Amelia Yeomans
It's official, it's time to pluck your best sandals out of the wardrobe and pack away your tights. Warm weather and sunny days have arrived and we've curated the summer shoe styles that will help you step out with confidence.
There's nothing quite like the first sandal day of the season. The feeling of the sun on your feet and the breeze against your toes is unbeatable. A true signal that summer is on the horizon, getting our best sandal selection in order is high on our shopping priority list. From classic, timeless designs that you can reach for year after year, to trend led sandals that give a nod to the spring shoe trends 2022 has on offer.
A style essential, the best sandals need to be versatile. You'll want comfy flats for casual dressing, party iterations to cover you for weddings as event season kicks off, as well as smart styles that can be worn for everything from summer workwear to sharpening up your jeans outfits. While the fashion trends set the tone for the season, it is worth noting that while there will be some key looks when it comes to footwear as many of the best sandals are timeless, meaning that you can invest without worrying that they'll date by the end of the summer. Sporty sandals, chic sliders, and gladiator-inspired designers are always a safe bet.
"Sandals are something that don't tend to date massively, something beautifully made with good quality leather and minimal hardware will last you for years and go with everything," says Rachel Ingram, Editor in Chief at Threads Styling.
Best sandals trends 2022
- Sporty sandals—Seen at the likes of Stella McCartney, Hermés and Chloé, sporty sandals have once again made a big impact on the fashion crowd. Look for chunky soles, supportive strap detailing and pops of color, giving a nod to the dopamine dressing trend for a fun finish.
- Barely there—Minimalism is in. Designers embraced slender straps to keep sandals on models' feet without covering too much of the foot. Ideal for dressier designs and keeping tan lines at bay—look to the likes of Loewe for inspiration.
- Super-supportive—As we've already mentioned, comfort is big news when it comes to this year's best sandals. Head to brands such as Teva and Birkenstock for stylish sandals that more than deliver on comfort too. Once the sandal you only wore on hikes, these comfortable flats have had fashion-worthy makeovers.
- Nice and natural—We're channeling our dreams of a trip to a far-flung destination, with high summer sandals in neutral leathers, woven styles and raffia in earthy hues. The beauty of this trend is that the neutral shades will go with almost anything in your holiday wardrobe.
- Gladiator Sandals—Seen on the runway at Alberta Ferretti, Paco Rabanne, Dior, Chloé, and Ports 1961, while Gladiator sandals have never really gone away, they're back in the mainstream in a big way this season. From fiddly and daring high-leg styles to foot cage iterations, they offer support and directional style in one.
- Sliders—Potentially the easiest item in your wardrobe to slip on and off, what we love most about sliders is their similarity to our best slippers. The backless shape means there's no risk of rubbing on your heels either.
The best sandals for summer as chosen by our fashion team
Not sure where to start on your search for the best sandals? No problem. We’ve done the scrolling for you, bringing you a stylish edit of the key designs to shop for this season. All you need to do is perfect that at-home pedicure.
1. Best Every Day Sandals
A timeless design, a black Birkenstock will slot easily into your everyday wardrobe. The oversized buckles keep this look fresh and modern and with recent collaborations with the likes of Manolo Blahnik, the brand's fashion credentials have never been higher.
Birkenstock has a reputation for making some of the most comfortable sandals and while it's advisable to wear them in over a few days, once the footbed has molded to your feet you'll never want to take them off. Pair with everything from smart summer workwear outfits to your best midi dresses at the weekend.
Best of the rest...
RRP: $165 / £125 | Made from natural materials, these two-tone Camper sandals are the perfect addition to any summer wardrobe. The minimalist yet practical design allows for long-lasting comfort without compromising on style. Pair with your best shirt dress for an instant summer office outfit.
RRP: $319 / £159 | The chunky sole and contrast stitching paired with trendy caged straps will keep you looking and feeling cool. For the adventurous, the handy velcro fastening makes these the ideal choice for on the go. Add them to white jeans outfits for a monochromatic look.
RRP: $109 / £69 | A summer staple, espadrilles are a foolproof and sophisticated choice. These boho-inspired coral flatforms add a pop of color, giving a nod to the fashion color trends 2022 pairing perfectly with light denim shorts and your best V-neck t-shirt this summer.
