I'm Obsessed With Sandals—These 25 Pairs Are the Best I've Seen This Year

Summer is coming. Believe it or not, those sunny days and balmy nights are on their way. We’ve had a little taste of it this spring—an appetiser if you will—to get us excited about what’s to come. And if you’re anything like me, at that initial whiff of warm weather, the first thing you did was reach for your sandals.
You could call it an obsession that I have with this summer shoe style, but I like to call it an appreciation. After all, simple sandals can do great things in any wardrobe. When it’s sunny but still a little chilly in spring, you can add them to any and all of your jeans and bring them instantly into the new season. Pair them with your relaxed tailoring on office days, or style a heeled pair with a pretty wedding guest outfit. And then, come summer days, throw them on with dresses for an effortless combination that works every time.
If you ask me, versatility is the key to the perfect sandals, along with great quality. Then, you can wear your chosen pair again and again with everything you already own in your wardrobe. And since you’ll be spending so much time together, your next investment isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. An easily worn-away sole or uncomfortably stiff shape will render your sandals unwearable from the start, and we certainly don’t want that.
That’s why I thought I’d put my infatuation to good use and create an expert edit for you, including only the sandals that, out of the hundreds of pairs I’ve already scrolled through this year for research, have seriously impressed me. Scroll down, and you’ll find the 25 pairs I would recommend, from classic leather slides to this season’s most-wanted fisherman sandals. There are some premium styles from the high street that I’ve tried and tested and some more luxe styles from brands that put quality and craftsmanship first. All of them, though, are under £250, which is still an investment but one that you should easily reap the rewards of thanks to how timeless these styles are.
1. Fisherman
2. Leather Slide
3. Flatform
4. Simple and Strappy
5. Double-Strap
Up Next: I'm a Fashion Editor—Here Are 6 Jeans-and-Sandals Looks That Are Inspiring Me

Emily Dawes is an editor, stylist and writer with over 12 years in the industry. Known for impeccable taste, our readers trust her advice, especially in her column, expensive-looking high street buys. Working for Who What Wear UK since 2020, Emily has been a contributing editor, branded content editor and affiliate editor. Now, as senior shopping editor, she leads the e-commerce content strategy. After obtaining a BA in English and American Studies from Nottingham University, Emily landed at The Mail on Sunday’s YOU. As the magazine’s fashion editor, she travelled the globe to style and direct fashion editorials and celebrity cover shoots. As a freelancer, she has styled Grazia cover shoots, developed brand marketing and content plans and worked with VIP clients including Elizabeth Day.
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