Wait—This Heel Trend Is Quietly Entering Every Cool Girl's Summer Capsule Wardrobe
Made for your mermaid-inspired sequin tops.
Fringe dresses! Crochet shorts! Raffia bags! Texture is reigning supreme this summer, prioritizing dimension and style intrigue within tops, dresses, and bottoms—and the tactile look just entered the footwear space in the form of woven slingback heels.
The interlaced design is perhaps most closely associated with Bottega Veneta, which introduced its signature Intrecciato weave in 1975. Since then, Prada, Manolo Blahnik, and Jacquemus have embraced the artisanal look, cementing the trend as an industry-wide luxury fashion essential for the season.
Cool girls are taking notice, quickly adding the braided construction to their summer capsule wardrobes, wearing the style with white denim, east-west bags, and smart-casual accessories. In all instances, the statement footwear features a secure back strap, interlaced detailing, and heels ranging from slim kitten silhouettes to chunky block styles.
The design’s popularity stems from its genius solution to hot, stifling weather. Its breathable construction allows for airflow, offering a breezy alternative to traditional sandals without sacrificing polish. At the same time, it effortlessly pairs with summer’s defining trends, from mermaid-inspired sequin tops to fish-charm jewelry, reinforcing fashion’s current love of laid-back, coastal-adjacent dressing.
If the plaited look is calling your name, then keep scrolling for the best woven heels.
The Best Woven Slingback Heels

Ruby Ford-Dunker (formerly Ruby McAuliffe) is a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle journalist featured in InStyle, the New York Post, Brides, Teen Vogue, Page Six, Shape, and more. When she’s not reporting on her latest fashion obsession or spotlighting beauty finds, she can be found listening to Taylor Swift, hunting for the best matcha latte, playing with her cats, or smiling her way through a dance workout. Email Ruby at therubybrand@gmail.com and keep up with her on Instagram @rubyymcauliffe.