Sandal season is here, there's no point trying to avoid it. While the thought of bringing your feet out of hibernation might make you want to call in sick to start pumicing and painting, it does mean that you can free your toes from their closed shoe prisons, ultimately cooling you down during this heatwave. Friends, it's time slide into something a whole lot more alluring.
From the 'ugly' sandals that will serve you all-summer-long on the festival circuit to the naked sandals that have come straight from the archives of the '90s, there is undoubtedly a shoe for you. So, here are the best summer sandals you need to know about for the sunny season.
Flip-Flop Sandals
The flip-flop has grown up and now is either made of sleek leather or comes with the addition of a nano heel. Before you dismiss this trend as a flash-in-the-pan, please note that they are super comfy, look seriously chic and mean that you can easily transition from work to holiday mode.
www.marksandspencer.com
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M&S has a truly unbeatable range of could-be-designer sandals at high street prices.
www.matchesfashion.com
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The Row's Ginza sandals have spawned plenty of dupes but none quite stand up to the original.
www.mytheresa.com
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The Attico's chunky thong platforms remind us of the sandals everyone wore in the '90s.
Closed-Toe Sandals
Closed-toe sandals, otherwise known as 'caged' or 'fisherman's' sandals, are the perfect option if you haven't yet managed to head to a salon (Alexa Chung's a big fan). Made from woven leather, and usually featuring a slingback strap and a buckle fastening, they look great with ribbed socks while the weather still hasn't made up its mind.
www.stories.com
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The fisherman's sandal is still trending this summer thanks to cool yet comfortable versions like this pair from & Other Stories.
www.matchesfashion.com
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Hereu's fisherman's sandals are legendary in fashion editor circles for being the dreamiest iteration of the genre imaginable.
www.russellandbromley.co.uk
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Russell & Bromley do some of the best fisherman's sandals in black and tan leather.
Naked Sandals
The Row is responsible for the comeback of the naked sandal. (The Olsens have an eye for sleeper shoe hits - they also have ultra-luxe iterations of the fisherman's sandal and chunky-soled flip-flop.) Aeyde, Mango, Arket and Ferragamo (see above) all have suitably '90s-looking pairs of the barely-there strappy sandal.
www.neous.co.uk
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Neous makes some of the best naked sandals in the business like this spaghetti-thin silver pair.
www.cos.com
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COS' buckled, barely-there sandals will give you a reason to get a pedicure ASAP.
www.aeyde.com
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This German footwear brand has an impressive selection of barely-there sandals.
Mule Sandals
Another hero of the '90s, and a personal favourite of Carrie Bradshaw's, is the mule, a high-heeled, thick-strapped leather sandal that looks great with minidresses, straight-leg jeans and, as you can see from this 'gram, shiny leather trousers.
www.dunelondon.com
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This cork wedge mule deserves its place in the nostalgic sandal hall of fame.
uk.dearfrances.com
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This black pair of mule sandals will see you through summer wedding season.
www.net-a-porter.com
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Wandler's wedge mules, in this acid shade of green, are a great talking point for the garden party circuit.
Platform Sandals
Chunky platform sandals are not for the faint-hearted but are guaranteed to make an impact (plus, they hold up better on grass than spindly stilettos - a wedding season win).
www.matchesfashion.com
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How to make platforms more summer-friendly? Make them in raffia, à la Malone Souliers. You'll wear them season after season.
www.valentino.com
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Valentino's platform sandals aren't for the faint-hearted but are fabulous.
www.harveynichols.com
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These Nodaleto platform would be an excellent choice for brides (a chunkier heel will be so much more comfortable than something spindly).
Walking Sandals
Not a joke: thick soles, velcro and solid ankle straps no longer belong exclusively to the orthopaedic shoe market. Oh no – dad sandals, the kind yours would pack on a walking holiday, are officially in. (Birkenstock's are a perennial favourite among fashion editors, who like to wear them with chunky socks in winter and beaded anklets in summer).
www.vagabond.com
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Vagabond's sandals are famously comfortable. This velcro pair, a chic take on the hiking sandal, will be great for festivals.
www.whistles.com
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A walking sandal but make it cool.
www.arket.com
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Merrell's sturdy take on walking sandals deliver superb underfoot comfort.
READ MORE: These Are The Best Summer Dresses Of The Year, So Buy Them While You Still Can