You know the summer season is upon us when our diary starts to fill with plans aplenty.
You could have a relaxing villa retreat on the cards, a cultural city break or simply a trip to the coast, not to mention (hopefully) sunny weekends in the UK. So, to make sure you’re covered no matter the warm-weather eventuality, you’ll need a strong selection of sandals.
When choosing your next pair, you should weigh up what you’re likely to wear the most and what you’ve got coming up. If you’re more into poolside relaxation than you are exploring a city, a pair of slides might do. Or, perhaps you’re someone who likes to see the sites instead of hopping from bar to bar, in which case maybe you’d be better suited to a supportive gorp-core option instead.
The good news? For 2024, there are a range of styles dominating the fashion agenda. First up, there’s Birkenstock-esque mules. The silhouette is a hot favourite this year, with everyone from Loro Piana to Balenciaga offering their own take – not forgetting high street heroes H&M and Bershka too. These are the perfect finial touch for a laid-back ‘fit whether you wear them solo or with a ribbed sock.
Then, there’s the outdoorsy webbed aesthetic which has been on the up for a few years now. Another off-duty option, these would look best for sun-soaked BBQs or relaxing at home. American label Teva is great for an affordable choice, but if you’re looking to splash out then it’s Japanese functional footwear expert Suicoke that should be on your list.
And last, but far from least, there’s the classic understated leather sandal – the kind you’d pack alongside linen shirts and Bermuda shorts for a trip to the Amalfi Coast or the French Riviera. These are timeless sandals you’ll wear year after year, so investing in quality is your best bet. Our one rule? Always wear them sans socks.
Shop the best below.
MR P. Tom Padded Suede Sandals
Mr.Porter’s own brand, Mr P, is known for expertly crafted classics – and these slides are no exception. No loud logos or shiny fabrics to see here, instead these feature padded suede uppers and leather moulded footbeds, all finished off with a Vibram rubber sole. Nothing but the best.
Buy now £195.00, Mr. Porter
Vagabond Seth Sandals
For those who lean towards a minimal look, you can’t go wrong with Scandi label Vagabond. All of its understated sandals are crafted from leather or suede for designs that will last. Our favourite is this double-strap silhouette which perfectly strikes the balance between style and comfort – moulded insole and adjustable fastening included.
Buy now £90.00, Vagabond
Camper Brutus Sandal
Camper’s aptly named Brutus Sandal is a modern take on the Gladiator silhouette. With a chunky yet lightweight sole, leather upper and cushioned footbed, these will likely be the comfiest in your warm weather rotation.
Buy now £155.00, Camper
Grenson Dale Sandals
If you’re a fan of leather footwear, Grenson is the brand to know – especially for classics. These mules are one of the heritage label’s newer silhouettes and are the smart-casual solution for summer.
Buy now £195.00, Grenson
Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed
A mule that needs no introduction, if you’re yet to add Birkenstock’s Bostons to your rotation, consider this your cue. Comfortable, cool and versatile, they’re an investment you won’t regret. The only problem? Choosing between the selection of neutral colourways.
Buy now £150.00, Schuh
A.P.C. Danny Leather Mule
Though A.P.C. may be best known for its denim, the Parisian label is gifted in the leather department too – just look to these sliders as the perfect example. From the studded strap to the rubber outsole, these take this season’s favourite silhouette up a notch.
Buy now £255.00, End Clothing
Duke + Dexter Winston Maple Mule Men’s
If you’re after summer footwear with a twist, Duke + Dexter is the brand for you. The brand has illustrated loafers, colourful boat shoes and retro-inspired kicks, not to mention a strong selection of mules. The Winston is a Western take on the trend thanks to the custom buckle. Yeehaw!
Buy now £160.00, Duke + Dexter
Suicoke Men's Moto-Cab Nylon Slide Sandals - Olive
A Japanese label which specialises in functional footwear, Suicoke is one for the gorpcore-inclined. The Moto-Cab silhouette is a modern take on the classic slider, with a Velcro-fastening upper and lightweight Vibram sole - and you can’t go wrong with khaki.
Buy now £195.00, Coggles
Teva original universal vegan sandals in black
As the inventor of the Velcro sports sandal – which was designed as a solution to prevent sandals from floating downstream – no sandal edit would be complete without Teva. Though the American label has an impressive selection of colours and silhouettes to choose from, we’ll be sticking with the classic black.
Buy now £50.00, Schuh
Gramicci Slide Sandal
Founded by rock climber Mike Graham in 1982, Gramicci has been making functional clothing for over four decades. Now, its wide-ranging offering includes sandals, too. While these slides aren’t suited for scaling a mountain, they’ll definitely earn some kudos worn in the city.
Buy now £75.00, ASOS
Russell & Bromley Dalvey Cross Strap Sandal
If you’re a fan of Prada’s crisscross sandals but not the £700 price tag, perhaps Russell & Bromley’s Dalvey is the answer. A Grecian-inspired silhouette, these are made for sun-drenched holidays and warm city breaks alike.
Buy now £125.00, Russell & Bromley
