This summer, there's no shortage of shoe trends to get your feet into! There are fresh silhouettes in the form of sculptural heeled wedge sandals, fun fabrications rooted in nostalgia by way of jelly shoes, and cool new colourways and patterns, with animal print in any iteration a sure-fire way to add instant sartorial points to an outfit.
With so many stand-out styles around this season, it can be hard to know where to start and what to invest in. After all, footwear isn't always the most affordable element of an ensemble. So, why not combine two trends in one?
From cool fashion girlies to the chicest of celebrities, it feels like everyone is once again repping wedge flip-flops like it's 1999. It's safe to say its return is somewhat unexpected, but perhaps it shouldn't be. After reigning for two consecutive decades and seamlessly transitioning from the minimalism of the ‘90s to Y2K extra-ness, we know it's nothing if not adaptable.
The 2026 take on the trend confirms its versatility, with this latest iteration of the wedge flip-flop feeling decidedly modern. Heel heights are confined to much more manageable kitten-heel levels, providing the same boost without the sacrifice of comfort. Additionally, there's a vast selection when it comes to materials and colourways.
Leather, suede and even croc-embossed iterations work well for more formal occasions and provide an element of polish. Of course, rubber and foam designs are still an option, though best saved for off-duty dressing – be it casual weekends spent with friends close to home or holidays abroad in the sun.
Below, find the best wedge flip-flops available to shop now, starting from just £13 courtesy of M&S' take on the trend.
M&S Wedge Flatform Flip Flops
Reformation Amelia Thong Wedge Sandal
Next Black Hardware Trim Wedge Flip Flops
Ancient Greek Sandals Etheria Wedges
Reformation Jessie Wedge Thong
FitFlop PLATFFORMS Wedge Toe-Post Sandals
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
