21 best festival shoes 2026, from comfy staples to throwback faves
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If you’re in the midst of searching for the best festival shoes, you’ll likely be feeling confused. Because in 2026, the concept of what makes festival-appropriate footwear varies wildly.
Back in the indie sleaze era, when I was a teen, a good old Hunter wellie a la Kate Moss or Alexa Chung was all we could fathom when planning our Reading festival looks. Now, though? You could be shivering and sloshing through muddy fields at Glastonbury, maybe booking a VIP glamping spot, or heading backstage at a day festival (the latter two allow for a little more creativity when it comes to footwear).
Lots of festivals take place on the beach, while Primavera is an urban oasis on the Catalonian coast that feels a little less resort-y. Burning Man – one for the truly hardcore festival-goers – can see desert heat alongside freezing cold nights and the occasional dust storm.
Then, of course, in 2026, we’ve witnessed the renaissance of Coachella, which is still welcoming its fringe-clad, Western-booted friends, while beckoning in a cool new crowd who prefer Margiela tabis, Vivaia sneakerinas, Timberland hiking boots and even a stiletto heel (the after-parties were wild, guys).
The Spring/Summer 2026 runways were rich with festival footwear inspo. And not in the way you would expect (by which we mean, for once, there was barely a cowboy boot in sight). We’re talking boho sandals, suede moccasin booties and directional takes on the clog – we are smack bang in the middle of a boho renaissance after all. There were slouchy pirate boots at McQueen and Balmain, playful jelly shoes at Chloé, Loewe and Simone Rocha, while Zimmerman and Bottega Veneta experimented with the traditional studded clog.
Unsurprisingly, though, the OG bohemian house Isabel Marant nailed the festival brief: sending a myriad of suede ankle boots down the catwalk complete with belting, beading, blanket-stitching, lacing and punchy prints (if you can’t afford the real deal, head straight to H&M and Free People for the perfect pair).
If you're embracing festival season this summer and want to look on-brand – whether we're talking Glasto, Primavera or Burning Man vibes – but feel comfortable, we've got you covered with our guide to picking the perfect shoe. Here's Glamour's edit of the best comfortable festival shoes (most with major arch support) for summer 2026.
Ahead, the best festival shoes to shop in 2026, reviewed by a fashion editor.
Fringing is being welcomed back this summer, after years of being relegated to the back of our wardrobes (we blame some basic Coachella looks in 2015). Free People's knee boots are ticking so many boxes for hot-weather festival looks in 2026.
Save when you shop for festival shoes with these Free People discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Bang on-trend
- Will work for every type of festival
- Style two ways: knee high or slouched
Cons- Not the best in heavy rain
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Best fashion trainers for festivals
Francesca Leather Low-Top Trainers
If you don't do boots, sandals or anything too trend-led, you can totally wear a staple trainer to festivals. Reiss has upgraded your white plimsoll style in taupe suede and grounded it with a cool platform for height (and protection in a crowd).
Save when you shop for festival shoes with these Reiss discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Slight platform for a bit of height
- Elevated take on trainers
- You'll wear them long after the festival
Cons- Suede and taupe is a bit of a delicate recipe
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Best sandals for festivals
Allie Low Sandals Glossy Chocolate
If you can't fathom wearing boots in hot weather, make sure to go for an enclosed sandal that'll protect your toes from the crowds. Sezane's fisherman style is grounded with a stompy sole for extra protection, too.
Pros & ConsPros- Cleated soles for grip
- Chunky and hardy
- Caged upper provides structure and protection
Cons- Not great for serious mud
Ganni Embroidered Cowboy Boots
Ganni's cult cowboy boot is a brand mainstay for a reason: it sells because this design is just so damn versatile. The Western Cacti stitching, square toe and Cuban heel are the cherry on top of 2026's festival fits.
Save when you shop for festival shoes with these The Outnet discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- A brand icon for better than half price
- You'll wear them in so many different ways
- It'll go with every festival look ever
Cons- The only con is I want this shoe in every colourway
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Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina
This cult Sneakerina is loved by the likes of Bella Hadid, Gabriette and Charli XCX (she wore hers to Glastonbury in 2025). While delicate and impractical in one sense, the satin pumps can fold up into bumbags, so they're great to carry around as spares. They're also machine washable, so mud is no threat here.
Pros & ConsPros- Machine washable
- Lightweight
- Fold-up into the smallest of bags
Cons- Definitely not waterproof
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Best shoes for Glastonbury
You can never go wrong with black lace-up boots at UK festivals – a little bit Victoriana, a little bit punk, a little bit indie sleaze, they're the definition of a Brit classic. And where does one go to nail this brief? AllSaints, every single time.
