Not long ago, being told your shoes looked like something your grandmother would wear was not exactly a compliment. Practical? Sure. Comfortable? Absolutely. But stylish? Not a chance. By 2026, fashion has officially flipped the script. Real luxury, it turns out, isn't about how high your heels are — it's about how confidently and effortlessly you move through the world.
Those chunky-soled, big-buckled, soft leather sandals that once lived firmly in orthopedic territory are now the most wanted shoes of the season. Comfort has reclaimed its place at the style table — and it brought elegance with it. If you're wondering how to wear this trend without actually looking like you raided your nan's wardrobe, we've rounded up the best styles to try right now.
Dark leather sandal with an oversized round buckle
This is the sandal that manages to be elegant without even trying. The subtle sheen of the leather paired with an oversized round buckle strikes that perfect balance between modern and understated. It's the ultimate summer staple — equally at home at a morning coffee stop or wandering cobblestone streets on a Mediterranean holiday. Wear it with a flowy midi skirt, or keep it grounded with straight-leg jeans and a crisp white shirt. A bold red pedicure, grandma-approved, is practically mandatory.
Low-heeled mule
If a shoe could live somewhere between polished elegance and relaxed ease, this is it. The low heel gives you just enough lift without demanding anything of you, and the clean, simple silhouette lets your outfit breathe. It works beautifully with an A-line midi skirt, wide-leg linen trousers, or structured Bermuda shorts. This is the shoe for women whose style is quiet — but always says something.
Chunky cross-strap sandal
Bold personality. Solid sole. Adjustable buckle. This sandal was made for summer adventures. The cross-strap design is both comfortable and visually striking, instantly adding character to even the simplest outfit. It pairs well with wide-leg trousers, acid-wash denim, or a satin midi skirt. This is the kind of shoe that gives you freedom without asking you to sacrifice an ounce of style.
Wide-strap sandal
Minimalist, but with a presence. Broad straps, a cushioned footbed, and precisely crafted metal hardware — this sandal speaks directly to women who want fashion that works as hard as they do. Pair it with straight-cut trousers, a sleeveless vest, or even a mini skirt. There's something about this shoe that transitions seamlessly from the office to an outdoor dinner without missing a beat.
Woven-effect sandal
It looks like it was designed for a Mediterranean terrace — but it holds its own just as well on city streets. The natural woven sole and statement buckles call for breezy cotton dresses, white denim, and linen shorts. This is the sandal that makes you feel like summer, wherever you happen to be wearing it.
Fisherman sandal
The fisherman sandal is one of those rare pieces that manages to feel simultaneously vintage and completely current — and it instantly adds character to any outfit. This season, wear it with khaki trousers, a midi skirt, or light acid-wash jeans. It's also a genuinely smart office option for days when fully open-toed sandals feel like a stretch.
Simple leather slide
A well-made leather slide — especially in camel or black — is the shoe that goes with everything, and there's a reason it's been a summer wardrobe essential for generations. In 2026, the trick is to lean fully into the grandma aesthetic: pair it with lace details, floral dresses, and other softly romantic pieces. That's what transforms it from retro to genuinely modern.
The grandma sandal trend isn't about giving up on style for the sake of comfort. It's about realizing the two were never really in conflict. The best summer shoe is the one you can walk in all day — and still look great doing it.
