6 Summer Shoes You Actually Need in Your Wardrobe

We don't know about you, but we're glad that the sunshine is finally here. For too long, we've found ourselves drooling over the dainty styles we've seen cropping up in new-in sections and subsequently thinking about the potential pedicure colours to match. So we're happy we can finally shop for the latest summer shoes. Of course, there's always statement footwear to be had, but what we're most interested in are the pairs that we'll get the most wear out of for years to come—and 2019 has plenty of those to offer.

With warm weather comes sandals, and there are three iterations to note. One is somewhat practical. The other? Incredibly versatile. And the last? The ideal heel height for all-day weddings. If heels are your thing, then turn your attention to timeless espadrilles, which are an integral part of any influencer's summer attire. As for trainers, we bring you a refined style that'll look just as good with dresses and skirts as it will work trousers and shorts. All you need to do now is keep scrolling to discover the summer shoes 2019 has in store.

LEATHER SLIDERS

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(Image credit: @katherine_ormerod)

If you only invest in one pair of shoes this summer, make it a pair of sleek leather sliders. In versatile tan or white, you'll wear these day in and day out. 

MID-HEEL SANDALS

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(Image credit: @pernilleteisbaek)

"Floss" heels is a term we coined to describe heeled sandals with straps so thin and minimal they're akin to dental floss. The obsession started back in late 2018 thanks to The Row's Bare Leather Strappy Sandals, with Prada's multi-strap stilettos coming in a close second in the designer stakes. Look for mid-heel styles you can last an all-day wedding in. 

Related: The 6 Zara Items Everyone Will Want to Buy in 2019

SLINGBACK BLOCK HEELS

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Slingbacks are one of the most elegant shoes you can own which is great because they make for the perfect office shoes. If sandals are too informal for your workplace, the open-back will keep your feet cool in higher temps, while the closed-toe mains a professional air. 

Related: These 32 Accessories Are the Prettiest Things We've Ever Seen

THICK-STRAP SANDALS

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(Image credit: @tamumcpherson)

Practical and versatile, thick-strap sandals are also having a moment, particularly, in black. Chanel kick-started the mood with its quilted pair, but seeing as they're as easy to come across as the Holy Grail, we'll gladly make do with one of these pairs. 

Related: From Dresses to Bags, I've Handpicked 21 New-In Pieces Just in Time for Payday

WHITE PLIMSOLES

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Be it dresses or shorts, there's no summer outfit that can't be improved with a pair of plimsoles. Just ask Lucy Williams, who uses hers to give her fancy frocks a casual spin. 

WEDGE ESPADRILLES

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(Image credit: @frassyaudrey)

No item says summer quite like a pair of espadrilles, and we're slowly starting to see them crop up on our Instagram feeds once again. We'll be following Audrey's lead by wearing them with a button-up skirt and straw hat. 

Pair your new-season shoe fix with the the only three new-in buys you need to see

Opening image: @emmahill

This was published at an earlier date and has since been updated by Elinor Block.

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically 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, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning 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 at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.