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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?
At 2016 Coachella, ankle boots in various iterations were prominent, along with gladiator styles, combat boots and sneakers from Vans, Converse and Adidas.
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Here, FN breaks down the footwear looks below to help this year’s festival attendees perfect their throwback looks.
Ankle Boots
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 on this was displayed by Jamie Chung, who wore a dark gray suede pair with lines of dainty embellishment, adding a bit of boho whimsy to her footwear.
Chloé Susanna Embellished Pointed Bootie
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,450
Staud Wally Flat Ankle Boot
Price upon publish date of this article: $397.50
Gladiator Sandals
Gladiator sandals are another Coachella staple, and in 2016 it seemed like everyone was taking on the trend. The ancient Roman-inspired footwear can take many forms, from the shorter, daintier look worn by Kendall Jenner to a knee-high style that presents a more distinctly caged aesthetic. Whether it’s a more traditional gladiator sandal or a looser interpretation, the style is typically defined by a crisscross strap design that extends to the ankle.
Gianvito Rossi Zaira Gladiator Sandal
Price upon publish date of this article: $2,095
Kenneth Cole New York Ruby Stones Gladiator Sandal
Price upon publish date of this article: $129.99
Vans, Converse and Adidas Superstars
For obvious reasons, sneakers are a popular and reliable shoe style for festivals. A decade ago, Converse, Vans and Adidas proved their popularity in Indio. Alessia Cara took to the stage as a performer in white Converse Chuck Taylor high-top sneakers; Dylan Penn and Tyler Posey could be seen in the Vans Authentic skate shoe at a Forever 21 party; and the Adidas Superstar with its distinguishable shell toe was also a go-to for festival-goers.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Canvas Shoe
Price upon publish date of this article: $65
Vans Skate Authentic Shoe
Price upon publish date of this article: $70
adidas Superstar II Shoe
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Combat Boots
The 2010s were also a decade when the combat boot thrived. The lace-up style is ideal for Coachella with its no-frills attitude, and it’s perfect for dusty or muddy environments — the more worn in the shoe, the further it leans into its own gritty aesthetic. Chanel Iman was in on the trend in 2016 with a classic black pair, while Hailey Bieber, then Baldwin, wore a beige suede and fabric style from Balenciaga.
To fully tap into the 2016 nostalgia, these shoe looks will be best paired with any of the following clothing items: the aforementioned ripped denim cut-offs, a flowing patterned dress or romper, a fringy crocheted layer, a Western hardware belt, a wide-brimmed hat or, naturally, a flower crown.
Fendi Filo Ocher Combat Boot
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,300
Dr. Martens 1460 Smooth Leather Lace Up Boot
Price upon publish date of this article: $180