This summer, that question is no longer just about your shape manicurebut also about the toe of your sandals. Just like your favorite one nail shape whatever aesthetic you embrace, that applies to you this season too shoes. And for lovers of one minimalist style summer 2026 will revolve around one clear favorite: the square toe.
The square toe sandal is back
That trend comes straight from the 1990s and is, like many others clean and modest basics from that era, working on a solid one comeback. An important reason for this is the renewed fascination with the style icon Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. More than 25 years after her death, her effortlessly elegant style is more popular than ever, thanks in part to the recent release of Ryan Murphy’s Love Storyseries, which has reignited attention to her timeless wardrobe. Think about minimalist slip dresses, tight white blousespreppy headbands and most importantly: her love for shoes with a square toe.
Perhaps the most iconic are hair leather sandals by Prada with a square toe and thin straps, which have now achieved cult status and are resold for thousands of euros on vintage platforms.
Fortunately, you don’t have to this season no fortune to spend to wear the look. High-street brands such as Marks & Spencer, COS and Vagabond have all launched their own interpretation of the square sandal. From elegant kitten heels and tight wedges to chunky mules: the variety is great.
Shop the square toe sandals here
The great thing about this trend is that it… subtle is. You don’t have to change your entire wardrobe to participate in the nineties minimalism revival. Whether you combine them with airy linen tailoringAn simple summer dress, capri pants or Bermuda shorts: the square sandal immediately gives every look a modern, casual twist. And sometimes the difference is in the smallest details.
Tod’s Sandal made of calfskin with suede details
COS square toe mules
Emme Parsons Delicate leather sandal
Marks & Spencer leather loafers with block heel
ASOS DESIGN Feline square toe sandals in black
Now with a 24% discount
Toteme sandal made of sheepskin
Now with a 46% discount
Clementina Jackson is acting site fashion editor at ELLE UK, covering news and features, trends, e-commerce and SEO. She was previously fashion editor at Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health, and acting digital fashion editor at ELLE UK, where she was named winner of the PPA 30 Under 30 award for her work on size inclusivity. Clementina is an experienced fashion, travel and luxury lifestyle journalist and has also written for Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller, Tatler, Red and Italy Segreta.
