Dua Lipa recently wore The Row flip-flops in New York City. These leather Ginza sandals retail for $990, according to Nypost. The $990 price positions a casual summer sandal above many traditional designer heels.
Traditionally casual and affordable summer sandals are now embraced by luxury brands and celebrities. Their price points now rival designer heels, creating tension between comfort and cost. Consumers seeking summer sandal trends in 2026 face new market dynamics.
The market for summer sandals is segmenting dramatically. High-end versions become exclusive status symbols, while the mass market struggles to differentiate itself.
- Dua Lipa was seen wearing flip-flops from The Row in New York City, according to WWD.
- The Row’s leather Ginza sandal is priced at $990, reports Nypost.
- Havaianas is launching a collaboration with Dolce and Gabbana. These flip-flops are priced at $138, according to Nypost.
- Jelly shoes are returning for Summer 2026, states Condé Nast Traveler.
- Kitten heel flip-flops are presented as a way to elevate outfits, notes ELLE.
- Jelly flip-flop heels are considered a lasting trend that adds a subtle touch of color to outfits, also according to ELLE.
What Sandal Styles Trend for Summer 2026?
Jelly shoes are returning for Summer 2026, according to Condé Nast Traveler. The return of jelly shoes for Summer 2026 signals a nostalgic appeal within current fashion cycles.
Kitten heel flip-flops offer a way to elevate outfits, as reported by ELLE. These "jelly flip-flop heels" add subtle color and are considered a lasting trend. The luxury market actively re-appropriates historically 'cheap' footwear styles, transforming them into high-margin products with subtle design twists and celebrity endorsement.
The emergence of a $990 flip-flop from The Row, as reported by Nypost, signals a shift. Luxury brands now monetize understated, effortless chic at exorbitant prices. Luxury brands monetizing understated, effortless chic at exorbitant prices challenges conventional notions of value.
Havaianas' collaboration with Dolce and Gabbana, priced at $138, also reported by Nypost, demonstrates a different strategy. Luxury houses leverage mass-market comfort brands to create 'entry-level' luxury items. Leveraging mass-market comfort brands to create 'entry-level' luxury items broadens their market reach while maintaining an exclusive aura.
Condé Nast Traveler indicates a return of jelly shoes for Summer 2026. However, ELLE highlights 'jelly flip-flop heels' as a lasting trend. The return of jelly shoes and the highlighting of 'jelly flip-flop heels' as a lasting trend suggests affordable items are re-imagined with an 'elevated' twist, blurring lines between mass appeal and curated fashion.
Which sandal brands are trending in 2026?
Luxury brands like The Row are trending with elevated casual styles, such as their $990 Ginza sandal. Collaborations like Havaianas with Dolce and Gabbana also mark a trend for designer takes on accessible footwear. Consumers seek both ultra-exclusive and 'entry-level' luxury comfort.
Are platform sandals still in style for 2026?
While the article focuses on flat and kitten-heel casual styles, platform sandals maintain a presence in broader fashion trends. Their continued popularity often depends on specific seasonal interpretations and celebrity endorsements. Many brands offer platform versions of slides and flip-flops for added height.
What are the must-have sandals for summer 2026?
Must-have sandals for summer 2026 include elevated flip-flops, particularly those with subtle design tweaks like kitten heels. Jelly shoes, reimagined for a luxury market, also represent a key item. These styles blend comfort with an understated, chic aesthetic.
By Q3 2026, brands like The Row will likely reinforce the idea that comfort can be a luxury investment. The $990 price point of their Ginza sandal continues to shape consumer expectations for summer footwear.
