SThey are imperceptible, but can be seen from kilometers away. The magical sandals that leave the foot (almost) bareheld together by only a few with very thin strips, they are also called barefoot or barely there and they are the craze of 2026.
Flip-flops with heels, mules with a single strap, crossed or double-strap sandals, more or less low: the shoe becomes lighter until it becomes invisible. A direct thrust into the minimalism of yesteryear, but also a micro trend in the macro trend of the eternal return of the Nineties, destined to divide: for some the maximum of discreet luxury, for others little more than an incomplete shoe.
The sandals coffinsalmost invisible, now they stand out
To really revive the aesthetics of the sandal coffins in unsuspecting times it was above all The Row with his namesake sandalswhich have become a cult model in recent years thanks to the lines reduced to the essentials and the perfect balance between sensuality and rigor. From there the reinterpretations multiplied: come on Serenity Bare by Reformation, probably the dupes closest to the aesthetics of the chic model designed by the Olsen sisters, up to the Almost Coffins Of Aquazzuraflat and very thin, with an elegance that recalls the sandals of ancient Greece.
Sandals barefootfrom ancient Greece to Chanel hegemony
Because after all, the origins of these shoes are much older than they seem. You know Hermesthe winged messenger of the gods often depicted in apparently very light lace-up sandals? Its unmistakable “look” seems to have also inspired Matthieu Blazywhich for Chanel’s Cruise 2026/2027 which took place in Biarritz brought golden models on the catwalk with almost no sole, with only the heel cover and very thin ribbons on the instep, in perfect Greek goddess style.
The future of barefoot sandals? Matthieu Blazy writes it with the Chanel Cruise 2026/2027 collection: winged sandals without soles, goddess-proof, are on the catwalk. (Getty Images)
A divisive detail: for some a (poetic?) symbol of maximum freedom, for others a small fashion nightmare. What is certain is that the model one of a kind seen on the catwalk is destined to further drive the sandal trend barefoot in the coming months.
Barefoot sandals, low or high: the trend of summer 2026
To be honest, these sandals had already conquered the Spring Summer 2026 fashion shows on the loose. From Tove’s ultra-minimal flat models to sandals killer heels in metal and double-plated patent leather by Tom Ford, up to the essential nineties silhouettes resurrected by Veronica Leoni for Calvin Klein Collection. Precisely in black and white, as basic as in the Nineties, these are the sandal models to focus on now: kitten heels or low to the ground, always equipped with a few, very thin straps.
Ella slingback sandals, The Row.
The newest silhouette? The barefoot sandal in slingback versionas demonstrated by The Row’s 2026 model, Shewhich after the legendary Coffins is tiptoeing up the wishlists. The shade still little seen? The redalready popular on the shelves of low-cost shoes (Mango).
Thin strap sandals, Mango.
Strappy sandals, the outfits to try them in summer 2026
With straight or cropped jeans, tailored shorts, Bermuda shorts and Capri pants. But also minimal dresses and infinity skirts that leave the foot completely visible: sandals barely therelow or with heels, accentuate the effect.
Sandals with very thin black straps are back in trend: a micro trend in the maxi trend of the return of the 90s for Spring Summer 2026. (GC Images)
On holiday as in the city, but with a fundamental clarification: make sure they have a durable sole.
Because on asphalt and hot sand, unfortunately, freedom can turn into a double-edged sword…
