Your guide to summer sandal trends in 2023

Through rain or shine, summer is prime time for a bustling shoe collection. Yes, your boots, trainers and flats will still be an essential part of it, especially with the turbulent and ever-changing weather of a British summer. The other part conjures up vibrant images of long, sunny days, walks on the beach and maybe a European adventure or two – of course, we’re talking about sandals.

From sporty and practical, to wedges and a touch of the ‘90s, here are 11 of the best trending sandals to stay on top of this summer.

What are the best sandals for summer?

In terms of style? Only you can decide that for yourself. But, in terms of comfort and effortless wear? Consider these few things before committing to your 2023 sandal style.

Comfort

It’s reasonable to say that there’s a little bit of give in what you can tolerate if your shoes aren’t the comfiest in the world, but look super cute with your chosenoutfit. When it comes to sandals however, dealing with blisters is not something you’ll want to do on top of heat, sweat, humidity, dry dirt and scratchy sand. So choose a style that meets your comfort criteria, then hit the streets with confidence.

Activity

The big question here isn’t so much ‘how many straps do you like?’ or ‘do you like sparkly bits?’ – it’s focusing on what you’re buying them for. Are you looking for a nice all-rounder? A cute pair to wear on evenings out with friends? A pair that can hold up to rain as well as sun? A pair perfect for hiking hills and sand dunes? You’ll want to buy the right sandals for the right activity.

Material

In-line with your activities, the materials of your potential sandals are also elements to consider. If you’re planning on walking lots, or even hiking, choose a nice, sturdy material that can hold up to the elements – like leather or fabric with proper reinforcements and great sole support. Likewise, if you’re pulling on a pair of wedges or flatforms for dinner and drinks, your options are limited only to what you think goes best with your look and how long you’ll be on your feet for.

Wedges

A comfortable and elegant staple, wedge sandals are one of the go-to styles of the season. First seen in the echoing theatres of ancient Greece to showcase status during stage plays, wedges came into fashion in the 1950s, finding particular popularity in the ‘60s and ‘70s with the rise of bohemian fashion. From minimalistic designs to the undeniably summery espadrilles, wedges offer the perfect mix of style and comfort for long, lazy days of fun in the sun.

Jelly Sandals

Take a trip down memory lane and skip through your day in jelly sandals. Straight out of the ‘80s and ‘90s, jelly sandals have made a resurgence, perfect for adding a playful feel to anyoutfitwith a choice of translucent and opaque designs. Whether you’re barefoot or completing the look with frilly socks, these colourful, versatile and comfortable sandals are simply made for summer

‘90s mules

Elevate your fashion game with heeled and flat mules. First brought to the spotlight for 1950s loungewear by celebrities like Marylin Monroe, it wasn’t until the ‘90s that the popularity of mules really kicked in outside the home. These open-backed sandals can easily transition from daywear into nightwear, taking you from your trip into work to a night on the town. All you need to do is pair them with the right outfit.

Clogs

What may conjure up images of the windmills and little wooden shoes of old stories, clogs are the ultimate versatile comfort sandal. Designed using the likes of leather, suede, wood and rubber, clogs are a firm favourite with a range of people, from fashionistas to hard-working nurses, especially closed-toe styles. Providing support for long days on your feet as well as easy maintenance (though suede-based shoes need a little extra care to keep them in top shape), these are an excellent choice all-year-round.

Fisherman sandals

Timeless and luxurious, fisherman sandals offer an easy, effortless finish to everyoutfit. Providing a little more coverage than the average pair of sandals, this trans-seasonal woven-style shoe is back in rotation, and for good reason. Whether people want to bring an element of Balkan romance to their wardrobe or just want practical styles that keep up with them throughout the day, these sandals offer endless possibilities.

Slides

If you’ve ever wondered whether slides and flip-flops are the same thing, you’re not alone. Though similar, slides are more stable and offer more flexibility for your wardrobe. With a thick strap and more rigid sole, slides provide better support for all-day use and can keep your feet, ankles and legs from getting too sore, too quickly. These sandals are made for casualwear – from joggers and leggings, to jeans and simple skirts – so pick out your favourite comfies and hit the streets.

Black flatforms

If wedges make you go gooey in a good way, black flatform sandals should be next on your list. These chunky sandals are another fantastic option for getting a little bit of height without having to carry them home barefoot several hours later. Practical and versatile, what was once part of the ‘ugly shoe’ trend, there’s no doubt flatforms are here to stay for many, many years yet.

Sporty sandals

Affectionately known as the ‘dad’ sandal, sporty sandals are an excellent mix of stylish and practical, with fantastic support and a thick tread made for all types of terrain. Given its design, there’s no one particular way to style them, though you can never go wrong with a little black dress or light-coloured denim jeans.

Embellished strappy sandals

These are the sandals made for turning heads and capturing the attention of a room. Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist, your choice of embellished sandals will help you add a little pizzaz to any occasion. Between bold, vibrant colours and flashy (but complementary) accessories, or simpler, more neutral clothing to give your sandals room to dazzle, the key thing here is to have fun and style them just the way you like.

Two-tone sandals

For those among you who love to shake things up a bit, two-tone sandals offer just the right amount of stylishness with a unique look simply made to enhance the rightoutfit. These sandals often come in two or more colours, either complementary or contrasting, and are perfect for levelling up denim and neutral palettes – with sandals like these, you need to give them the room to take centre stage.

Padded heels

Not one for the timid, padded heels are comfy, cute and a real statement if you style them just right. Casual yet contemporary, sometimes slip-on or buckled, these heels are for those fashion-centric folk among you who love a unique silhouette.