All Of Summer 2026's Biggest Sandal Trends Have One Nostalgic Thing In Common

Does it feel a little ... '90s out here to you? Maybe it's all the Summerween hype, but we're definitely seeing a ghost of a decade. It first popped up when we reported on the most comfortable summer 2026 sandal trends, which included such '90s favorites as Birkenstocks, fisherman sandals, and kitten heels. Little did we know just how strongly the spirit of the slacker decade would present itself.

According to the Spring/Summer 2026 runways, possibly inspired by the success of Ryan Murphy's "Love Story" and nostalgia for Tom Ford at Gucci, the '90s sandals revival will include block heels, mules, and even high-end flip-flops. Possibly the most surprising comeback, however, is the wedge sandal. You know, those corky chunks that ferried us precariously but safely to the Sam Goodys of yore. If you're up for a challenge, trendspotters have even spotted a combination of these trends in the return of the kitten wedge, but be warned: This is an advanced move for experienced sandal wearers.

This isn't the first time the '90s have Macarena'd their way into the sartorial conversation. The humble slip skirt became the skirt of summer 2026 thanks to its vintage touches, and '90s trends were all over the fall 2025 runways, including capri pants, Mary Jane shoes, and oval sunglasses. Summer 2026 also ushered in an era of '90s-inspired pedicure trends (all the better to go with your sandals).

In fact, the 2020s have been a suspiciously '90s decade. Jennifer Aniston had people running to the salon after she brought back the Rachel haircut at the Golden Globes in 2024, the same year that chunky highlights made a shocking comeback. The year before, minimalist '90s jewelry, slip dresses, and grunge aesthetics dominated the trend reports. The decade might not be a ghost after all — it might be a full-blown resurrection.