Finding the best sandals is like winning the fashion lottery. Second to jeans, they’re not exactly the easiest purchase to make thanks to a series of boxes that need to be ticked: will they suit more than one occasion, do they go with multiple outfits, how comfortable are they on a scale of one to ten?
Their staple status is confirmed year after year as they grace the spring/summer runways of Chanel, Hermès, The Row etc., making them a non-negotiable in the wardrobes of every woman regardless of the time of year/how many holidays are on the cards. With that in mind, sourcing a pair of summer sandals has never been more essential. Luckily, I happen to know exactly which styles are the easiest to covet. The good news? There are 9 of them.
Which brand is best for sandals? These are the best sandals at a glance
- Best summer sandals: The Row Ginza Two-Tone Leather and Suede Platform Flip Flops, £960, Net-A-Porter
- Best flat sandals: Birkenstock Arizona Sandals, £95, Schuh
- Best white sandals: Keiko Padded Flatform Sandals, £69, Charles & Keith
- Best black sandals: Leather Nessie Fisherman Sandals, £189, AllSaints
- Best closed toe sandals: Gaimo for Office Flat Ankle Tie Sandals, £60, Office
Arguably the most popular pair of sandals for 2023, platforms have made their comeback. They were all anyone would wear in the ’90s and early ’00s and could be found stomping the streets of virtually every city. Think: Spice Girls, Lizzie McGuire, Destiney’s Child and Britney.
Save when you shop for the best sandals with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Despite their lack of arch support thanks to a very flat insole/midsole situation, flip flops (or thong sandals, as Americans call them) are actually some of the most comfortable sandals anyone can own. They’re the style you’ll reach for first when packing your suitcase, and they slot neatly into the most minimalist of night-out bags for when you need a break from those blister-inducing heels.
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Previous to 2020, chunky sandals (or dad sandals as our editors like to refer to them as) were given a bad rep. Known for their ‘ugly’ appearance and often akin to the velcro walking sandals your old man would sport on holiday with socks (hence the nickname), chunky sandals are now a staple in every member of the fashion crowd’s wardrobes. I challenge you not to see a pair of Birkenstock Arizonas – or clogs, for that matter – this season.
Save when you shop for the best sandals with these Schuh discount codes at checkout.
4. HEELED SANDALS
Sandals are not subjected to any one season, especially not heeled sandals. When it comes to elevating an outfit – be it for date night, a wedding, a night out with the girls or a dress-coded event – strappy or ankle-strap sandals with a heel are the vibe. For a well thought-out investment, turn to heeled leather sandals from Jimmy Choo or Vagabond.
Hark back to 2008 when we saw something of a revival for gladiator sandals, then again to 2015 where every member of the Kardashian/Jenner clan were seen sporting them. Since then, they’ve had a bit of a makeover. The lace-up styles influencers are wearing today are a subtle step above the ancient Rome-inspired silhouettes we once adored, but the effect is still very much the same. Love them or loathe them, they don’t appear to be going anywhere.
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Somewhere between a heeled sandal and a platform sandal is where you’ll find a humble pair of wedges. Casual enough to pair with jeans or warm-weather linen trousers, yet still dressy when required, wedge sandals are a top pick in the shoe industry – especially for anyone who struggles to walk in a stiletto.
Save when you shop for the best sandals with these Mango discount codes at checkout.
7. MULES/SLIDERS
Whether you call them mules, slip-ons, sliders or pool slides, there’s no denying that this open-toe silhouette is a go-to for convenience and ease. Of late, they’ve been spotted on the likes of the Schiaparelli, Mara Hoffman and Saint Laurent catwalks with Charles & Kieth, TOMS and more following suit on the high-street.
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Looking for sandals that cover your toes? None feel quite as secure as the humble fisherman design. Their quirky appearance will balance out those twee summer dresses you sometimes find difficult to style, and they can be worn with socks for even more coverage. My favourites? Silver is the colour of the year (along with Barbiecore pink, of course), so I’ve already snapped up ASRA’s Poppy style, but for more casual occasions I’ve got my eye on the AllSaint’s Nessies.
Save when you shop for the best sandals with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
It’s hard not to think of espadrille sandals when you think of summer or sunny travels, which is why they’re one of the easiest – and most coveted – shapes. Super comfy and often fitted with a foamy footbed, espadrille sandals can be found from retailers such as Mango, Zara and Urban Revivo this season.
Save when you shop for the best sandals with these Office discount codes at checkout.
How we chose the best sandals
Combining our expert knowledge in fashion (including which brands are worth spending your money on and live up to the hype) with customer reviews and data on what you’ve been searching for, we’ve curated what we feel is a selection of the best sandals on the market. We’ve rifled through the good and the bad so you don’t have to, and have paid particular attention to specifics like functionality, cost, fabrics, sustainability and wearability in order to narrow it down. Our aim is to find you pieces which will last as well as work, and, as a team of 30+ here at GLAMOUR HQ, we’ve tried our fair share of the best sandals to know which ones are worth shouting about.
For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.