30 Thong-Heeled Sandals to Shop Now for Spring 2026

The ultra-minimalist, '90s-inspired flip-flop is the standout shoe of the season.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The thong-heeled sandal has emerged as the must-have shoe for Spring 2026, with the style appearing on runways, on celebrities, and in the closets of Vogue editors. These versatile sandals can be dressed up or down, working for both daytime and evening looks.

Why it matters

The thong-heeled sandal is a '90s-inspired trend that has been embraced by fashion insiders, signaling a return to minimalist and nostalgic styles. As a transitional shoe, it offers a practical option for in-between seasons.

The details

Thong-heeled sandals are arriving in both wedge and kitten-heel forms, with options ranging from classic black and croc-embossed styles to sumptuous suedes and pops of fresh color like cherry red, chartreuse, and powder blue. The style has been spotted on the runways at Khaite, Alaïa, and Gucci, as well as on celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner.

  • The thong-heeled sandal trend emerged for Spring 2026.

The players

Hailey Bieber

A celebrity who has been spotted wearing thong-heeled sandals.

Kendall Jenner

A celebrity who has been spotted wearing thong-heeled sandals.

Naomi Elizeé

Vogue's fashion market director, who was photographed wearing thong-heeled sandals for a Spring 2026 shoot.

Khaite

A fashion brand that featured thong-heeled sandals in their Spring 2026 runway show.

Alaïa

A fashion brand that featured thong-heeled sandals in their Spring 2026 runway show.

Gucci

A fashion brand that featured thong-heeled sandals in their Spring 2026 runway show.

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The takeaway

The thong-heeled sandal is the must-have shoe for Spring 2026, offering a versatile and nostalgic style that can be dressed up or down for any occasion. This '90s-inspired trend has been embraced by fashion insiders, signaling a return to minimalist and transitional pieces.