2. Best sandals for walking and hiking
Teva is made for comfort and while they've garnered a reputation for solid construction and a sporty feel, the fashion crowd has taken them to heart too. With a huge array of colors and designs available, catch fashion editors wearing them with everything from the best dresses to mom jeans, and even their swimsuits, securing Teva's a spot in your ultimate vacation wardrobe. The multi-colored straps give a nod to bright color clothing, one of the hottest trends of the summer.
Best of the rest:
RRP: $69.95 / £60 | After making a name for themselves from classic canvas slip-ons, Toms has created a sandal selection set to become equally desirable. Complete with trendy mini leopard print design and sturdy metal buckles, these cushioned sandals will keep you on your feet all day.
RRP: $90 / £66 | British brand Clarks has been the go-to for practical footwear for decades and this wonderfully simple yet adaptable sandal shows us why. Crafted with soft leather and a microfibre sock, you can rely on these to keep you secure whilst offering elevated elegance thanks to the subtle heel.
RRP: $77.50 / £45 | Gladiator sandals have become a benchmark for chic summer dressing thanks to their versatility. Pair this M&S iteration with your best classic white t-shirt and linen trousers for a sight-seeing summer get-up that is both practical and stylish. The suede will be supple too.
3. Best sandals for the beach
British clothing brand, Hunter, is well known for its wellies. A favorite of festival-goers, the retailer has extensive knowledge when it comes to protective and practical footwear that still has fashion credentials. The new Bloom style won out as our favorite beach sandals for their molded style and use of innovative materials. Made from algae, this material is sourced by cleaning up natural waterways, which feels beautifully cyclical when talking about beachwear. Lightweight with a sporty feel, these chunky sandals have a durable tread for extra grip on all terrains. Ideal for long walks on the beach.
Best of the rest:
RRP: $42 / £38 | You can't go wrong with slip-ons at the beach, but these Havaianas add some much-needed glamour to your typical sliders silhouette. The waterproof rubber sole paired with sparkly metal trims makes these are the perfect accompaniment to any and all swimwear.
RRP: $49.90 / £29.99 | Zara combines high-end design with affordability on these modern strappy sandals. The neutral off-white color provides the perfect base for any coastline attire, whilst the rubber composition makes for easy cleaning at the end of a sand-filled day.
RRP: $42 / £29 | Wave goodbye to soggy sand-ridden toes thanks to these toweling sliders from Arket. Providing mini drying mats for your feet whilst also adding a vibrant pop of color, these padded sandals are bound to become a beach and poolside necessity.
4. Best trend-led sandals
'90s nostalgia has been a key theme across the runways of all the major fashion cities and has infiltrated everything from clothing and shoes to the handbag trends 2022. Offering a grungy but still feminine aesthetic, these baby pink slip-on sandals with thick wedge soles will team effortlessly everything, taking you from beach to bar, or to an early morning brunch date.
Best of the rest:
RRP: $130 / £99 | These '90s-inspired strappy flatforms from Cos are the perfect way to add edge to your wardrobe without compromising on wearability. Tap into the denim trends 2022 and style with this season's must-have denim A-line skirt to complete the nostalgic look.
RRP: $155 / £115 | Clashing patterns triumph in these beautifully busy strappy sandals by Camper. The double-stacked sole makes a bold statement, perfect for those who like to let their outfit do the talking. Pair with tonal hues, or clash them with one of the best pink dresses.
RRP: $110 / £89 | Known for some of the best Chelsea boots, Dr Martens mixes durability with trendiness in these polished patent platforms. With the iconic yellow stitching and jagged layered sole, this contemporary design will remain stylish for years to come.
5. Best black sandals
If you're a fan of the best Chanel bags, then these Kurt Geiger sandals might pique your interest. Drawing inspiration from classic Chanel quilting seen on the timeless 2.55 bag, these thick strapped sandals offer a premium finish to a sporty feeling shoe. The black ensures these go with everything, while the textured sole offers an excellent grip. The smart design makes them ideal for pairing with your summer workwear. The eagle clasp on the outside of the strap gives a nod to the brand's recognizable emblem, while the velcro allows you to adjust the straps for a great fit.
