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Warm weather brings the need for a pair (or two!) of solid summer sandals, even if we don’t know exactly what this season has in store. You may or may not be putting your favorite heels on hold, but in any case, there are plenty of flat and comfortable styles that are as stylish as they are practical. The best summer sandals are suited for every reemergence occasion.
We’re seeing padded leather insole slingbacks, which are perfect for walking around the city, sleek flip flops to elevate your summer fits, and fresh takes on the easy slip-on slide. And should you be in need of a pedicure, there are closed-toe caged shoes to consider. You can’t go wrong with a dainty, barely-there leather lace-up flat or a flirty wooden clog either. For those looking to ease back into a heel, there’s a handful of options complete with comfort in mind, say wide block-heeled mules, cushy flatforms, and tiny kitten heels that do just that.
Here, discover the six trends and 48 pairs of the best summer sandals.
Superior Straps
It’s safe to say the house shoe, work-from-home slide, or slipper-inspired sandal has become a staple in our shoe repertoire over the past year. The shearling Birkenstock sandal is a favorite among our own editors, but, thankfully, you don’t have to ditch them this season. The casual style has received a stylish glow-up, thanks to these fresh and modern takes on the classic double strap slip-on. Iterations of the classic sandal include Vince’s contrast linen version, Aquatalia’s modern woven leather, and Roger Vivier’s embellished straps—all prove that the notoriously comfortable ergonomic shoe is now a fashion item.
Dainty Leather Lace-Ups
For those searching for something classic with a romantic twist, consider these slinky, barely-there leather sandals in easy neutrals for a lighter lift this summer. The ankle wrapping, foot-exposing, lace-up sandal is a favorite among minimalists; you can count on a pair from Khaite, Gianvito Rossi, or Tkees, to add a bit of elegance to any summer look.
Flip-Flops Fit for a Minimalist
The elevated, heeled flip flop has been a seasonal favorite among celebs and It girls and street style stars alike. However, this season, the thonged sandal has transformed into a more minimalist accessory with super sleek, flat, or nearly flat styles. From chic brown leather straps with a thoughtful contrast stitching in minimalist color palettes to styles with chunkier, comfortable bases, the timeless silhouette makes a fashionably pleasant return this summer.
The Great Outdoors
It just so happens that one of the most popular sandal silhouettes to return this season is dubbed the “fisherman” sandal. After a year of embracing hygge philosophies and taking up new activities outdoors, the fisherman sandal is a nice nod to the pandemic-inspired lifestyle to which we’ve grown accustomed. Better yet, the slingback sandals cover your feet, thanks to plenty of well-placed straps, which offer quite the solution for unpolished toes, yet still allow your feet to breathe and feel cool on even summer’s hottest days. No pedicure? No problem.
Heavy Lifting
Balancing out floaty sundresses and dressing down maxi’s is easy when you have a pair of chunky slingback sandals to ground your look. Put your foot down this summer in iconic and recognizable styles like Marni’s Fussbett to Chanel’s velcroed double strap. Or try Stuart Weitzman and Neous’s newer take on the sporty meets luxurious platform style.
Marvel Mules
If there’s one thing for certain this summer, it’s that we’re celebrating reemergence with fun, fantastical fashion. And what better way to ease into eccentric and exuberant style than through accessories that provide a dose of color? Some of our favorite heeled-sandal silhouettes are offered in bright, smile-inducing shades this season. Acne Studios and Labucq’s citrus squeeze slip-ons, Gucci’s bubble gum pink platforms, and Bottega Veneta’s knit wedges in an icy turquoise all come to mind.
Clog Craze
You may not consider yourself a clog person until you slip into one of these delightful summer sandal versions. The irresistibly cute wooden slides are back for another season. There are playful appearances of color and cool textures like denim and raffia, which pair perfectly with the clog’s wooden sole and buckles straps. There’s a pair for every personality, so everyone can happily and stylishly click, clack, and clomp around in a pair this summer.
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Walk In Place
When it comes to a summer sandal you can wear all day, not all shoes are created equal. But thanks to these sturdy, strappy, flatform styles, you can upgrade your summer walking shoes to an open-toed sandal. Padded footbeds, flat soles, and foot-securing ankle straps give these sandals a leg up. And when there are options from JW Anderson, Co, Proenza Schouler, and Loewe, you can rest assured that comfortable, walkable, summer footwear doesn’t mean sacrificing style.
