From Slides to Ballet Pumps, These Flat Shoes Are Perfect for Summer

Heels are out, flats are in. Just kidding—we don't believe fashion works that way. But while it might not be that black and white, there's no disputing the fact that fashion people are loving flat shoes lately.

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(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Debora wears Alaïa's trending mesh flats—join the waitlist so you're alerted when your size is back in stock.

With the arrival of summer and the subsequent desire to spend as much time as possible outside, heels just don't feel practical right now. I live in Edinburgh, a city filled with steep side streets and crooked cobblestones, and speaking from experience, any sole higher than one or two inches makes a simple stroll around town much harder to navigate.

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(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)

Strappy sandals are a popular choice for SS24, especially in neutral shades like black and beige.

So, I'm here for the low shoe craze. It helps that most of the season's bigger footwear trends come in flat-sole form. Think fisherman sandals, ballet pumps, elevated flip-flops—the list goes on. With so many cool (and comfortable) styles to choose from, it's no wonder flats are dominating the summer. Plus, they're incredibly easy to style, particularly if you stick to minimal, neutral designs free from frills and shiny hardware.

To give you a picture of what I'm talking about, I've sifted through my favourite footwear brands and rounded up the stand-out options below. From high-street to high-end, the finished list is brimming with chic flat shoes for summer. Scroll on to see for yourself.

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(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Marilyn styles her Massimo Dutti Mary Janes with white socks and a denim skirt.

Shop the Best Flat Summer Shoes

1. Fisherman Sandals

@tylynnnguyen wearing fisherman sandals

(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

Style Notes: Both practical and stylish, the fisherman sandal is the perfect shoe for the unpredictable UK weather. Wear them on their own when the sun is out, but this classic style also looks great with socks on those cooler summer days.

Shop Fisherman Sandals:

2. Strappy Sandals

@alexisforeman wearing strappy sandals

(Image credit: @alexisforeman)

Style Notes: You can't get any more classic than the strappy sandal and for SS24 we're focusing on minimal styles that can pair well with jeans, dresses and skirts alike.

Shop Strappy Sandals:

3. Slides

@taffymsipa wearing slides

(Image credit: @taffymsipa)

Style Notes: Sliders are my go-to throw on sandal in summer. Easy to style with everything, this low-effort shoe is back again this year in several different colours, shapes and designs.

Shop Slides:

4. Ballet Flats

@tamaramory wearing ballet flats

(Image credit: @tamaramory)

Style Notes: Ballet flats are a shoe that can be worn all year round, but for the warmer months, opt for more practical designs for long-lasting comfort.

Shop Ballet Flats:

5. Loafers

@anoukyve wearing loafers

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Style Notes: Loafers are a timeless shoe style that immediately smarten-up every outfit. This remains true in summer, pairing well with button-up shirts, maxi dresses and linen trousers (and much more!)

Shop Loafers:

Up Next, Euro Summer Has Arrived! 5 Chic Outfits I'll Definitely Be Re-Creating

Freelance Fashion Editor

Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.

A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor to Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.

In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.