Save when you shop for festival shoes with these AllSaints discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Hardy
- All-weather appropriate
- Zip fastening for easy hungover dressing
Cons- Break them in before the festival, they're made of decent leather
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Best Greek sandals for festivals
Leather Calf Flat Gladiator Sandals
Boho is back, baby! Which means the gladiator sandal has returned after 15 years (I was a fan the first time around). If you want to get ahead of the game for Coachella 2027, stock up on a pair now.
Save when you shop for festival shoes with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- The festival sandal of the season
- Enclosed heel for protection and structure
- Impactful but comfortable
Cons- Open-toe not great for crowds
- A definite no for muddy or rainy weather
If you need something that's practical, appropriate for both hot and cold temperatures (Burning Man can see a wild array of weather conditions), a suede knee boot is ideal. Practical, but with attitude, ASOS' cuffed style is topped with studs and three buckled straps.
Save when you shop for festival shoes with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Hardy, and will only look cooler with age
- Slight heel for height but not uncomfortably high
- Taps perfectly into the boho trend
Cons- In a heatwave they'd be a tad stuffy
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H&M is bringing Isabel Marant vibes to its spring/summer shoe collection. These suede booties feature a mocassin-inspired sole, whipstitched trims, a lace-up front and fold-over fringed cuffs.
Save when you shop for festival shoes with these H&M discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Super playful – they'll make the outfit
- Good for heat and colder climes
- Impactful but lightweight and comfy
Cons- Not great for mud and rain
Biom Lite Women's Leather Ballerina
Ecco's sneakerina, from the shoe brand's collab with Natacha Ramsay-Levi (of Chloé fame, she was creative director at the French house between 2017 and 2020), is the definition of comfortable cool. The cushioned sole is grippy and comfortable, great for walking and dancing, while the lace-up ballerina upper ticks those trend boxes.
Pros & ConsPros- Ultra lightweight, great for dancing
- Sports-luxe design looks great with streetwear and all-black looks
- On-trend but with all the comfort of a trainer
Cons- Not the best for rain or muddy puddles
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Best walking boots for festivals
Premium 6-Inch Waterproof Boot
Rihanna, Em Rata, JLo and even Dakota Johnson have been spotted in the iconic wheat Timberlands. These babies are a classic that dates back to 1973, so if you're above buying the latest trends and genuinely want practical festival footwear (with some sass, obviously: see celeb fans above), this is where to invest.
Pros & ConsPros- Truly timeless
- The definition of hardy: waterproof, can withstand mud and tonnes of wear/walking
- Will likely last you forever, a great investment
Cons- They won't go with everything in your wardrobe, but they're a staple for sure
Whistles does the best shoes. These laser-cut ballerinas have a high vamp which is elasticated for a sock-like fit. They're ultra lightweight, so you can shove them in your festival bag as the perfect spare pair.
Save when you shop for festival shoes with these Whistles discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Lightweight
- Breathable but enclosed
- Can roll up into your bag and serve as spares
Cons- Not good for colder climbs and rain
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Best boots for UK festivals
3.1 Phillip Lim Kate Leather Combat Boots
Stompy black boots are the coolest festival shoes. Especially in the UK, when rain and mud can get in the way of ‘fashion’. This designer pair is excellent quality, but you can nab them for half price at The Outnet.
Save when you shop for festival shoes with these The Outnet discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- The zip fastening makes for an easy exit from your tent, no matter how many drinks you've had
- Cool combat design can be worn summer or winter
- Hardy and practical but on-trend
Cons- You might want to wear these in before the big weekend
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Best ballet flats for festivals
The White Company's boho ballet flats are perfect for festivals abroad. That basket-weave leather is a key trend for Spring/Summer 2026.
Pros & ConsPros- An elegant take on the festival look
- You'll wear them everywhere
- Excellent quality leather and craftmanship
Cons- Maybe one of the VIP areas, rather than getting stuck in by the stages
Goldie Embroidered Cowboy Boot
Penelope Chilvers makes the best cowboy boots. Made in Spain (a sure sign of excellent quality), this pair is cut from suede embroidered with Western-inspired stitching and finished with a Cuban heel that's not too high for trekking between stages.
Pros & ConsPros- Timeless design
- Gets better with age
- Excellent quality for years' of wear
Cons- Not waterproof
Espadrilles are lightweight and breathable, so ideal for hot festivals, but they can be on the flimsy side. Enter, Polo Ralph Lauren's crowd-appropriate pair: the enclosed canvas upper provides support, while the heeled sole adds that extra layer of protection.
