Stylish summer sandals

Sharon Young
Jun 10, 2020
5 min read

Now, anyone who knows me, knows, that I LOVE shoes! And I love nothing more than a fantastic summer sandal. Its because of this, that I am finding it harder to purchase as I have many cherished pairs that I bring out year after year and its not easy to improve on perfection!

Of course, I still manage to buy something! Before I do though, I ask myself the question - would I take these on holiday? For me, selecting which of my beloved sandals to pack, is a tough one. I think, do I own anything else that does the job better? are more comfortable? or will go with lots in my wardrobe?

This often helps me decide whether to purchase, or at least how much I am prepared to spend (I may save for a special pair that I know I will wear for many seasons, so it makes better sense on a 'cost per wear' basis). Of course, at the moment none of us even know when we may be going on a holiday again.

So, a great summer sandal has to serve you well at home, as well as for that holiday we are all dreaming of.

I have scoured the online shops for you (maybe for me too!) to find you the most stylish summer sandals that you can wear now, to the supermarket or for your daily walk!

There are some amazing ones available and as you can tell I have had a hard job to narrow down my selection but I have tried! I have categorised these for you so that you can focus on those that you like and skim past those that you don't!

I have grouped them into: Sporty, Strappy, Platform and Wedges, Flats and Slides, Chunky/Dad and Mules. As always, hover over images of sandals to see more info or click on to take you to the relevant website to see more or buy

Sporty sandals

These came onto the scene last year when the hiking brand Teva saw their 'trek' sandal on all the fashion sect and influencer Instagram feeds. As far as I'm concerned, 'whats not to like?" - a high fashion shoe that is highly comfortable and reasonably priced! There are so many to choose from. Wear these with pretty florals, skirts or dresses, for a cool contrast to the sporty look or carry on the androgynous look by matching with masculine tailoring. If you want to keep it more classic then go for a plainer version - I really like the Teva white. Personally, I have already bought myself a pair of Arizona Love trek sandals (see my Instagram feed) which I am totally in love with. Can't wait to wear mine with denim cut-offs on a beach...we can dream...

Strappy sandals

Whilst strappy sandals have been around forever, we are seeing variations in style and in how to wear them. The hottest style update, that started last summer and continues this year, is the trouser wrap. This really showcases the shoe and looks incredibly chic. This easy tweak can update an old pair of trousers or a classic trouser suit or even a jumpsuit. This is a great style hack too, as you can really experiment with proportions and different trouser styles. If the ankle wrap is not for you, then choose from the square toe, a new modern classic, or a great colour. I love these blue Topshop ones below (now on sale). Don't be afraid to go for colour, as you will be surprised how much they can go with in your wardrobe, especially those summer prints that have lots of colours in them, you just have to pick out any colour in a print and match sandals and accessories (bags and belts) to any of these colours.

Platforms and wedges

As someone who is 5ft 3 and a half (and yes that half is important!) I have always loved a summer wedge or platform. Height with comfort, my perfect combination! I am particularly loving anything 70s inspired (my favourite era and hooray it's hot right now) These can be chunky, embellished, or a more classic raffia wedge, like these black Zara ones or splash out on these amazing Stella McCartney white and wood platforms that you will wear year after year.

Flats and slides

A fabulous flat can be the hardest working item in our summer wardrobe. Fans of paired back classics have been wearing the ultimate go to summer sandal for years, that is the Hermes Oran sandals. These now iconic sandals, literally go with everything! Whilst I know those that own them will tell you they are worth every pound (all 495 of them!) if you are looking for a more affordable option, than check out the great collection (lots more colours) at Steve Madden (see below). New for this year is the latest collaboration between the classic Birkenstock (one of my all time fave summer sandal, I have the white Eva ones seen here, from last year) and the great Proenza Schouler. Another winning formula of style + comfort. Or for some fun (and lets be honest we could all do with a bit of that right now) try the pink fluffy Ugg slides (also come in other colours, including a 'safer' black option).

Chunky and dad

My personal favourite is the chunky sandal. I think its because me and Doc Marten go back a long way (probably to when I wore their loafers for school, loved the burgundy ones!) Last year, I literally lived in my Clarissa Quad DM sandals and I am looking forward to wearing again. The 'Dad' sandal came into its own last year with the much coveted Chanel pair. For a similar pair, I have found these from Kurt Geiger, for a fraction of the cost of course. This year's dream option is the embellished Miu Miu which I am coveting from afar... Only down side of a lot of these, is that they are heavy and bulky to pack in a suitcase...shame we haven't got that to worry about right now! :(

Mules

The surprise final entry for my stylish summer sandals is...the mule. This is one that has been bubbling under the radar for a couple of years now but was launched into top fashion status from the fashion label that can do no wrong on the shoes and bags front lately, that is Bottega Veneta. Thanks to Creative Director Daniel Lee, the Lido mules are the It sandal and they have inspired many a high street design. Look for quilting and padding to add a polished finish to any outfit. The mule is a great versatile sandal that you just slip on and go! Wear them with midi dresses and skirts so you can show off the shoes. They are also fab with skinny jeans and a blouse for easy summer evening dressing. For me, its always about contrast so I love nothing more than the pairing of a heeled feminine style mule with straight leg ripped jeans!