Retro shoe trends continue to dominate fashion, a fact made clear by the many styles from the ’80s that remain relevant today. The era that favoured extravagance never fell short in the footwear department, betting on distinguished models such as slingback sneakers and bicolour pumps; at the same time ballerinas and moccasins were the sober bet that was able to generate a contrast for bulging pants and colourful outfits.
The last few seasons, the aesthetics that never cease to be seen, leads to remember the past and reinterpret it. When we talk about shoes and the ’80s, we talk about classic designs that never seem to stop being trendy, a concept that is even clearer this summer 2026, where many of these shoes return to be protagonists.
’80s shoes that are trending this season
Although there were many shoes that defined the ’80s, these are the models that never stopped being seen and are now placed as summer favourites:
Ballerinas
Ballerinas, brought to the fashion scene in the 1930s by designers such as Christian Dior, Elsa Schiaparelli and Yves Saint Laurent, quickly became a shoe that exuded distinction. During the 1980s, it was this characteristic that earned them a privileged place on the catwalks and in the closets of figures such as Princess Diana, conveying elegance, but also comfort. The American firm, Perry Ellis presented them in white in 1987 to accompany a total look in tone, which consisted of a light sweater, midi skirt with thick belt, semi-transparent stockings and jacket.
Ballerinas have not stopped growing, aesthetically speaking. On the runways they have been seen as a hybrid, combining sporty elements, appliqués and big bows. The latter were represented by Erdem and Ulla Johnson. While the England-based brand showed them with sharply flared structured skirts, Johnson gave them her signature bohemian touch with a woven two-piece ensemble in white.
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