2016’s Top Coachella Shoe Trends Return for 2026, From Gladiator Sandals to Combat Boots and More

After 2026 started with a tidal wave of nostalgia for 2016, there might be more excitement for the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival than usual. The quintessential boho look of Coachella — ripped cut-off shorts and a crop top — harkens back to the mid-2010s. But if one is emulating fashion from a decade ago, what are the period-accurate shoes to complete the look? Vanessa Hudgens, Tyler Posey, Chanel Iman and Troian Bellisario attend Forever 21 Celebrates #F21xMUSIC on April 16, 2016, in La Quinta, Calif. Stefanie Keenan At 2016 Coachella, ankle boots in various iterations were prominent, along with gladiator styles, combat boots and sneakers from Vans, Converse and Adidas. Here, FN breaks down the footwear looks below to help this year's festival attendees perfect their throwback looks. Ankle Boots Leona Lewis, Jamie Chung and a festival-goer wearing ankle boots. Left: Matt Cowan/Getty Images for Coachella. Middle: John Sciulli/Getty Images for PANDORA Jewelry. Right: Katie Jones. The ankle boot reigned supreme at the festival in 2016, often seen in suede or leather and slightly elevated by sensible block heels. Boots with studded embellishments are a Coachella signature and, as such, many of the ankle boots seen that year went down that slightly edgy route. A subtler take

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