Most of the shoe-making is in China now, and the tariffs and importation costs to the USA have yet to be determined. But you know what the consumer wants and what will probably be sold in SS26.
Like in many other areas of fashion, the shoe trends have been slow lately. The SS26 clothes have been celebrating old styles in recent times, specifically the 1980s preppy look. Going further back, shows like Bridgerton and The Gilded Age have taken to showcasing the appreciation of rich materials and textures.
Thus, an intentional drift towards the raw and earthier things is seen from the buyers as travels to the East grow more common. Another major trend is women donning menswear, so that calls for shoes suitable for that style.
These slippers are ballet flats inspired by Bridgerton dancing shoes, the recent balletcore trend, and styles from designers such as Sandy Liang. Lots of colors will be offered that combine soft leather, coated knit, and shiny thread.
Styles that mix both girl and boy clothes keep getting love, and with them, shoes that look more like men's shoes. For SS26, they add a girl's touch. For one, a lace-up might show up in see-through mesh. Penny loafers and monk shoes might pop with fresh colors and cool new parts like odd-shaped toe caps and short heels.
Last year's school-like styles stick around for SS26, bringing in boating favorites like deck shoes. Hot sneakers stay low to the ground. Techno thongs look hot with bold colors. Jelly-like and other similar feels will be in.
People like handmade-looking, strappy summer sandals that remind them of trips to Asia. They use fancy leather, fake leather, straw, and raffia in earthy or bright colors. Soles are flat or on thin platforms.