Best of the rest:
RRP: $120 / £90 | For all the comfort of Ugg's fluffy boots without the summer sweat, this supple suede sandal offers adaptability without losing appeal. Sure to match everything and anything in your wardrobe, the cushiony support and adjustable straps provide an expert fit.
RRP: $49.90 / £29.99 | Zara puts a twist on the classic black sandal with this oversized round buckle and ankle fasten design. Complete with rubber soles and supportive heel strap, sturdiness is guaranteed. For a sandal appropriate for work and play, look no further.
RRP: $150 / £120 | If you're looking to elevate your sandal game, these versatile black wedges have you covered. Given a nod to the latest shoe trends, the directional studded espadrille wedge incorporates a super-cushioned sole, meaning adding height has never been so painless.
6. Best White sandals
Sometimes it's all about simplicity and these white platform slides will be a style you can reach for on repeat. The chunky sole reflects the continued '90s nostalgia trend, but the clean lines also give way to a minimalist feel. With a 'flip-flop' strap aesthetic, these are certainly a more relaxed sandal but made from buttery soft leather, they'll wear beautifully and feel extremely comfortable all summer long. The wedge sole makes them ideal for teaming with maxi dresses or skirts for a laid-back summer look. For extra style points, inject the jewelry trends 2022 and add some layered anklets to your look.
Best of the rest:
RRP: $130 / £90 | Re-inventing the beloved clunky 'dad-style', these Vagabond sandals will see you through all occasions. Pair with jeans and a t-shirt for a toned-down look, or dress up with a maxi skirt and shirt for the office.
RRP: $129 / £85 | One of the best Scandinavian clothing brands & Other Stories is known for its effortlessly cool aesthetic. We love the gold metal hardware and vibrant red sole on this contemporary square-toed design.
RRP: $39.99 / £19.99 | Plain is anything but boring in these Mango flats. Contorting knotted straps add dimension to these simplistic slip-ons, with a miniature heel and square toe finish providing a refined edge.
7. Best tan sandals
The flatform isn't the most dainty of designs, but when it comes to the best sandals, this trend has stood the test of time. Neutral hues have remained a key part of the color palette for 2022 and these sandals offer unrivaled versatility. Casual enough for weekend dates, the padded soles make them comfy enough for everyday wear, and the smart strap detail ensures these won't look out of place paired with your best blazer either.
Best of the rest:
RRP: $70 / £55 | Keep it classic with these sling-back slip-ons from Aldo. This delightful peachy nude goes with anything and the soft knitted foot strap will keep you free from blisters, meaning you can wear these all day long.
RRP: $125 / £115 | A new take on classic Birkenstocks, this multi-strap design feels as good as it looks. Perfect for fashion-forward shoppers who don't want to compromise on wearability, the piumato leather lining guarantees long-term comfort.
RRP: $65 / £45 | Throw on your favorite midi skirt to really show off these strappy gladiator-inspired sandals. With adjustable ghillie lacing and a textured flatform sole, this neutral tan color will let the design speak for itself.
8. Best Evening Sandals
Loved by the likes of Kate Middleton, Hobbs has a legion of fans for its smart styles and beautiful evening wear. With an excellent accessories range, they're a great place to head for seasonal sandals with a directional but classic feel. These espadrilles, although in one of the hottest colors of the season are timeless enough that you can bring them out again next summer, making them a worthwhile investment. The buckled ankle strap offers extra security, while the slender wedge will elongate your legs and feel as elegant as wearing any of your best designer heels (only with a wedge you'll have plenty of stability). Ideal for teaming with floral frocks for weddings or the races this summer.
Best of the rest:
RRP: $320 / £190 | For an understated yet glamorous finish to your outfit, these Ancient Greek-inspired embellished suede sandals can do no wrong. Ideal for those who want to effortlessly transition from day to night, the neutral black base matches every outfit.
RRP: $125 / £90 | These vibrant orange sliders will add warmth to any summer evening. If you're looking to become more adventurous with your shoe choices, this bold mini heel and graphic cut-out design is the ideal starting point.
RRP: $69 / £52 | Leopard print has taken the fashion world by storm in recent years and is showing no signs of slowing down. Complete with supportive ankle straps and practical block heel, these sandals will add the perfect pop to your summer wardrobe.
