Including sleek loafers, comfy sneakers, and leg-lengthening kitten heels
I’ve been so focused on cozy knits and loungewear this year, I haven’t given much thought to my shoe collection. Spoiler alert: It could use an upgrade.
That’s why I tapped stylist and style coach Samantha Dawn for her expert opinions on the top shoe trends for 2026. She expects comfy sneakers, mom-approved heels, and lug-sole shoes to break through this year, just to name a few — and you can hop on all of the trends at Amazon. I rounded up stunning shoes to level-up your wardrobe from Franco Sarto, Vince Camuto, Vivaia, and more shopper-loved brands, and prices start at $28.
Stylist-Approved 2026 Shoe Trends at Amazon
- Nicole Kidman-Inspired: Jackshibo Ribbon Lace-Up Sneakers, $40
- Workwear-Ready: Franco Sarto Carolynn Tassel Loafers, $66
- Winter Essential: Athlefit Lug-Sole Chelsea Boots, $40 (orig. $50)
- Mom-Approved Heels: Vince Camuto Pilar Slingback Kitten Heels, $26–$99
- “Elongates the Legs”: Vivaia Anna Mid-Heel Pumps, $169
- Comfy Statement-Maker: Gothictor Leopard-Print Mesh Mary Jane Ballet Flats, $28 with Prime (orig. $31)
Related: Sandra Bullock’s $200 Birkenstock Clogs Are a Must-Have for Chilly Spring Mornings — Get Her Exact Pair Now
Jackshibo Ribbon Lace-Up Sneakers
“I am always recommending low-profile sneakers to my clients,” Dawn shares of her comfy everyday shoe pick. She added that she “loves” suggesting sneakers that have “sleek but not overly boring designs” that are still comfortable.
Nicole Kidman recently inspired us by wearing a pair of low-profile ballerina sneakers at the airport, and this similar style is just $40. In addition to its low silhouette, the sneakers are outfitted with lace detailing and ribbon laces that’ll make them stand out from other kicks in your collection, all without sacrificing comfort and wearability.
Franco Sarto Carolynn Tassel Loafers
Dawn has also cracked the code on the best work shoe to wear this season. She recommends “loafers to wear in the winter paired with fun or chunky socks for a more preppy-casual office look.” And, as far as inclement weather goes, she assures, “If you're in a climate with snow, anything with traction underneath is great.”
We picked out these elegant Franco Sarto loafers that multiple reviewers call comfortable. They have a tractioned lug sole with a subtle 1.5-inch platform, and they’re covered in patent leather with tassel detailing for a super sharp look.
Related: Jennifer Aniston, Kate Middleton, and More Stars Are Reaching for Spring Jackets Like These — from $35
Athlefit Lug-Sole Chelsea Boots
$50
Our style expert also highlighted Chelsea boots as a timeless, functional, and fashionable trend that's primed for cool weather. This popular pair has a lug-sole and a chunky block heel that’s comfy for all-day wear, plus an elastic band with a rear pull tab that makes them easy to slide on and off.
Vince Camuto Pilar Slingback Kitten Heels
Dawn even shared her personal favorite practical yet comfortable shoe trend. “I am still a die-hard slingback kitten heel fan,” she tells PEOPLE. “I'm a mom of two young kids, but I also love heels… Realistically, I can't walk around in 3+-inch heels all day when I’m on the go or when I'm with my kids, but I can do all of that in my kitten heels.” She explains, “It's versatile, it's comfortable… I always recommend them to anyone that will listen.”
Vivaia Anna Mid-Heel Pumps
As for what’s to come, Dawn expects another heel style to be everywhere in 2026. “One silhouette that you'll definitely be seeing more is the V-shape vamp heels," she says. "It makes the already-popular pointed-toe shape extra sharp and will elongate the legs even more.”
The vamp of a shoe is the notch of the upper material that covers the toe box. These Vivaia heels (from the celeb-worn comfy shoe brand) have a V-shaped vamp like the trend Dawn highlighted — and they’re made from a soft, breathable knit with a modest heel for added comfort.
Related: Amazon’s New Spring Fashion Is Already on Sale for Up to 66% Off — Here Are the 50 Best Styles to Shop Now
Gothictor Leopard-Print Mesh Mary Jane Ballet Flats, $28 with Prime
$31
Finally, Dawn expects more unique fashion trends to pop up this year. She thinks we’ll see “mesh or transparent shoes” in the spring and summer, which she chalks up to “the nostalgia of ‘90s fashion making its way back into modern fashion.”
She adds, “I believe maximalism will still be a big hit… There will be a lot of colors, a lot of textures, more animal prints, like zebra, will be everywhere.” Feeling inspired, we picked out these mesh leopard-print Mary Janes that are sure to spice up any wardrobe. I’m adding these to my cart now to pair with jeans and dresses come springtime.
We rounded up even more shoe trends inspired by stylist Samantha Dawn’s advice from Amazon’s fashion department. Get ahead of the curve and snag these soon-to-be everywhere styles now.
Aldo Sabby Sneakers
$92
Sam Edelman Kallen Sneakers
$95
Vince Camuto Valther Pumps
$129
Cole Haan Stassi Penny Loafers
$120
Frye and Co. Miranda Boots
$160
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