Ssubtle, delicate, not at all saccharine. The flakes they are one of the biggest trends of Spring-Summer 2026, and yet they have never appeared so minimal, as at the tip of the décolletéslingbacks, mules, ballet flats.
Yes, because the trend within the trend sees shoes with bows at the top of wishlists. Thanks to a massive presence on the catwalks of many different models, where the classic bow, more or less evident, always thin but rather defined, stands out as the protagonist. From Prada to Dior to Valentino, the craze quickly infected the shoe racks of stars and trendsetters, eventually adorning the footwear of low-cost collections.
From Dior to Prada, a great trend
Romantic, yes. But not cloying. A detail that denotes refined femininity, rather than affectation. The proof is in the bow shoes that stood out the most at the latest fashion shows: starting with those designed by Jonathan Anderson for Dior, a riot of nineties-style heeled mules and pointed pumps in original colors and prints, all characterized by retro details. They follow closely the pumps Bowow by Valentino Garavani designed by Alessandro Michelewhich dust off the Seventies icon of the brand. Presented with the Resort 2025, they have the appearance of an old-fashioned shoe, thanks to the comfortable 4.5 cm heel and the maxi flat bow at the toe, made of tone-on-tone leather.
The precedent that, It goes without sayingis it back in vogue? THEthe legendary shoe with bow Vara by Ferragamo, born in 1978 and today protagonist of the special campaign Vara Bowwith Bianca Balti and Paloma Elsesser. With a vintage Sixties flavor, Prada bow pumpsvery bourgeois (or it would be better to say “Milanese”), which stand out for the lateral positioning of the exquisite detail; definitely more conspicuous the knotted toe sandal by Givenchyalso taken up by The Row. The everlasting It Shoe with the bow? The dancerobviously: more or less classic, with a slightly squared tip, as demonstrated by Alberta Ferretti and Erdem.
The pumps with bow from the Prada Spring-Summer 2026 fashion show.
The most beautiful models for Spring-Summer 2026
As often happens, when the trend is strong it doesn’t struggle to land in the collections of up-to-date and/or more affordable brands. The French from Rouje present the pump Milanaise whose name says it allwhich closely follows the models of Prada (and Miu Miu). Reformation focuses on satin with mules sealed with a satin bow at the tip, perfect for enhancing even the simplest evening dress. There is no shortage of models that mix different trends: bow and eyelet eyelets for Mach&Mach, animalier upper for Jimmy Choo, in PVC for Herbert Levine, without forgetting the micro bow.
Slingback with eyelets and bow at the toe, Mach&Mach.
If Zara opts for the patent slingback with maxi flattened bowH&M presents a ruched mule in luxurious suede, at least in appearance, while Mango offers an affordable version of the silk effect pumps: everyone has their own opportunity to follow the trend without squandering their finances.
How to match shoes with bow
The It Girls have wasted no time: on their feet the bow shoes are already exploring new styles and outfits. Elizabeth Olsenfor example, opt for the model Cubist by Jacquemusa slingback presented in different heights and colors with a thin bow that catches the eye. And he pairs it with a suit jacket and trousers particulargiving a certain style.
Elizabeth Olsen at the Jacquemus Menswear Autumn-Winter 2026/2027 fashion show (Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images).
The celebs wear all the coolest variations: from Monica Barbaro in heeled mules to Alexa Chung in crocodile-effect pumps (both in Dior), the styling secret is the simplicity of the look (maxi coat for the first, cigarette jeans for the second).
With Valentine’s Day 2026 in the air, these romantic but not cheesy shoes are the perfect gift. Also to be given to yourself, to face the most obvious date ever with a look that, at least in style, goes off the rails.
And the certainty of following a great trend.
