Summer is here, and it’s time to trade heavy boots for breathable sandals. Each season brings new trends as some styles rise and others fade. We consulted top stylists and designers to create the ultimate guide on this summer’s must-have sandals—and which ones you should leave behind in your closet. Get ready to step out in style and comfort all season long!
1. Chunky Platform Sandals
Fashion’s love affair with height continues this summer as chunky platforms dominate the scene. These statement-making sandals add inches without sacrificing comfort. The thick soles offer cushioning while elevating simple outfits to new heights. Designers are embracing bold colors and retro-inspired shapes that scream summer fun.
2. Gladiator Sandals
Once a summer staple, gladiator sandals with their multiple straps and knee-high designs have fallen from grace. The complicated strapping that once seemed edgy now feels dated and fussy. Stylists note that these Roman-inspired shoes require too much effort both to put on and to style effectively. Simplicity rules this season!
3. Fisherman Sandals
Blending nostalgia with practicality, fisherman sandals have made a triumphant return. Their woven leather design offers foot coverage while maintaining breathability – perfect for urban summer adventures. Fashion insiders love their versatility and how they pair with everything from casual shorts to flowy dresses. The closed-toe design makes them office-appropriate too!
4. Uncomfortable Flip Flops
Flimsy rubber flip flops that offer zero support are officially banished from stylish summer wardrobes. Those cheap versions that flap against your heel and cause blisters have no place in today’s comfort-focused fashion landscape. Designers emphasize that footwear should never sacrifice comfort for style. Your feet deserve better!
5. Sporty Hiking Sandals
Adventure-ready hiking sandals have transcended their practical origins to become fashion favorites. Brands like Teva and Chaco are enjoying a renaissance as their functional designs get colorful makeovers. The adjustable straps and cushioned footbeds make them ideal for all-day wear. Style mavens pair them with unexpected pieces like flowy dresses for cool contrast.
6. Rhinestone-Covered Sandals
Overly bejeweled sandals dripping with rhinestones are taking a backseat this season. The excessive sparkle that once seemed festive now appears gaudy and overdone according to top designers. Fashion experts recommend saving the bling for evening accessories instead. Today’s aesthetic leans toward understated elegance rather than flashy statements on your feet.
7. Minimalist Leather Slides
Clean lines and quality materials define this season’s must-have slides. These effortlessly chic sandals feature simple leather straps in neutral tones that go with absolutely everything. Their slip-on convenience makes morning routines faster while maintaining a polished look. Many designers are focusing on sustainable leather options, adding eco-friendly appeal to this timeless style.
8. Jelly Sandals
The nostalgic plastic jelly sandals from the ’90s have lost their revival momentum. While briefly trendy a few seasons back, their plastic construction creates uncomfortable sweating and blisters in summer heat. Stylists point out that adult versions of these childhood favorites rarely translate well. The synthetic material also contradicts today’s push toward natural, sustainable fashion choices.
9. Raffia and Natural Materials
Sandals crafted from natural fibers like raffia, jute, and cork are having a major moment. These earthy materials bring organic texture and vacation vibes to summer footwear. The natural elements connect with this season’s broader sustainability trend. Designers are creating everything from elegant wedges to casual flats using these eco-friendly materials that feel distinctly summery.
10. Extreme Pointed Toes
Sandals with exaggerated pointed toes are being left behind this season. These uncomfortable designs that squeeze toes into unnatural shapes prioritize a specific aesthetic over function. Fashion experts note that foot health is increasingly important to consumers. The awkward silhouette of extremely pointed sandals also clashes with this season’s more balanced proportions.
11. Sculptural Heels
Artistic, architecturally-inspired heels are transforming basic sandals into wearable sculptures. These conversation-starting shoes feature unexpected shapes like spheres, curves, and geometric forms instead of traditional heel designs. Fashion-forward individuals appreciate how these unique details add interest to simple outfits. Despite their artistic appearance, many versions offer surprising stability and comfort.
12. Ultra Thin Strappy Sandals
Those barely-there sandals with multiple pencil-thin straps are losing favor among fashion experts. The flimsy support they provide often leads to uncomfortable wearing experiences and quick breakage. Designers note that these delicate styles frequently cause painful digging into feet. The impractical nature of these sandals makes them unsuitable for real summer activities beyond brief photo opportunities.
13. Cushioned Footbed Sandals
Comfort-focused sandals with padded footbeds have received a stylish makeover. Brands like Birkenstock continue to collaborate with luxury designers, elevating these once-casual shoes to fashion must-haves. The molded footbeds provide arch support while walking. Style experts appreciate that these practical shoes now come in premium materials and sophisticated color palettes without sacrificing their ergonomic benefits.
14. Oversized Logos
Sandals plastered with giant designer logos are fading from fashion favor. The ostentatious branding that once signaled status now appears tacky and lacking in subtlety to industry experts. Today’s luxury consumers prefer understated elegance with discreet branding. Designers are focusing on quality craftsmanship and unique design elements rather than turning wearers into walking billboards.
15. Colorful Crochet Sandals
Handcrafted crochet sandals bring playful texture and bohemian charm to summer footwear. These artisanal-looking styles often feature vibrant colors and patterns that celebrate craftsmanship. Fashion insiders love their connection to the broader handmade aesthetic trending this season. Many versions combine crochet uppers with sturdy soles, making them both whimsical and practical for summer adventures.
16. Clear PVC Sandals
Transparent plastic sandals are losing their appeal faster than you can say “foot fog.” These see-through styles create uncomfortable sweating and unflattering condensation when worn in summer heat. Stylists point out that the unbreathable material causes blisters and discomfort. The environmental impact of non-biodegradable PVC also contradicts the sustainability values embraced by today’s conscious consumers.
17. Espadrille Sandals
Mediterranean-inspired espadrille sandals with their signature rope soles capture summer’s relaxed essence. These vacation-ready shoes have evolved beyond basic wedges to include flatforms and even heeled versions. Their natural jute bottoms provide texture and visual interest. Designers are offering fresh takes with colorful embroidery, playful prints, and modern silhouettes while maintaining the style’s inherent casual elegance.
18. Extreme Flatforms
Those excessively thick flatform sandals that add 4+ inches of height are toppling out of favor. The cartoonish proportions that once seemed fashion-forward now look clumsy and impractical. Fashion experts warn about ankle injuries from these unstable designs. The heavy construction also makes them uncomfortable for all-day summer wear when lighter options are preferred.
19. Lace-Up Sandals
Romantic lace-up styles that wrap around the ankle are enjoying renewed popularity this season. These adjustable sandals offer both security and style with their customizable fit. Fashion experts love how they elongate the leg and add interest to simple summer outfits. Modern versions feature softer materials and convenient side zippers, eliminating the hassle of tying and untying with each wear.
20. Overly Complicated Designs
Sandals with excessive buckles, unnecessary cutouts, and confusing strap configurations are being simplified this season. These over-designed shoes often prioritize unusual aesthetics over wearability and comfort. Stylists note that these complex styles quickly appear dated. The current fashion climate favors intentional design where every element serves a purpose rather than decorative chaos.