There are two of the coolest shoes this summer. Minimalist, with low heels and clean lines, they share the same clean aesthetic but represent two different ways of interpreting elegance. On one hand, there are heeled flip-flops, the big comeback of recent years. On the other, there are slim mules—sleek and sophisticated—which are gaining more and more traction season after season. The competition is officially on, but by 2026, the verdict seems to be a foregone conclusion.
This trend isn’t just evident on the runways—it’s especially clear in street style. While just a few seasons ago, thong heels were the coolest choice for a summer wardrobe, today celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Kaia Gerber, Keke Palmer, and Kelsea Ballerini seem to have shifted their focus to mules with a minimalist design: a tapered toe, a slim heel, and a clean silhouette. A shoe that doesn’t try to make a statement, but inevitably ends up catching the eye.
The heeled flip-flop remains one of the most interesting accessories of recent years. It has managed to transform a shoe originally designed for the beach into a coveted piece even in the city, becoming the symbol of a relaxed yet sophisticated aesthetic. They exude the charm of ’90s minimalism and continue to be a cool choice for summer evenings. Yet, despite having been completely reimagined, they retain an undeniably casual vibe. Their DNA remains rooted in vacations, the boardwalk, and resorts.
The slim mule, on the other hand, is in a league of its own. It’s a shoe that exudes elegance from the very first glance. The elongated toe elongates the foot, the minimalist design makes it incredibly contemporary, and its greatest strength is its versatility. It works with a pair of relaxed-fit jeans, a tailored suit, a slip dress, or an evening gown, adapting effortlessly to a wide variety of settings. This is perhaps the very key to its success. At a time when fashion continues to favor clean silhouettes and understated luxury, the sleek mule perfectly embodies this new aesthetic. It needs no flashy details or prominent logos—all it takes are beautiful proportions and an impeccable silhouette to add sophistication to even the simplest look.
Heeled flip-flops are certainly not going anywhere. They’ll continue to embody the most effortless side of summer—the one made up of knit dresses, linen pants, and aperitifs with a view of the sea. But if we had to choose the shoe that best defines 2026, the slim mule seems to have everything it takes to win the challenge.
[📷 BACKGRID / Snapix]
