Occasional spell of rain aside, it's safe to say that we're due for an early start to summer this year. And now that the sidewalks have started warming up, it's probably time to kick off those clunky boots and trainers, book a pedicure and reach for the best summer sandals. While your trusty flip flops and mules are great at combatting sweaty feet, if you're after footwear that shines bright enough to let you get away with pared back dressing, there's a new style the fashion fluent are sporting all over London lately: suede sandals.
Just when it seemed we’d moved on from suede - after chic suede bags and polarising loafers - along come suede sandals to prove us wrong. Tinged with a hint of boho, suede sandals offer a polished edge few other summer shoes can. Thanks to a sleek finish and typical palette of rich neutrals such as chocolate, caramel, olive and dusty pink, they hold the potential to be the most-worn style in your warm weather rotation. To put it simply, the best suede sandals will pair just as with linen blazers at the office as they will with your best wedding guest dresses. Whether you prefer a smart flip flop or a trendy pair of fisherman sandals, you'll find it swatched in rich suede for an elevated take on summer footwear.
Of course, if it's a high-fashion sandal you're looking for, your first destination should be The Row, whose Ginza leather and suede flip flops have been favoured by the style set for years. However, if like me, your budget doesn't quite appreciate £960 sandals, you'll be delighted to find that London's tastemakers are in fact gravitating towards a more affordable style for 2025. Understated and firmly in the 'if you know you know' camp, this season's popular sandals come from Australian label A.Emery.
A.Emery's Jalen sandals have been cropping up on the feet of many of our favourite influencers and fashion editors lately. Unfussy and practical, the Jalen is handcrafted in India and features a toe strap and crossover straps that render it both practical and fashion forward. Available in a carousel of neutrals including a deep mocha and a classic black, the sandals come with a moulded footbed which makes them ideal for walking in.
Shop: A.Emery's Jalen Sandals
www.mytheresa.com
With their rich toffee hue and gold-tone hardware, these suede sandals look much more expensive than their £170 price tag would suggest. The tactile sandals add a sophisticated finish to summer outfits, whether you style them with linen trousers or a breezy white maxi.
Of course, if you'd rather stick to the classics, Birkenstocks are always a good idea. Elsewhere, Reformation offers flip flops in an expensive-looking side finish that rival even The Row's luxury designs and look great with jeans for a relaxed summery day. From buckled sandals and basic slides to elegant block heels, keep scrolling for our pick of the best suede sandals to buy now and wear for summers to come.
Shop: The Best Suede Sandals 2025
www.anthropologie.com
Practically synonymous with summer, if you're after a classic, you can't go wrong with Birkenstocks. The Arizona is comfortable and chic and we're fans of the dusty pink iteration for a feminine take on the trend.
www.zara.com
Wear these olive-hued criss cross sandals from Zara with everything from tailoring to ruffled boho maxis and baggy jeans, they're more versatile than you might think.
www.thereformation.com
Your favourite flip flops, but elevated. Style these suede thong sandals with wide leg jeans and a tank top for a relaxed weekend look.
www2.hm.com
Like Birkenstocks but more affordable, H&M's suede sandals offer a bold look without compromising on wearability. Plus the suede insoles and adjustable straps make them a comfortable option to wear on repeat for summers to come.
www.sezane.com
Trust the French to ace the elegant style brief with these sandstone-hued mules finished with sleek gold-tone buckles. They'll work well with most summer outfits, whether you're headed to the office, dinner or on holiday.
www.asos.com
This stunning faux suede pair from Topshop might cost £32, but they add an instant polish to any outfit. Of course, they'll shine brightest paired with casual attire somewhere along a beach in the South of France, but that's just us.
www.massimodutti.com
Remember Zara's viral toe-ring sandals? Well, its sister brand Massimo Dutti has given them a sleek suede treatment for a design that'll elevate any outfit.
www.cos.com
Offering the casual flair of flats in an expensive-looking beige suede, COS' multistep sandals will lend a sophisticated edge to your jorts and tank top uniform on holiday and will equally as nice with a spring dress for more formal occasions.
www.stories.com
If you prefer your sandals with a bit of height, this pair from & Other Stories features a comfortable block heel perfect for pairing with those floor-grazing maxis.
www.arket.com
These suede slides are inspired by cagy fisherman sandals and are sure to be the first thing you throw in your suitcase for a sunny holiday.
www.thereformation.com
If baring your toes is not on the agenda, consider Reformation's Melly mules your way into the trend. They'll work incredibly well with jeans and linen trousers.
Main image credits: ©Instagram/@abbiefarrell_ @smythsisters
Hitanshi Kamdar is a senior commerce writer for Grazia. Hitanshi is always on the hunt for the latest trends, emerging designers and the internet’s most bizarre style discourse. When not writing, she can be found IDing outfits during Netflix binges and shopping for the latest It-girl shoe trends.