Cool Hanging Shoes 2026 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Hanging Shoes 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Cool Shoes
Interviewee: Pierre Madiec, Brand Manager

How was the 2025 hanging shoes market ?
In 2025, the hanging shoes market remained stable and driven by comfort, versatility, and strong core products. For retailers, the best-performing styles were those that were easy to sell, easy to wear, and relevant across multiple occasions.
First, comfort remained the main purchase trigger, with cushioned footbeds, supportive constructions, and lightweight materials playing a key role. This aligned well with our ultra cushion range, including Skip and Swap for men and Odysée for women, designed for all-day comfort.
Second, versatile silhouettes and everyday flip-flops continued to outperform. Our Cloud range for men and Aria for women responded directly to this demand with simple, adaptable designs suited for both beach and daily wear.
Finally, well-balanced assortments made the difference, especially when they offered a clear price structure alongside strong core styles. Our iconic Original flip-flop provided a strong foundation at core level, while our Sin range played a key role at accessible price points.

What are the current trends in hanging shoes?
Current trends in hanging shoes reflect a lifestyle that is a mix of outdoor activity, recovery, and everyday comfort. Consumers are looking for footwear that feels good and fits naturally into daily routines. This is where recovery-inspired comfort and outdoor influence come together. Cushioned, supportive constructions are increasingly important, which is exactly what we focus on with our Ultra Cushion rang. At the same time, versatile and easygoing silhouettes remain key. Slides and everyday flip-flops that work from beach to city continue to perform well at retail. Our Cloud range for men and Aria for women respond to this demand with simple, adaptable designs. Overall, the category is moving toward products that combine comfort, recovery, and versatility while staying true to a relaxed, authentic lifestyle.

What new styles and shapes are you offering in 2026?
For 2026, our focus is on improving our key silhouettes while introducing a few new styles that combine comfort, simplicity, and strong value. For men, we are launching Cloud 2, an evolution of our Cloud franchise. It keeps the same comfortable footbed but now includes an arch cushion for additional support, while maintaining the same price point as the previous version. We are also introducing the Trail, a new sandal designed for everyday outdoor use. It features nylon straps with a soft neoprene lining for added comfort, combined with a rubber outsole for better grip. The idea was to create a simple, comfortable sandal that performs well while staying accessible in price. For women, we are introducing Maple, a new style combining comfort and refined details. It features a wide 100% cotton webbing strap, a back footbed tape with arch cushion, and decorative beads on the strap that bring a more elegant finish. It’s a model that balances comfort, style, and an attractive price point, which has already resonated strongly with customers. Alongside these new styles, we are also refreshing our existing franchises with new seasonal colors, keeping our core silhouettes relevant and easy to merchandise for retailers.

What materials and construction techniques are you using in your 2026 collection?
For 2026, we continue to focus on materials that deliver long-lasting comfort and durability. Our collections rely on high-quality EVA, which combines shock absorption, elasticity, resistance to aging, and strong water resistance. These qualities are essential for footwear designed to be worn every day. For the uppers, we selected nylon and textile fibers that are strong and maintain shape over time. On most of our models, the straps are padded with a layer of EVA, providing extraordinary comfort and support. In terms of construction, durability is also a key priority. To ensure our sandals last for several seasons, we add an extra step during assembly. The straps are first glued and then pressed into place, reinforcing the attachment and improving long-term hold. The objective is simple: products that remain comfortable, reliable, and easy to wear season after season.

What colours and prints are you offering in 2026?
For 2026, our color direction stays closely connected to our coastal lifestyle roots while bringing fresh energy to the range. For men, we are introducing a raspberry red accent, vibrant and fresh, available on our Original and Sin models. It brings a bold yet playful touch to the collection. We are also expanding our blue palette, inspired by the endless shades of the ocean. It ranges from the light blue of Original Radiance to the deeper tones of Cloud Night, echoing the colors of the sea from surface to depth. These shades also extend into our kids range, creating a strong and consistent color story. For women, the collection draws inspiration from natural and organic tones. Warm sandy hues appear with Palma Sand, earthy forest tones with Odysée Pecan, and softer pearlescent notes with Aria Pearl, bringing a subtle and elegant finish to the range.

Anything new in terms of sustainability?
In 2026, our main focus has been on the lifecycle and durability of our products. We believe the first step toward sustainability is making footwear that people can wear for as long as possible. By designing products that remain comfortable and reliable over several seasons, we help reduce unnecessary replacement and waste. At the same time, we are actively working on new product developments using more environmentally responsible materials, planned for 2027. Our goal is to move forward with proper certifications and transparent standards, ensuring that our efforts are meaningful and avoiding any form of greenwashing. For us, sustainability is about staying honest and practical, focusing on real improvements that make sense for both the product and the people who wear it.

Please tell us about your key marketing stories for hanging shoes for 2026
For 2026, our marketing stories stay true to our easygoing spirit and the simple pleasure of wearing flip-flops. One of our key themes is “The Art of Doing Nothing.” It celebrates the easy life and those moments when you slow down, disconnect, and realize how lucky we are to simply enjoy the moment. Another story is “Wear Them Till They Die,” a tribute to our loyal customers who keep their favorite flip-flops for years and wear them until they are almost falling apart. It reflects the strong connection people have with their pairs and the idea that great products are meant to be lived in. Finally, we will also launch a special collaboration this summer that fits perfectly with our brand DNA. We cannot reveal too much yet, but we invite everyone to follow us on our social channels and through our newsletter to discover more soon.

How are you helping retailers sell this category?
Supporting our retail partners is a key priority for us. We always aim to keep the category easy to understand and easy to merchandise in-store. We provide point-of-sale materials and displays that highlight the products and help retailers present the collection clearly. The goal is to make the range visible and intuitive for customers. We also like to spotlight one partner store regularly, showcasing them through our social media and digital channels. It is our way of supporting the shops that represent the brand and bringing additional visibility to their store. More broadly, we focus on clear assortments and strong core products that make the category easy to manage and quick to sell. When products are simple, comfortable, and well presented, the story speaks for itself.

Key Products:

Original Blash:
Our iconic Original flip-flop is built for endless summer days. Designed for beach lovers, its wide rocking-chair shape prevents sinking in the sand and protects feet from hot surfaces. The soft, durable sole provides cushioned comfort and reliable grip, while padded jersey straps and a textile toe post prevent irritation. The Blash colorway echoes deep ocean tones.

ORIGINAL-BLASH-2

Maple Honey:
Maple Honey blends comfort and style with a natural summer look. Its wide braided cotton strap brings a refined touch, while the nylon toe post ensures durability and comfort. A four-layer insole delivers soft cushioning throughout the day, and the EVA and rubber outsole provides stability and grip. A simple, elegant flip-flop with an easygoing spirit.

MAPLE-HONEY-4

Cloud 2 Brown:
Cloud 2 is the evolution of our Cloud franchise, designed to deliver even greater comfort while keeping the same accessible price point. It features a soft cushioned footbed with added arch support for improved stability. Lightweight and versatile, it is made for everyday wear, from the beach to casual outings, combining simplicity, comfort, and durability.

CLOUD 2-BROWN-4