Now things are starting to heat up, your summer prep should be well and truly on. Haircuts booked, pedicures arranged and skin-flashing fashion ready - and what summer wardrobe is complete without a new pair of sandals?
This summer, the good news is that it’s far from a one-sandal-fits-all policy - so the footwear possibilities are endless. To help with this daunting abundance of choice, we’re here with this succinct guide of the best styles on the market that will score you some serious fashion points when the hotter temps arrive.
Whether you’re planning a warm getaway or are staying right here in the UK capital, it’s a given that sandals are an absolute must. You may want to throw it back to the 90s with a mule, try this season’s upgrade on the (traditionally hideous) tourist-style flip-flop, or even gain some extra height with a comfy yet statement flatform.
Just look to our favourite It-girls for inspiration. Gigi Hadid’s often spotted in the city wearing a classic Birkenstock with a laid back look whilst Kendall Jenner is seen in the sunny streets of LA sporting the aforementioned thong silhouette which she pairs with wide leg trousers or denim.
From a strappy kitten heel to a flatform slingback, a square toe slip-on to a high-heeled mule, all of the bases are covered in our edit below. Whichever you prefer, it’s guaranteed you’ll be stepping out in style.
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Thongs
Axel Arigato Delta Sandal
With a platform base, Axel Arigato’s bio-based EVA thong elevates the traditional touristy sihouette to new Scandi-chic heights. It comes up large, so size down if you’re between sizes.
Buy now £115.00, Axel Arigato
Aeyde Wilma Hazelnut Nappa
Berlin-based independent luxury footwear brand Aeyde has an amazing selection of sandals - and this particular style comes in three colours. Featuring a sculptural mini heel, these are an elevated take on the silhouette.
Buy now £275.00, Aeyde
The Row Ginza leather and suede sandals
Given an unlimited budget, we’d dress head to toe in The Row on the daily. The brainchild of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who famously love a minimal look, the entire collection exudes understated luxury - including these sandals.
If the eye-watering price tag looks a touch too daunting, Mango has a great alternative for just £45.99.
Buy now £810.00, MatchesFashion
Mango Kitten Heel Sandal
Feet have never looked prettier with Mango’s sweetheart kitten heels. The darlings of the shoe-scape, kitten heels have forever held a divisive place in the canon of fashion. But they are back and better than ever, and what a way to kickstart your 90s footwear renaissance than with a pristine cream pair to team with a summer dress or jeans.
Buy now £35.99, Mango
Acne Studios Reversed Leather Sandals
Think pink with Acne Studio’s acid wash leather sandals. These punkish slip-ons exude a vintage sentiment with their faded finish and the brand’s minimalist logo across the back. Pair with a flowing maxi dress for an avant-garde summer-ready look.
Buy now £360.00, Acne Studios
Strappy
Vagabond Izzy Sandals
Swedish brand Vagabond are experts in the minimal aesthetic. In a space age silver hue, featuring buckle fastenings and a contrast heel, these are a versatile addition to any shoe rack.
Buy now £90.00, Vagabond
Ancient Greek Sandals Fantasia crystal-embellished leather slides
The intertwined, crystal embellished straps on Ancient Greek Sandals’ flats will add a sprinkling of Roman glamour to any summer wardrobe.
Buy now £195.00, MatchesFashion
Mules
Charles & Keith Gabine Buckled Leather Mules - Black
London-based footwear specialist Charles & Keith offers collections of budget-friendly fashion-forward shoes season after season. These mules are at once on-trend and entirely classic - and we’re sure you’ll wear them for years to come.
Buy now £85.00, Charles & Keith
Sadi Studios Paris
An ode to The Simple Life, Sadi Studios’ Y2K strappy mule is aptly named the ‘Paris’. The tonal neutral colourway will go with almost any outfit - especially a pair of cream boyfriend jeans.
Buy now £146.00, Sadi Studios
Jimmy Choo Avenue 50 Caper Green Nappa Leather Mules
Does it get any better than a pair of Jimmy Choos? We don’t think so.
In a buttery soft leather, they’re pared back and easy-to-wear - and every time you slip them on you’ll feel incredible. An investment that’s worth making.
Buy now £575.00, Jimmy Choo
MIISTA Blue Marguerite Heeled Sandals
Miista has created a shoe that embodies everything Gen Z. These handcrafted selvedge denim heeled sandals in blue are embellished with raw edges throughout, an open-toe design and an on-trend block heels. Simply slip into a 90s slip dress, add some rave shades and you have yourself the ultimate Y2K aesthetic.
Buy now £260.00, SSENSE
Whistles Adelle White Buckle Mule
‘Quiet Luxury’ has been ricocheting across the fashion sphere thanks to the likes of Hailey Bieber and Sofia Richie Grainge. The concept centres on all things minimalist, from neutrals to streamlined silhouettes. Whistles’ buckle mules conjure up all the basics of the concept, yet sprinkle some modernism into the mix the subtle buckle detail that will zhush up your evening outfit.
Buy now £129.00, Whistles
Bershka Heeled Denim Sandals
Kitten heels? Check. Denim? Check. Buckles galore? Check. Depop afficionados brace yourself for these kitschy cute pumps, perfect for pairing with mini skirts and co-ords alike.
Buy now £29.99, Bershka
Slides
Arket Linen Slides
You can’t go wrong with high-street hero Arket, especially when it comes to the brand’s quality range of footwear. For these slides, clean lines and neutral colours deliver a contemporary feel while light padding guarantees all-day comfort.
Buy now £89.00, Arket
Russell & Bromley Dallas
Crafted using a soft nappa leather, Russell & Bromley’s puffy padded slides are equal parts comfy and stylish. You could be lounging at home, mooching around a city or sitting pool side - either way, these will look great.
Buy now £175.00, Russell & Bromley
Hermès Oran Sandal
A perennial classic, everyone loves a Hermès slide - but they come at a price. If you don’t have £570 to shell out, Dune’s Loupa are a great alternative for just £95.
Buy now £570.00, Hermès
Dries Van Noten Patent-leather Platform Slides
Fusing function and fashion, Dries Van Noten’s patent platforms are the go-to for city dwellers and sun seekers alike. Boasting a glossy quilted finish and a sleek black hue, these leather slip-ons are a cool-girl staple for those who would rather avoid frothy feminine options.
Buy now £590.00, Net-A-Porter
Flatform
Schuh Tanya chunky flatform in khaki
Primarily known for its selection of trainers, Schuh also boasts a strong range of sandals, too. These sturdy flatforms will elevate any summer look thanks to the 5cm heel, neutral khaki colourway and silver-toned buckle.
Buy now £40.00, Schuh
Prada Foam Rubber Sandals
If you’re in the market for chunky shoes, Prada should be at the top of your list. Toughening up the classic jelly shoe silhouette with the Italian house’s signature Monolith sole, these are both retro and contemporary.
Buy now £650.00, Prada
Ganni Smock Flatform Sandals
From the flatform sole to the smock upper constructed using recycled polyester, Ganni’s slingbacks are a bold statement worth making.
Buy now £315.00, Ganni
Coperni Logo-appliquéd Webbing Wedge Flip Flops
Barbiecore has a successor and it’s Bratzcore. Statement 90s footwear, chunky designs and wedged heels are back and better than ever thanks to the universal desire for all things doll at the moment. Coperni’s wedged flip flops offer up a nostalgic twist on the classic sandal, and will take you from day to night with some always welcomed height.
Buy now £255.00, Net-A-Porter
