The sneaker remains a classic, but this spring, it is no longer the only one. Another shoe is gaining ground: it is chic, practical and pleasant to wear from morning until the end of the night.
After several seasons dominated by chunky, sporty sneakers, fashion is giving way to more sober lines. Consumers today are looking for practical pieces that are easy to put on while still looking neat. And, good news, the star shoe of spring 2026 meets precisely this expectation.
In the windows of major brands and on the catwalks, the message remains the same: less volume, more flexibility. A development that says a lot about the new priorities of the women’s wardrobe. What’s more, since the start of the year, the collections of Zara, Mango, Jonak and La Redoute have given a growing place to flat shoes with an urban look. The thick soles are receding, the shapes are simplifying. In fact, buyers now want a useful product, capable of lasting an entire day. Comfort is becoming a central purchasing criterion, on the same level as style or price.
This shift is also visible among French fashion references. For example, Jeanne Damas has for several years embodied a Parisian wardrobe focused on durable pieces and fine shoes. Caroline de Maigret defends the same idea of discreet elegance, far from overly strong effects. Camille Charrière, followed internationally, mixes flat shoes with masculine inspiration. As for Léna Mahfouf, she is helping to popularize silhouettes among a younger audience where the shoe becomes more fashionable than sporty.
Luxury houses confirm the trend. The Row, Miu Miu and Fendi have all brought back low, flexible and visually refined models. With wide-leg jeans, suit pants, a midi skirt or a trench coat, the look remains clean without seeming too dressy. Where the sneaker can seem too casual and the pump too formal, this pair occupies the space in between. We are talking here about the soft moccasin.
This shoe meets office codes, works on weekends and can also be worn in the evening. The 2026 version has also evolved in terms of form. Exit the old models perceived as rigid or aging. The new versions focus on softer leathers, thin soles and a more flexible fit. Some versions are even close to slippers in terms of comfort. In the editorial office, we validate!
