Trust Me—These 5 Sandals Will See You Through the Entire Summer

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(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Now that we're being treated to some nice spells of sunny weather, many of us are starting the search for the perfect pair of summer sandals. If you are just starting out on your mission, or have been searching for years but are constantly left disappointed, we're here to cut out hours of trawling the internet to find you the perfect pair.

We've put together the ultimate shortlist of the sandals that will see you through the entire season and many more summers to come. After a debate in the Who What Wear office, our fashion editors decided that there are five styles of sandals that will see you through every warm-weather occasion coming up this year.

First up, we have the flat, slip-on sandals that have been favourites for many seasons, followed by the archival appeal of fisherman sandals, which will work for coastal walks or a day of window shopping. Then, on the other end of the sandal spectrum, we have the ultimate dress-up-dress-down shoes—kitten heels—and heeled platforms, both ideal for any weddings you have coming up this year. Last but not least, we have chunky flip-flops, which perfectly bridge the gap between smart and casual.

Scroll below to shop our edit of the five sandals that will see you through the entire summer.

1. The Platform Sandal

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(Image credit: @lenafarl)

Style Notes: When you're not stepping out in easy flats, elevate your look with a pair of platform sandals. Right now, fashion people are particularly fond of styles with cork soles and clog details.

SHOP THE STYLE

2. The Fisherman Sandal

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(Image credit: @bubblyaquarius)

Style Notes: Love it or hate it, the fisherman sandal is here to stay. I'm in the 'love' camp, mostly because they go with literally every outfit I put together.

SHOP THE STYLE

3. The Slide-On 

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(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

Style Notes: If you're looking for a shoe you can slip on and off with minimal effort (and still look chic), consider slide-on sandals. These are best reserved for days outings involving minimal walking, as they're admittedly not the most supportive style out there. 

SHOP THE STYLE

4. The Dress-Up-Dress-Down Kitten Heel

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(Image credit: @femmeblk)

Style Notes: Scared of stilettos but seeking a dressy footwear option? Enter the kitten heel. This dainty design is unlikely to make you wobble when you walk, but is just as elegant as a high heel.

SHOP THE STYLE

5. The Elevated Flip-Flop

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

Style Notes: Unless you spend zero time on Instagram, you're likely already aware of the 'elevated flip-flop' trend. This casual shoe now comes in leather and suede, featuring details such as buckles and espadrille-style soles. We're here for it.

SHOP THE STYLE

Up Next: It's Sandal Season—These Are the It Shoes Every Fashion Person Is Wearing Now

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.