When they aren’t wearing trainers (or something fancier plucked from the stash under one’s desk for the evening), London girls can currently be found pounding the pavements in a range of different sandal styles. We know that because we spend our days staring at outfits on our way to and from work. However, we also have a photographer combing the pavements each and every month to bring you the freshest London street style.
It would appear that comfort is the name of the game this summer, and designers and brands now cater to our city girls’ requirements. Low heels are everywhere, and flats are better than ever. Even the most sensible, super-cushioned hiking styles have climbed up the ranks of style. It’s a good time for everyone’s feet, and I’ve noticed the women in our fair capital are really making the most of it. So long, Kardashian-loved PVC stilettos! Buh-bye, painful Middleton-style court shoes! We’re all about the (high-fashion) orthopaedics now, and our podiatrists are thrilled.
So what are the key sandal styles that stand out right now? I’ve noticed the following footwear trends on the hippest feet and streets of London, which means they’re bound to be happening anywhere else in the UK where well-dressed women congregate. Keep scrolling to see the most hyped-up shoes, and then shop some of the best iterations for yourself.
VELCRO SANDALS
If they have foamy soles and Velcro straps, then it’s highly likely you’re wearing the ultimate London-girl sandals right now. Teva’s traditional walking sandals have been the true runaway success lately (I now have three pairs of Tevas and couldn’t be smugger), but a committed few have picked up more expensive, chunkier versions from Prada and Chanel. Naturally, hiking sandals have become so omnipresent that they’ve filtered into almost every corner of the footwear world. That said, you can now pick up this kind of comfy-cool style anywhere from Marks & Spencer to niche Scandi labels like Vagabond.
STRAPPY KITTEN HEELS
Before you make any assumptions about whether strappy heels are bad for your feet or not, let’s help clear that up: A podiatrist recently told us that when encased properly (and when not too high), a pair of strappies can actually be quite a foot-friendly choice. That might explain why such a formal shoe trend has still managed to take off on the streets of London…
Related: Is It Just Us, or Is Everyone in London Wearing One of These 9 Buys?
TAN SLIDES
A bona-fide classic that really shouldn’t be questioned, flat tan sandals are migrating from holiday suitcases to the city streets, and our outfits are all the chicer for it. This colour and style can work with almost everything you own—from bohemian maxi dresses to straight-leg jeans to smart suiting for work.
MIDI MULES
Normally rendered in block heels with the simplest of one or two straps at the front, midi-height mules are the ultimate when it comes to finding something ultra-comfortable that still feels smart and office appropriate. You’ll get plenty of wear out of a pair in a neutral colour, but a bright iteration can be an easy way to add a little life to a look.
Next up, the summer trends we all love.
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