Business Insider Interview with LOU.EARL Founder & Designer Laura Unruh on Summer Sandal Trends

I was thrilled when Cheyenne Elwell, U.S. Style and Beauty Editor at Business Insider, reached out to interview me about the biggest summer sandal trends for 2026.

With more than 25 years of experience in footwear design and development, and a lifelong background in fashion, I was excited to share my perspective on summer sandal trends shaping 2026. 

It was all fun-chats during the in-depth interview discussing sandal trends that have made a comeback, where they originated, and which one I hope are finally on their way out, and probably never should have never made it onto the summer fashion scene in the first place. 

During the in-depth interview, I discussed why minimalist footwear continues to influence luxury fashion, the return of thong wedges and why some once-popular sandal styles are beginning to fade. 

Here are some behind-the-scene answers I gave Business Insider prior to our interview;

Minimal Thong Wedges

"This trend came from the Carolyn Bassett Kennedy adoration which stemmed from the Apple TV series, “Love Story”.  The iconic’s style was at it’s height in the 90’s and this is the result. It was all about minimalism with a man-tailored mix of strong lines and bold blacks or whites. 

Style minimal thong wedges with vintage Levi’s and a lightweight white button-up cotton shirt, or high-waisted tailored shorts." 

Thong Sandals

"Elevated thong sandals a.k.a. “flip flops” are the way to go now.  The days of cheap sponge EVA bottoms that end up wearing away to the point of the upper rubber straps poping out- are over. With their balance of minimalism and subdued yet strong lines, these are flat sandals that you’ll want to invest in. They can either scream, “luxurious simplicity” and be an eye-catcher or “I bought these at the penny store” and appear trashy, sloppy, and cheap. Believe it or not, you can actually purchase thong sandals or “flip-flops” that fit better or worse depending on brand, and price so choose your thongs wisely."

Jelly Sandals

"While these fun little cuties are on the trend list, they’re also on their way out. As fast as they came, is how fast they’ll be gone. Nobody and I mean, nobody, wants to be strolling around in the Maldives, on their way to enjoy a summer spritz, and have sweaty ’squeak, squeak’ slipping around on their vacay feet. Not to mention, the blisters that plastic creates and the chemicals you absorb in your feet, from the plastic. All in all, these are sandal styles to seriously avoid."

Gladiator Sandals

"We’ve saved the best for last. …As iif these things couldn’t get anymore displeasing to the human eye. The only time gladiator sandals were hot and on-trend was during gladiator times which existed during the Roman Empire around 264 B.C to around 400 A.D. For over 2400 years, fashion brands have been trying to make gladiator sandals look stylish and acceptable but they just look completely hideous. You can’t style them with anything but shorts and even then, no. Just don’t. They try to make a comeback and maybe a day.  Invest in any kind of modern and timeless style and you’ll save yourself the ache and pain of your credit card bill."

Curious what made it into the published article?

Read the full Business Insider interview here

Looking for luxury leather sandals designed to stand out? 

Shop the LOU.EARL sandal collection

A special thank you to Cheyenne Elwell and Business Insider for inviting me to share my perspective on the season's biggest sandal trends. I truly enjoyed our conversation and am grateful for being included in your feature article.

stay cool . be original x

-Laura