The Student Shoe Report: What’s Trending on Campus in 2026 

Finished exams? Survived deadline season? Made it through another group project? We think that deserves a little treat – and nothing beats a fresh pair of shoes for summer.

To help you refresh your rotation without the endless scrolling, we’ve teamed up with our friends at Student Beans to answer that all-important question: what shoes are trending with students right now? Introducing: our definitive Student Shoe Report of 2026, featuring the top 6 student-approved styles you’ve been adding to cart with your Student Beans discount (10% off, BTW). 

From lecture hall staples to beer garden essentials, these are the shoes officially doing the most on campus right now. Let’s get into it.

6. BIRKENSTOCK Boston Clog

Kicking things off at number 6 is an absolute wardrobe classic: the BIRKENSTOCK Boston clog. Laid-back, timeless, and seriously easy to wear, the Boston works for everything from long campus days to chilled library sessions and post-lecture pub plans. Style them with socks for cooler weather, or wear them barefoot when summer’s in full swing – either way, they’ll fit seamlessly into your daily rotation.

Our students’ top choice was the Boston in classic taupe, but we’re also loving light green and pale pink for summer, plus dark brown for a spring-to-autumn staple.

5. New Balance 1906

Sleek, techy, and ultra-comfortable, the New Balance 1906 lands at number 5 – and honestly, we get the hype. Blending retro nostalgia with modern design, the 1906 looks good with everything from baggy jeans and parachute pants to your go-to hoodie and joggers combo.

Students are loving the versatile white and black colourway, and we have to agree – it’s clean, sporty, and easy to style on repeat. And, if you want to take it up a notch? Go bold with head-turning black and orange, or lean fully into the techy aesthetic with black and green.

4. Crocs Classic Clog

This one? Absolutely no surprise. The Crocs Classic Clog is a certified student staple, and for good reason – we’re talking easy wearability, endless colourway options, and unbeatable comfort (that also happens to make it a favourite amongst medical students). Whether you’re heading on holiday, doing a quick coffee run, or recovering after a night out, Crocs have your back – and your feet.

Our students’ top picks were the versatile grey and pink colourways (and both totally nail that low-effort, high-energy vibe) but we also have to shout out the butter yellow, aka the colour of summer 2025 – will it go back-to-back?

3. Nike P-6000

Coming in hot at number 3 is the iconic Nike P-6000. Whether you team these with jorts for your next summer gig or joggers for the last lecture of the semester, the P-6000 brings a sporty, retro-inspired look that instantly levels up any ‘fit.

The Y2K-coded black and silver colourway was our students’ fave, and we can totally see why. For a twist on this classic, opt for silver with pink and yellow detailing or keep things low-key in khaki – whatever you choose, the P-6000 never misses.

 2. New Balance 740

Students + New Balance = a match made in heaven. So, naturally, the New Balance 740 takes second place. Sporty yet ultra-wearable, the 740 hits that sweet spot between throwback runner and everyday trainer. It’s comfy enough for 9-5 lecture days, cool enough for weekend plans, and versatile enough to earn a permanent spot in your rotation.

Our student fave was the all-white colourway – clean, fresh, and effortlessly wearable, it works just as well with gym ‘fits as it does with baggy denim, cargos, or floaty summer pieces. For a techier vibe, opt for black with silver detailing, or go neutral with the stone colourway.

1. New Balance 530 

In at number 1 is an all-time favourite of ours – and students clearly agree. Say hello to the New Balance 530. From late-night study sessions to early morning coffee runs, the 530 delivers sporty design, everyday comfort, and that instantly recognisable New Balance look. It’s clean, classic, and easy to wear with basically anything in your wardrobe – no overthinking required.

The classic white and silver colourway was the top student pick, serving fresh, wear-on-repeat energy. We’re also loving white with subtle pink detailing for a softer take, while the grey suede option brings a slightly elevated feel to this fan-favourite silhouette. Whatever you choose, trust us – this is your wardrobe’s new MVP.

Why Should Students Shop at schuh?

Ready to bag your new favourite pair? Whether you’re after a comfy clog, a techy trainer, or an iconic campus staple, shop with schuh today and get 10% off your new shoes with your student discount.

And if you need more inspo, don’t miss From Morning Lectures to Late Nights Out: A Complete Guide to the Best Uni Shoes and the Student Beans guide to the best summer shoes from schuh. Your next favourite ‘fit starts here.