As of late, there seems to have been a shift in the fashion sphere. Over the last couple of years we have prioritised practicality and comfort and leaned towards chic flat shoes in the form of ballet flats, loafers and trainers. However, it would appear that trends are taking a turn, and we’re finally seeing a resurgence of the beloved heel.
Before you panic, no I’m not talking about Y2K-esque, six-inch stilettos, this spring, we’re seeing an array of different heel styles in an era that is as much about practicality as it is style. As a self-confessed flat devotee I will admit that I own more pairs than I need, but this season even I am going to be taking a look at my shoe collection to see what it is I’m missing in the way of a good pair of heels.
A heel delivers that sense of poise to an outfit that a flat can never quite replicate, elevating even the most simple outfits like jeans and a good t-shirt, and they are a no-brainerwhen it comes to dresses to add a little extra polish. Whether it’s a timeless, sleek pointed kitten heel that will instantly elevate any outfit and take it from day-to-night, or you want to bring an injection of fun into a look with an animal print, scroll on to discover five spring heeled shoe trends for spring 2026.
1. Slingbacks
Style Notes: Personally, a slingback is the only heel I’ve always had in my wardrobe. They are so effortlessly chic and are one of those shoes that you can slip on and know they will go with anything from tailored trousers to bermuda shorts.
Shop the Trend:
Brown gives a softer finish than black, especially in spring.
Charles & Keith
Pauline Patent Crossover Kitten Heels
Charles & Keith’s shoes are some of the comfiest I own.
Toteme
Classic Croco-Embossed Slingbacks
A slingback is such a good heel to invest in, they never go out of style.
Jeffrey Campbell
Stockholm Slingbacks
These will go with so many different outfits.
MANGO
Croc-Effect Heeled Shoes
Opt for gold jewellery to match the hardware on the shoes.
ALOHAS
Eros Burgundy Leather Pumps
Burgundy is still so on trend.
Prada
Patent Leather Slingback Pumps
One of Prada’s most iconic shoes.
2. Mules
Style Notes: I’m a big fan of a mule and have always had a flat pair in my rotation, so now the heel iteration is here, I know I’ll be investing. They’re such an easy go-to when you don’t know what shoes to wear, and when the weather gets warmer, they’re a failsafe option to wear with dresses and skirts that even the most minimalist dressers will enjoy.
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Bobbies
June – Cobra Brown
These come in 4 different colours.
River Island
Brown Faux Leather Mule Kitten Heels
These went straight in my basket.
Miu Miu
Patent Leather Mules With Buckle
An investment style well worth the money.
An affordable, minimalistic style.
H&M
Heeled Leather Sandals
A pop of red is just so chic.
Charles & Keith
Sadira Satin Ruched Bow Heeled Mules
I’d take these on a summer holiday.
3. Animal Print
Style Notes: While they’re a wild card (no pun intended), an animal printed shoe can totally transform a look. Add them to a simple monochromatic look and they bring the fun, and maximalists will appreciate another print to play with. If you find it quite intimidating to wear, style it as if it’s a neutral.
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Miu Miu
Printed Leather Sandals With Bow
CAMILLA AND MARC
Rhys Pump
If you want Anne-Victorie’s exact shoes, these are the ones.
AEYDE
Jessie Snake-Effect Leather Sandals
Aeyde’s shoes are such high quality and so worth the price.
H&M
Kitten-Heeled Leather Slingbacks
These go from a size 2 up to a 9.
Reformation
Sophie Heeled Sandal
A heeled thong sandal is such a classic style.
AMINA MUADDI
Lupita Leopard-Print Suede Mules
Ticking off two spring heeled shoe trends in one are an animal print mule.
Manolo Blahnik
Carolyne 50 Leopard-Print Calf Hair Mules
Manolo Blahnik’s are always a good idea.
4. Wedges
Style Notes: Wedges are the option to wear when you know you’re going to be on your feet all day as they provide the stability and comfort that you won’t necessarily get from a stiletto heel. They’ve come a long, long way since the raffia wedge days, I’m sure you’ll agree, the glossy new wedges are a sleek addition to any spring wardrobe.
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Massimo Dutti
Split Leather High-Heel Wedge Sandals
Suede is still such a big trend.
An affordable high-street option.
ALAÏA
Suede Wedged Mules
Topshop
Abi Strappy Wedge Heel
A great pair if you want to introduce wedges into your shoe collection.
These look much more expensive than they are.
STAUD
Brigitte Leather Wedge Mules
Le Monde Beryl
Micro Wedge Leather Wedge Sandals
Le Monde Beryl’s wedges are as good as their ballet flats.
5. Pointed Kitten Heels
Style Notes: A pointed kitten heel is a capsule wardrobe staple for a reason. They instantly elevate any outfit and can make even the most basic outfit feel more polished and put together. The pointed toe gives them that sleek, sophisticated edge while the kitten heel makes them more practical and wearable for everyday. Finally, a grown up shoe trend that doesn’t require blister plasters and insoles.
Shop the Trend:
Butter yellow is a big trend for spring, and this Jimmy Choo pair are irresistible.
ZARA
Leather Kitten Heel Shoes
These look like a designer shoe.
M&S
Kitten Heel Pointed Court Shoes
AMINA MUADDI
Barbara Croc-Effect Leather Pumps
Reformation
Calista Kitten Heel Pump
Minimalistic and so chic.
Toteme
Sharp Croco-Embossed Kitten Pumps
A fashion editor-approved option.
The Row
Liisa Kitten Two Heel
For those that want an investment style.
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