Not Studded, Not Mesh—This Is the One Shoe Trend We’re Backing for 2026
After a year of so many standout shoe trends, there's one in particular we're looking forward to wearing in 2026: printed shoes. See our pick of the prints below.
By this point in the calendar, a collective shift happens within fashion circles. We've absorbed the major trends that have defined the year (sculptural jewellery, tailored maxi coats, kitten-heel slingbacks and the like), and now that we're firmly in December, all attention is on the year ahead.
There's something I'm finding especially thrilling about planning my 2026 wardrobe as festive invites start rolling in and the year's final drops land in stores. For me, the category that feels most urgent to decode right now is footwear, and I'm particularly interested in printed shoe trends for 2026. I've been quietly tracking them and can confidently say that the combination of 2025's shoe trends and the spring/summer 2026 collections has already laid down the foundation for what we'll be wearing on our feet next year.
We've been overrun with minimalist designs for several seasons, like smooth leather ankle boots, pared-back pumps and neutral trainers, so print brings a welcome injection of fun and personality. And designers are fully on board. They didn't just flirt with patterns in their S/S 26 collections; they committed. At Dior, floral-motif heels were almost sculptural, whilst Fendi leaned into something softer: a mesh slingback embellished with watercolour-like blooms that looked incredibly delicate up close. Animal prints aren't going anywhere. If anything, they're even more front and centre than before.
Of course, high-street brands are in on the trends too, quick as ever to develop accessible versions. From textured heels to subtly speckled loafers, it's clear the appetite is growing.
What's great about these printed shoe trends is that they work on every style of shoe, spanning sculptural heels, easy flats, statement boots and even trainers. Of course, functionality differs across each. Whereas you might pull out a pair of printed stilettos for a chic winter wedding or an evening event, a patterned loafer or trainer is easy to incorporate into an existing wardrobe for everyday wear with pieces that don't compete for attention. That's also why these printed shoe trends for 2026 feel particularly wearable—you don't need to overhaul your style, but simply let the shoes take the lead.
After some intense research, I’ve narrowed down four distinct printed shoe trends that I feel are going to dominate 2026, and they're all genuinely wearable.
4 Fun and Chic Printed Shoe Trends for 2026
1. Cheetah Print
Style Notes: Cheetah print is arguably the most classic on this list, and there's something joyful about its comeback. It's unapologetic, bold and slightly tongue-in-cheek, in the best possible way. When I slipped into a pair of cheetah-print trainers recently, I was immediately reminded of early-2000s teen icons (yes, The Cheetah Girls always come to mind). But done well, it has range. Cheetah works beautifully against chocolate-brown tailoring or a simple off-white knit, and the new iterations of the print lean towards textured suede and pony-hair finishes that soften it and make it feel more grown-up.
Shop Cheetah-Print Shoes:
Sambas in a Cheetah print? Yes, please.
Birkenstock Bostons are my most-worn pair of mules, so when I saw these, I had to have them.
Great for party season and beyond.
Oh Prada, how you spoil me.
2. Floral Print
Style Notes: Florals are transitioning into an entirely new space for 2026. Instead of romantic motifs on dresses, the print, in all its variations, is now appearing across sculptural heels, ballet flats and softly shaped boots. The strongest reference still lingers in my mind: Dior's S/S 26 floral-adorned heel, which is designed almost like wearable art. Florals make sense because they translate well year-round; spring speaks for itself, but winter styling is the sleeper hit. Imagine a floral-printed flat with wool suiting or charcoal tights.
Shop Floral-Print Shoes:
Dior is making a real case for florals in its new collection.
So sweet.
The classic Adidas silhouette with a Liberty touch.
I can see these really taking off in the warmer months.
3. Cow Print
Style Notes: Cow print gained traction during autumn/winter 2025 on structured boots, but the way we're approaching it for 2026 is more understated. Rather than exaggerated patches, the print is refined, soft-toned and often set against neutrals. This is also one of the more durable patterns, because dust and movement only make it look more authentic and lived-in. If you want to get involved with printed shoe trends 2026 but would prefer an entry-level option, this is it. Personally, I think a cow-print trainer instantly makes denim feel more directional without leaning into novelty.
Shop Cow-Print Shoes:
These would look so good with wide-leg trousers.
These look gorgeously soft and tactile.
Topshop is killing it with its comeback collection, and these cow-print boots are just one example.
These would look so good with cargo pants and a baggy T-shirt.
4. Zebra Print
Style Notes: If you like sharpness in styling, zebra print will probably appeal. It has a graphic, almost monochromatic quality, which means it works well with nearly everything. What's exciting in 2026 is how brands are playing with scale; there are micro zebra stripes to be found, along with oversized, painterly strokes. I recently saw a pair of zebra shoes worn with sheer tights and an A-line skirt, and the effect was interesting without feeling forced. If cheetah print is playful and cow is mellow, zebra sits comfortably in refined-statement territory.
Shop Zebra-Print Shoes:
These would make a great evening outfit worn with a leather miniskirt and satin blouse.
These went straight onto my Christmas wish list.
Great for the office and brunch alike.
Talk about a statement boot!
