop that instantly adds personality to an outfit. The Birkenstock Arizona Flowers is another perfect example, taking a classic, everyday silhouette and giving it a whimsical twist with floral embellishments. These are the kinds of shoes that prove a little fun can go a long way.

Our verdict: We predicted bows, but 2026 gave us a whole lot more. Whimsy and florals in general have turned out to be customer favorites.

Two-Tone Styles -> Color Gets More Interesting

What we predicted: Contrasting colors and two-tone designs would become a bigger part of footwear.

What we’ve seen: Color has definitely gotten more bold and interesting, even if two-tone styles weren’t quite as popular as we thought they would be.

Instead of relying on one neutral shade from top to bottom, we’re seeing more contrast, color blocking, unexpected combinations, and brighter shades. It’s an easy way to make familiar shoes feel fresh without completely changing your style. Even if you’re usually a neutral-shoe person, a contrasting strap, sole, or pop of color can give an outfit just enough personality.

The HOKA Bondi 9 is a perfect example. With a range of bold and multi-color options, the classic running silhouette feels much more expressive while still keeping the comfort and performance people love.

We’re also seeing the trend show up in comfort styles like the Aetrex Ashley in Hazy Blue Multi, with color blocking shades come together for a more playful take on an everyday sandal, and the Aetrex Jillian, which proves that even a practical, go-to sandal can feel more interesting with a pop of color.

Our verdict: Two-tone was on the right track, but it wasn’t quite as big as we expected. That said, it’s definitely not too late to pick up a pair.

Laser Cutouts -> Texture Takes Over

What we predicted: Laser-cut details would add dimension and visual interest to spring and summer footwear.

What we’ve seen: Texture has taken that idea and run with it.

Cutouts are still part of the conversation, but we're also seeing woven leather, braiding, crochet, raffia-inspired textures, and basket-like finishes across shoes and accessories. The appeal makes sense. Texture gives even the simplest neutral shoe more depth while still being incredibly easy to wear.

The Dansko Stella in White Woven is a perfect example. Its woven upper gives the sandal an instant summery feel, while the silhouette is polished enough to wear well beyond vacation. For something a little more casual and chic, the FitFlop Delicato Woven brings the trend into a sleek, feminine shape. The woven detailing adds interest without overwhelming the shoe, making it easy to pair with anything.

Our verdict: We predicted cutouts, but texture became the bigger trend.

Stud Accents -> Embellishments Everywhere

What we predicted: Studs and hardware would give classic footwear an edgier update.

What we’ve seen: The trend is definitely still here, even if stud accents weren’t quite as popular as we thought they would be.

The Birkenstock Boston Rivet and Birkenstock Arizona Rivet are great examples. Both take classic Birkenstock styles and add metallic rivet studs for a look that feels more elevated, textured, and statement making. We’re also seeing that same idea expand beyond traditional studs into decorative hardware, metallic shoes, and other embellishments that make a shoe feel more personal.

Our verdict: Studs weren’t quite the breakout trend we predicted, but the details are still doing the talking this year. And it’s not too late to pick up a pair.

Clogs & Flats -> We Called It

What we predicted: Clogs and flats would continue becoming everyday staples.

What we’ve seen: Exactly that, especially when it comes to flats.

Flats have continued moving beyond the basic ballet flat, and Mary Janes in particular have done really well. The FitFlop Delicato is a great example of how the silhouette can feel polished, feminine, and easy to wear all at once.

Clogs remain a go-to for anyone who wants a shoe that's easy, comfortable, and still looks intentional. Check out the new Birkenstock Boston Braid, for example. They’re practical without feeling boring, especially as brands experiment with different textures, colors, buckles, and silhouettes. And with the shift toward more relaxed, wearable styling, it’s easy to see why both have stuck around.

Our verdict: Consider this one confirmed. Flats, especially Mary Janes, have been a standout.

Platforms -> Still Standing Tall

What we predicted: Platforms weren't going anywhere.

What we’ve seen: They definitely haven't.

Platforms are still giving us that extra height without necessarily feeling overly dressed up. They also fit perfectly into the playful direction we're seeing this year. A platform can take a simple shoe and instantly make it feel like more of a statement.

The FitFlop wedge toe-post sandal has been one of our top sellers, proving that platforms are still going strong. The new UGG Goldenstar Hi Cutout Slide is also currently trending, combining a minimal silhouette with bold cutout details and an elevated platform sole.

Our verdict: Another one we called. The platform era continues.

What We Didn't Predict: Florals & Woven Everything

Of course, half the fun of looking back at trend predictions is seeing what showed up that wasn't on the original list. Two standouts? Florals and woven textures.

Florals have moved beyond traditional prints and started showing up as 3D details, flower accents, and statement designs. The Birkenstock Arizona Flowers is a perfect example, they’re familiar, wearable, but with a detail that makes it feel completely different. For an even bolder take, the Spring Step Alania in Orange Multi features hand-painted floral artwork with metallic leather details, like wearable art for your feet.

And woven texture has become one of the easiest ways to make a summer shoe feel special. Styles like the Dansko Stella in White Woven and FitFlop Delicato Woven prove that a neutral shoe can still have plenty of personality.

We may not have called these ones in January, but they're definitely part of the 2026 story now.

What Have We Learned About 2026 So Far? Personality.

Looking back, the common thread between so many of our 2026 predictions wasn't actually one color, material, or silhouette. It was personality. This year has been about mixing practical shoes with playful ones. Minimal sandals with statement details. Nostalgic silhouettes with modern styling. Romantic florals with casual denim. Woven textures with everyday basics.

Instead of everyone chasing one hyper-specific aesthetic, 2026 style has felt much more like an invitation to pick the trends you love and make them your own. Some predictions landed exactly where we thought they would, like flats and platforms. Others, like two-tone styles and studs, were a little quieter than expected. And some of the biggest customer favorites, like florals, whimsy, and woven textures, ended up growing beyond what we originally predicted. And with summer not quite over yet, there’s still plenty of time to experiment.

What’s Next for 2026?

One of the best parts about revisiting these trends is seeing how much can change over the course of a year. Some trends have stuck around exactly as we expected, while others have shifted into something completely different. We’ve also seen a few unexpected favorites pop up along the way.

With a few more months left in 2026, we can’t wait to see what comes next! More color? More texture? Even more whimsy? Whatever it is, we’ll be watching. For now, we’re excited to see how these trends continue to evolve through the rest of the year!