Loafers, ballet flats, sandals: which women's shoes to choose in 2026 to combine style and comfort?

Wondering which women's shoes to choose this season to combine style, comfort, and practicality every day? Between moccasins that are a hit on the runways, reinvented ballet flats, and minimalist sandals, the choice can quickly become tricky. This guide is here to help you see clearly — and never regret your next pair.

💡 Quick answer In 2026, the must-have women's shoes are moccasins (in leather, with bit detail or mule style), ballet flats (in soft leather, with straps or mesh), and minimalist sandals with thin straps. All focus on comfort and flats. For the office: black moccasins with a gold bit. For everyday: soft leather ballet flats. For summer: sandals with discreet straps.

[IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER: Sélection de chaussures femme tendance 2026 — mocassins en cuir, ballerines à bride et sandales minimalistes posées sur fond clair, style urbain chic]

Table of Contents

• Why is 2026 the year of flat shoes?
• Which women's moccasins to choose for the office?
• Which women’s ballerinas are the most comfortable?
• Which women’s sandals to choose for summer 2026?
• How to choose women’s shoes according to their use?
• Key Figures
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is 2026 the year of flat shoes?

If you want to simplify your life without sacrificing style, you’ve chosen the right year. The big women's shoe trends for summer 2026 are ballet flats (in leather, satin, or mesh), minimalist sandals with thin straps, backless moccasins, square-toe shoes, and models adorned with 3D flowers. And the common theme? Comfort is at the heart of style, with a clear dominance of flat or very low-heeled shoes.

On the runways where heels usually reign supreme, flat shoes stole the show: moccasins with a twist, minimalist sandals similar to those worn in the 90s by Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, nostalgic jelly shoes, classic babies… The common thread among all these styles is a focus on comfort.

What this means concretely for you: investing in a beautiful pair of moccasins or ballet flats this season means being perfectly on trend and taking care of your feet. A true daily luxury.

Which women's moccasins to choose for the office?

The moccasin is undoubtedly the most versatile shoe right now. In 2026, moccasins represent the perfect alternative to sneakers and ballet flats: they are just as comfortable, but their chic yet casual side appeals to all the trendsetters, who wear them with mini skirts, shorts with frayed hems, dresses, or tailored pants.

The 3 moccasin styles to know

The major moccasin trends spotted on the runways include mule moccasins (seen at Celine, in the "lazy chic" trend), white moccasins (an elegant alternative to sneakers, worn with mini dresses or colorful socks), and old school black moccasins (from derbies to oxfords, in matte or patent leather — the sober and serious shoe par excellence).

Which loafer for which use?

At the office, a patent leather loafer also works with a suit: it adds character without distracting. The winning look? Black cigarette pants, a tucked-in white shirt, and a loafer with a gold bit. Simple, impeccable, effective.

📊 Model No.1 favored for women’s workwear - Women’s loafers — office trend 2026

💼 André’s advice: Women’s loafers naturally fit into current looks. Paired with a suit or straight pants, they fully embrace the workwear trend and are an ideal option for composing an interview outfit or a confident professional look.

👉 Discover our selection of women’s loafers at André and find the pair that shapes your silhouette every day.

Which women’s ballerinas are the most comfortable?

The ballerina has definitely left the "conservative shoe" section to establish itself as a true style piece. Women’s ballerinas embody the balance between comfort and femininity. Unlike heels, they provide immediate walking ease. Compared to sandals, they offer greater elegance.

The 4 ballerina styles to adopt in 2026

1. The smooth leather ballerina — the timeless classic Leather remains the reference material. It molds to the foot, limits friction, and offers unmatched durability. In black, chocolate, or cognac, it pairs well with straight pants, raw denim jeans, or a suit.

2. The strapped ballerina — for active days Inspired by baby shoes, these ballerinas hold the foot better thanks to the presence of a strap. It’s the everyday ballerina, especially if you have to walk a lot.

