Fisherman’s Sandals Have Gone Viral – And Your Footwear Rotation Needs Them

Now that the clouds have begun to part, you can bet your cotton socks that people - up and down this green and pleasant land - won't be wasting any time. They're casting off the dregs of winter by wearing short-sleeved shirts, shorts and, heck, even sandals. But if you're looking for an upgrade on your trusty Birkenstock Arizonas, there's a new style in the town that has already got the tastemaker's seal of approval. We give you, the fisherman's sandal, which, by the way, can absolutely be paired with cotton socks until warmer summer temperatures come in full swing.

These highly practical sandals are crafted from caged leather, which once provided protection for toes (that usually encloses the toes, protecting them from, presumably, fish hooks back in the day) and sometimes feature either a slingback or buckles. The first high-fashion iteration came from TheRow, but since then, the trend has trickled down to the high street, where you'll now find a wide variety of caged sandals that fit the fisherman’s style. Last year, Me+Em’s Fisherman Sandal was praised as a top contender for the best fisherman’s sandal for summer 2024, and this year, the high street offers a plethora of new iterations that hit the mark perfectly.

While casual wear would work best with these angler sandals, (think denim jeans or linen shorts and casual white tees) Alexa Chung has also proved that you can wear your fisherman's sandals with suiting. A few years ago at Wimbledon; she paired her sandals - Hereu's Pesca - with a sequinned tee and beige slacks. (Exchange the tee for a button-down shirt, or even a waistcoat closer to the equinox, and you could wear that exact outfit to work.)

I also think they would look dreamy with a longline crochet skirt, nipped-waist linen dresses, wide-leg jeans or cream dungarees. But hurry, like your fishmonger's catch of the day, these sandals won't stay put for long.

Shop: The Best Fisherman's Sandals

Image credit: @sowagner,@morganrudge and @ceriseamusante_

Natalie Hammond is Grazia’s Senior Fashion News Editor. She loves winter, hates summer and can often be found writing about the weather (and what on earth to wear).