The Best T-strap Shoes to Shop for Fall 2026, According to a Fashion Editor

For the past few years, flip-flops have dominated the footwear scene, but T-strap shoes are slowly replacing them on the throne. This new shoe du jour comes in a variety of silhouettes, including heeled and strappy or closed-toed and flat. And though it’s too soon to say this means the end of the thonged-sandal era, those who’ve been looking for a little more variety in their late-summer, early-fall shoe closets will finally have something to turn to instead.

A favorite of the flapper days of the 1920s, the extra strap running up the foot in T-strap shoes gave dancers extra security while tapping away on stage. It became a fashion staple over time and has recently made its way back into the fashion zeitgeist through designers like Christian Dior and Calvin Klein.

Both T-strap sandals and their closed-toe counterparts are gaining popularity; and if you ask me, both variations belong in a well-stocked shoe closet. I recently purchased a sporty-chic T-strap sandal, which I’ll link to below, that works both on mountains and at restaurants. My other purchase—a kitten-heel T-strap sandal from Jil Sander—has a more office-forward, polished silhouette.

And if I were to continue investing in the shoe economy, I’d start with the following T-strap heels, flats, and sandals. Your guide to the T-strap shoe trend, below.

If you’re looking for a new office heel, I recommend a T-strap shoe. Long hours on your feet can quickly feel cumbersome, but the extra strap adds comfort and security, not to mention elegance. These style well with a midiskirt, dress, or wide-leg denim, and easily transition you from work to happy hour. I’ve included an option from Calvin Klein, inspired by its fall-winter runway collection. A mocha satin number from Reformation also felt timely for fall, while the thicker heel on the Tory Burch shoe is ideal for commuters.

Think of T-strap ballet flats as an alternative to Mary Janes—a shoe that’s been enjoying its own revival in the trend cycle. Instead of the strap going horizontally across your foot, it stretches upward to your ankle. The Madewell option most closely resembles a Mary Jane, given its shiny leather exterior, but Rothy’s vibrant red and knit upper give it an attention-grabbing flair that’s hard not to love. For something a little more editorial, I included a square-toe piece from Steve Madden as well.

A late-summer must-have, the T-strap sandal will certainly pick up momentum again come spring, so grab your favorite now before it sells out. I tried on the satin Reformation T-strap sandals in store not too long ago and found the style delightfully eye-catching. Ultimately, I purchased the corded option from Flòwze, below, as well as the Jil Sander kitten-heel sandals I included here. You can’t go wrong with any of these stylish designs, though!