2026 Shoe Trends — And Where You Can Find Them in Barefoot Shoes 

Barefoot shoes haven’t historically been known for their fashion sense, but things seem to be changing. Here’s where you can find the hottest 2026 shoe trends among barefoot shoe brands.

Not every shoe trend is going to translate well into barefoot shoes. Honestly, it feels like so many don’t. I mean, apparently chunky wooden clogs are back—I don’t think there’s any way to spin that into natural movement. But I also don’t have to think too hard about whether it’s worth prioritizing healthy, comfortable feet over a passing trend. 

That said, most of us don’t want to feel like we’re missing out on everything (at least I don’t!). The good news is that 2026 shoes trends are shaping up to be surprisingly barefoot-friendly. 

Here’s what I’m seeing. 

2026 Shoe Trends in Barefoot Shoes

Sneakerinas

This trend was basically made for barefoot brands. 

The shift away from bulky dad sneakers toward slimmer, lower-profile shoes is huge for us. The “sneakerina” (part sneaker, part ballet flat) blends sporty and feminine in a way that works beautifully with flexible, foot-shaped designs. A sneakerina is prime for minimal structure and barely-there soles…so a barefoot version doesn’t have to try and pretend to be anything that it’s not.

There are only a few barefoot sneakers so far, but I hope we see more of this in 2026!

---

Boat Shoes 

Coastal prep is everywhere right now — relaxed tailoring, stripes, soft knits… and boat shoes. 

I have a soft spot for boat shoes after spending a whole summer in some shiny gold Sperry’s. Traditional boat shoes can be narrow and stiff, but the overall aesthetic translates really well to barefoot designs: soft leather, low stack height, and simple construction. 

If you find a truly foot-shaped version, this is an easy, wearable trend that doesn’t fight your feet. There’s a few great options of barefoot boat shoes below, from thicker soles (like the Dolfie and Lems) to thinner options (like Gaucho Ninja).

---

More Retro sneakers (but thinner) 

Retro isn’t going anywhere, it’s just getting sleeker. Classic sneakers like the Adidas Samba totally dominated the sneaker space these last few years, but come spring, it looks like many are opting for its slimmer sister, the Adidas Tokyo.

But this trend isn’t limited to just the biggest name brands. Almost every street style shot I’ve seen recently that features a sneaker is a thin-soled one, a big jump from prior years when I saw so many overbuilt chunky sneakers.  

Barefoot shoe brands have spent years focusing on cup sole styles, often trying to fake a taller stack height. This trend is a great opportunity for barefoot brands to lean into their strengths and let their true soles show (sorry for the pun).

---

Earthy toned suede 

Neutral doesn’t have to mean bright white. I’m loving the chocolate brown, espresso, and other warm tones that are taking over — especially in suede sneakers (or if you prefer, vegan suedes like microfiber). The depth of color and the texture both create a softer, more dimensional look, which helps balance (and visually soften) the sharper lines that can sometimes stand out on barefoot shoes. 

---

Loafers 

They’re one of the easiest ways to look pulled together while still staying comfortable — which is probably exactly why loafers are one of the top shoe trends on 2026. I think a lot of us still want comfort, but we’ve also grown tired of the ultra-casual, post-pandemic uniform. There’s a collective desire to dress things up again, just not at the expense of our feet. 

You’ll notice the rest of this list leans pretty sneaker-heavy, and that’s just the reality of barefoot shoes. Some of the dressier trends simply don’t translate (wooden clogs, sculptural wedges, sharply pointed mules… there’s only so much we can do there). But loafers? With a truly foot-shaped toe box and a flexible sole, they’re one of the few polished styles that work really well in a minimalist design without feeling like a compromise.

Here’s a short list of my picks for barefoot loafers, but you can find a longer review with more styles here.

Animal Prints and Pony Hair 

Animal print is still going strong, but it feels more refined this time around. Less loud, cheesy leopard and more muted cow prints and subtle patterns. A lot of styles are even a two-for-one: animal print on pony hair (like the Duke Wildhide loafers). I know that sounds like a lot, but the texture actually softens the pattern and makes it feel more natural instead of over the top. I’m seeing it most on loafers, ballet flats, and slim sneakers. 

And this is actually a great trend for barefoot shoes. It’s a fun way to play with pattern and texture that doesn’t impact comfort.

V‑Cut Ballet Flats 

Ballet flats are one of the most popular styles that translate well to dressier barefoot shoes. Lately, the Mary Jane–style with one or two straps over the foot has been especially popular, and several barefoot brands have delivered some great options. 

For 2026, the trend seems to be shifting toward sleeker designs with a sharper V‑cut opening. I didn’t think this would work for barefoot shoes, since a pointed opening usually means a tapered toe. I’ve seen one barefoot shoe brand try this so far, and I’m not 100% sure it works…let me know what you think. I’d love to see some more brands try though.

The barefoot flats featured above the the right are from the Spanish brand Sambas the Bambas (code KELLY for 5% off)

Final Thoughts 

You don’t have to chase trends. But if you’ve been feeling some FOMO from switching to barefoot shoes, this might be one of the easiest years to enjoy some on trend styles without compromising your foot health and comfort. 

And no, not every 2026 shoe trend is going to work for barefoot shoes. But this year does feel more hopeful than the past.

We’re seeing slimmer silhouettes, softer materials, and less bulk overall. And that naturally overlaps with what barefoot brands have been doing all along. What’s even more interesting is that a growing number of conventional brands are starting to experiment with barefoot lines of their own. 

Is 2026 the year barefoot shoes really tip into the mainstream? It’s certainly looking that way!