I'm Calling It—These Sandals Are Going to Be the Shoes of the Summer

Every so often, a shoe comes along that takes us all by surprise. At first, it might not look like much—in this case, another leather sandal—but then you see it on an influencer or fashion person or two, start to imagine it with all your new-season outfits and think about how it could elevate your looks for years to come. Before you know it, it's living in your head rent-free.

It happened with Chanel’s chunky sandals (yes, I’m still regretting not buying them and being able to bring them out again this spring), but this year, there’s a new "ugly” sandal in town that’s stolen my fashion heart: Gucci’s Elektra

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(Image credit: MatchesFashion)

Proving they look great with jeans for spring. 

As a shopping expert who’s worked in this industry for almost a decade, I have a not-so-hidden talent for being able to predict a trend, and I’m 99.9% sure these sandals are going to be big. Like, huge. Mainly because caged, or fisherman, sandals have been gaining popularity among the fashion crowd for a few years now (unsurprisingly thanks to The Row and its coveted pair). But this is their year, and they’re even popping up on the high street, too. 

As the double-strap sporty sandal loses momentum, we need another androgynous style that feels fresh and fulfills the role of balancing out all our pretty dresses, floaty skirts and wide-leg trousers. Enter Gucci’s Elektra, which, compared to Chanel’s Velcro canvas sandals, are so beautifully made in the most expensive-looking buttery leather (okay, maybe just expensive) with that timeless horse-bit detailing. They’re a ready-made classic you’ll turn to again and again—a summer version of the brand’s iconic loafers.

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Monikh wears caged fisherman sandals. 

So if you’ve been searching for that perfect statement sandal to bring all your outfits into spring—as well as into the upper echelons of "fashion”—one that you can wear with jeans, wide-leg trousers, dresses, shorts and skirts, keep scrolling to shop.

Shop the Gucci Elektra Sandals

Shop More Caged Fisherman Sandals

Up Next: Out of All the Designer Shoes, These Are the Ones Truly Worth Investing In

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Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.

Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.