Save when you shop for festival shoes with these Ralph Lauren discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Great for hot weather
- Closed-toe for crowds
- Lightweight but with a slight heel
Cons- A no-no for any rainy settings
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Best ankle boots for festivals
The ankle-length biker boot is ideal for festival looks, whether you're heading off somewhere hot or stomping through mud at Glasto. Vagabond comes in this neutral hue or classic black, and is currently on sale — this is an investment that will never date; snap it up!
Pros & ConsPros- Hardy, can withstand wear
- You'll wear them long after the festival
- Cool but comfortable
Cons- Reviews tell us they can be a little tight on the bridge of the foot, but they do stretch with wear in (get a few walk in pre-festival)
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Best walking sandals for festivals
If you need a shoe to pad around in when you're chilling around the campsite, this waterproof double-strap slide from Boden is ideal. We love the red and fuchsia colour-blocking.
Save when you shop for the best festival shoes with these Boden discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- Great for padding to the loos in
Cons- Not for muddy puddles!
For those who prefer London day festivals or hanging out, caprihania in hand, at the VIP tent, you can totally toy with the idea of a heel. This is where Maksu's studded red cowboy boots come in: they're blurring the boundaries between glam and festival-appropriate, and we like it.
Pros & ConsPros- Editor's favourite: an elevated take on festival boots
- Made in Spain, which is a sign of great quality (I can vouch, I've tried them on)
- Comes in three cool colours
Cons- The 3-inch heel means this pair is only appropriate for certain events
Sajan Vintage Effect Brown Leather Boots
A fireman's boot is an excellent choice for festivals because it's practical and protective. Obviously, Alohas' take is serving more than just functionality: these leather knee boots are so good, you'll wear them long after the festival is over.
Pros & ConsPros- Bang-on trend
- Slip-on for easy dressing
- Comfortable but cool
Cons- Possibly a bit stuffy in heatwave weather or festivals abroad
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Best cowboy boots for festivals
The cowboy boot is a festival classic, appropriate for all weathers, apart from hardcore rain (sorry, Brits). Bobbies' pair is dyed in a neutral hue, so you can style it with all sorts of looks post-festival.
Pros & ConsPros- Timeless
- Excellent quality – made in Portugal
- You'll wear them post-festival
Cons- Cool colour, but you wouldn't want to get these too muddy
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How I choose the best festival shoes:
This isn’t a straightforward answer. Because, let’s face it, most of us here are going to festivals to stunt. Listen to music, yes, but show off the carefully curated festival outfits we’ve been waiting all the rainy year to pull out. So trends come into this just as much as comfort and practicality do.
To compile this edit, I considered the wide range of festivals out there. As I mentioned before, anyone scrolling our edit for inspiration could either be jetting off to Coachella in the US, raving at Croatian beach festivals, or heading to city festivals like Barcelona and Porto's Primavera, not just wading through mud in the British countryside. I considered the weather, different scenarios – glamping and VIP day areas, versus hardcore camping – as well as the structure of a shoe and how it would hold up in a crowd.
If there's one key takeaway I want you to glean from this article? Ask yourself realistically how much you can pack and bring more than one pair of shoes. Wear your hefty, practical boots there so you're prepared for rain and mud, then stow a lighter spare pair in your bag should the sun come out.
Why trust me:
I am a freelance writer and fashion expert with a decade’s experience in the industry and a Master's in Fashion Journalism from Central Saint Martins. I spent seven years as Senior Shopping Editor at Hearst, compiling shopping listicles and styling guides for the likes of Esquire, Red, Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. Obviously, I steered things towards shoes when I could; writing articles about the coolest footwear brands out there and creating round-ups of the best cowboy boots, platform sandals and clogs (what could be more festival-appropriate than that)?
As part of my job, I am lucky enough to test plenty of products before they even hit the market, and when I am not writing, I am flitting between press previews and events to discover the latest innovations in fashion and footwear, not to mention chatting to founders behind the best shoe brands. If I’m recommending something, it’s because I rate it. And I’m fussy AF.
What’s more, while I might be just as addicted to shoes and the great Carrie Bradshaw, I am also big on comfort (this girl gets blisters from UGGs for God’s sake). I combine my love of directional designs with a need for sturdy soles and a cushioning vamp that keeps my toes, arch and heels happy so I can spend less on Compeed. Those blister plasters get spennier by the year…
I’ve also been repping the bohemian look for a good twenty years, long before Chemena Kamali brought this aesthetic back into the limelight, which means you’ll find me in festival-appropriate fashions year-round.
