Sorry, Heels, These 5 Comfy Yet Chic Sandals Are Officially Replacing You
Let's be honest, summer isn't giving summer vibes at the moment (it feels like September, right?) but we're just not ready to put our toes away just yet. Some call us crazy, others optimistic, but while boots may be dropping into the 'new in' sections, our sights are still firmly set on sandals. Why? Because there is no way we're letting grey days distract us from summer's sandal offerings.
It's not often practicality and style go hand-in-hand, so when it does, we embrace it with open arms. And this is why sandal trends you can actually walk in are some of our favourites this year.
Whether it's a buckled Birkenstock, a hot girl walking hiker sandal or a wedding guest-appropriate mid-heel pair you can wear to those upcoming nuptials that are still in your diary—these are the five summer sandals that have mastered being equal parts stylish and practical.
1. Chunky Buckle
Style Notes: A slip-on chunky sandal is one of those throw-on-and-go pairs everyone should own. The main reason being, they are by far one of the comfiest. Also, they just so happen to work with absolutely any (and we mean any) look. Birkenstock are a firm favourite but everyone from Ganni and Zara has iterations this summer. Look out for an extra ankle strap like on the Ganni pair below, which will be more supportive, too.
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Denim has entered the footwear world and these are an easy way to try out the trend.
2. Strappy Mid-heel
Style Notes: For a wedding, after-dark soirée or somewhere you just want to feel a bit fancy, mid-heels are your new BFF. That little bit of height will elevate your outfit (quite literally), while the comfy heel (around 1.5 inches) will be easy to walk and/or dance in.
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If you have a wedding to attend, these will go with every guest dress (and be super comfy).
3. Caged
Style Notes: Fisherman sandals were huge news last year, so we're not surprised they're back this year, too. A pair we are surprised to see though? The gladiator. No matter your caged preference, just know that they both work best with trousers.
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4. Hikers
Style Notes: Our editors can confirm that the hiker sandal is the comfiest of all. While Teva has been leading the way for years, designers such as Chloé and Celine have cottoned on to the comfy with logo-adorned styles.
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5. T-Bar Flip Flop
Style Notes: Another unlikely sandal trend making waves this summer is the T-bar. Most pairs have a back strap making the humble Flip Flop so much easier to walk in. Renia's Chanel style is ideal for a city escape when you might rack up the step count.
Shop the trend:
We can always count on Ancient Greek Sandals to create the perfect pairs.
Next Up: The Summer Dress People Always Wear With Sandals
Harriet Davey is a freelance fashion editor who has been part of Who What Wear's extended team since 2017. She previously worked in print at Look magazine and has since worked across print, digital and social for many other titles, including British Vogue, Stylist, Grazia, Refinery29 and Marie Claire. Also a stylist, Harriet has had the pleasure of producing cover shoots and editorials along with commercial shoots for brands including Boux Avenue, Watches of Switzerland, Benefit Cosmetics and Revolution. To add to this, Harriet also works in live TV styling for ITV’s This Morning.
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