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Even if your toes are stuck in boots, there are plenty of reasons to polish up for the coldest months—and we’ve got the winter pedicure ideas to prove it. Whether you need a confidence boost, a self-care salon visit, or have a formal event coming up, this season’s pedicure trends are too good to pass up.
What are the winter pedicure trends for 2026?
You might think that pedicures give you less room to experiment with fun nail art and effects, but there are lots of fun ways to give your go-to shade an upgrade. Celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt set the tone this season with the spotted cheetah pedicure she created for Hailey Bieber—a maximalist nail moment that still went with her whole winter wardrobe.
Patterned toes not your thing? Try a magnetic cat-eye polish to add some intrigue and dimension or a chrome finish for an extra polished final look.
Of course, you can never go wrong with the classic winter pedi shades. “When I’m not sure what to wear I always reach for a deep black cherry shade—a rich, deep burgundy color,” says Juli Russell, a nail expert and brand ambassador for Sally Beauty. “It’s flattering on everyone, goes with pretty much any winter outfit, and makes your nails look put together with zero effort.”
We’re also borrowing from makeup inspo for our winter nails: Blurred cloud lips and soft bronze finishes are trending, and matching mani-pedis are all the rage. It’s a welcome shift from the bright reds and metallics of the holidays: “As the season moves into January and February, those colors usually soften into deeper wine shades and the golds shift toward more neutral browns and taupes for a calmer winter vibe,” Russell says.
How to maintain a winter pedicure
It’s impossible to talk about winter pedicure nail trends without mentioning nail care. Your toes may not be facing the elements as much as your fingernails, but it’s still important to give them a little extra care during the coldest months. “Hydration is everything,” Russell says. “Between cold air and heaters, nails and cuticles dry out fast. I always tell friends to keep cuticle oil handy, use a strengthening base coat to help keep nails flexible, and avoid super hot water if you can.”
Traditional nail polish will likely remain chip free on your toes much longer than it would on your fingers (a massive winter pedi perk!), but if you prefer something more durable, opt for a gentle soak-off gel.
Winter pedicure ideas for 2026
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Selena Gomez recently wore a bronze mani, courtesy of nail artist Tom Bachik, and convinced us that this typically summer coded shade works perfectly for a winter pedi. It adds a bit of warmth without too much brightness—the perfect understated winter balance. For a little something extra, finish it with a dusting of chrome powder, as shown in this example.
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Magnetic cat-eye gels are dominating nail trends in 2026, from red carpets to your local salon. The best part of this trend is how easy it is to achieve (even at home!) despite its intricate final look. If you’re bored of solid polish on your toes, this hypnotic effect is the perfect way to add some intrigue while keeping things soft for winter.
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Milky white nails know no season, but they’re especially cozy and cloud-like for winter. Plus, as this example illustrates, they pair well with fuzzy slides.
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Sometimes all you want out of a winter pedicure is to feel a little more put-together, and a classic French is sure to do the trick. Just think of how polished you’ll feel when pairing this pedi with an everything shower, a matching PJ set, and an Insta-worthy self-care night.
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Take a page out of Russell's book and opt for a perfectly moody dark cherry mani. It brings a little more spice (but still has versatility) as a solid black, and it’s a sophisticated change of pace from those bright holiday reds.
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The sheer tights manicure trend has been our sultry obsession this winter, and we’re discovering its pedicure potential. “It all starts with the sheer black base,” says Paris-based nail artist Andréa Barbet. “To create it you just need to mix a tiny drop of black polish with a clear one, like a base coat. Depending on how deep or sheer you want the color to be, you can adjust the ratio of black.”
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Zhuzh up the classic black pedicure with a sequin top coat (or if you’re into 3D nail art, some tiny rhinestones) to create a snowy night effect. This look elevates the solid pedicure without venturing into nail art territory—plus, it couldn’t be easier to accomplish at home. (We get it, that flip-flop shuffle to the car in freezing temps isn’t for everyone.)
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“No one’s going to see my pedicure” could be an excuse not to do your toes…or to pick a joy-sparking shade that doesn’t have to go with everything. Brighten up the bleakest season with a true party pedicure that’ll make you smile before you slip into your fuzzy socks. Barbie pink with a glitter top coat, as seen in this example, absolutely fits the bill.
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For the true minimalist, a glass pedicure is the ultimate ‘your nails, but better’ treatment to see you through to warmer days. The trick is to choose a nude shade that compliments your skin tone and apply a top coat so glossy and reflective your nails almost appear see-through.
Grace McCarty is the associate beauty editor at Glamour.