3. The gathered ballerina — the 2026 trendy touch Designers dare with square toes that add a contemporary touch, XXL bows that catch all the attention, and animal prints that add character to outfits.

4. The mesh ballerina — for summer Light, breathable, and ultra-trendy, it stands out as the perfect summer version of this classic.

How to choose the right size for your ballerinas?

Choosing the right size is essential: your ballerinas should perfectly fit the shape of your foot without squeezing it. Breathable materials will ensure your comfort throughout the day. A sole thick enough will provide good support and a confident stride.

Three points to check before buying:

• The heel does not lift while walking
• The front of the foot is not compressed
• The sole remains flexible without collapsing

📊 Flat model No.1 of the SS2026 runways - Women’s ballerinas spring-summer 2026

Which women’s sandals to choose for summer 2026?

For sandals, the 2026 trend is clearly elegant minimalism. Driven by the fascination emanating from Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and her signature clean 90s style, minimalism reigns supreme in the spring-summer 2026 trends: discreet strap sandals, ruched ballerinas… a desire for timeless, understated fashion — that goes with everything, and in all circumstances.

Trendy sandals 2026: the comparison

📊 Trend No.1 of the SS2026 collections after ballerinas - Minimalist women’s sandals

How to choose women’s shoes according to their use?

No matter the model, the criteria for a good shoe remain the same. Comfort in a shoe depends on several essential criteria: the toe box must be wide enough to allow toes to spread naturally, without compression. Good arch support is also essential to avoid fatigue and joint pain.

The 5 criteria to check before buying

1. The material: In soft leather or stretch textile, shoes must fit the shape of your foot. Leather remains the reliable choice for durability and comfort.
2. The sole: Soles must offer excellent cushioning to reduce ground impact and decrease joint pain.
3. Width: a shoe that is too narrow compresses the toes and disrupts balance.
4. Flexibility: test the sole’s flexibility before purchase.
5. The occasion: office, walking, evening — each use deserves its model.

The quick guide: which shoe for which situation?

👉 Find all these looks in the André women’s shoe collection — models designed for the active urban woman.

Key figures

📊 Flats dominate 80% of the women’s shoe trends from the spring-summer 2026 runways — loafers, ballerinas, and flat sandals lead the way. (Source: Vogue France, Femme Actuelle, 2026)

👟 3 key models dominate this season: the loafer (workwear & casual), the ballerina (everyday & office), and the minimalist sandal (summer & evening). (Source: André, Vanessa Wu, Fashion Portal, 2026)

💡 Leather remains the No. 1 material favored for quality women’s shoes: durability, comfort, and patina over time. (Source: Podexpert, JB Rodde, 2026)

"Women’s loafers are the perfect alternative to sneakers and ballerinas: just as comfortable, but with a chic and casual side that appeals to all personalities." — Vogue France

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the best women’s shoes for going to the office in 2026?

The best women’s shoes for the office in 2026 are leather bit loafers (black or burgundy), soft leather strap ballerinas, and square-toe derbies. These three models combine professional elegance and comfort for long days. The black bit loafer remains the No. 1 choice: it shapes the silhouette, pairs well with a suit or straight jeans, and doesn’t tire the foot even after 8 hours standing.

How to choose between women’s loafers and ballerinas?

It all depends on your use. Women’s loafers are ideal if you’re looking for a structured shoe with a confident look, perfect for the office or an active day in the city. Women’s ballerinas are lighter, more feminine, and better suited for dressier outfits or days when you want to stay discreet yet elegant. If you had to choose just one: loafers for work, ballerinas for everything else.

Which women's shoes are trendy and comfortable in 2026?

In 2026, women's shoes that combine style and comfort are: chunky sole loafers (modern look + cushioning), soft leather square-toe ballerinas (very runway, very wearable), and minimalist thin-strap sandals (90s-inspired, ultra-versatile). The golden rule: favor soft leather, a slightly padded sole, and a shape that doesn’t squeeze the toes. You can be stylish and walk all day without pain.