It’s finally time to swap the chunky boots for an altogether lighter alternative now that we’re in 30 degree weather. I’ll be digging out my trusty floral prints, polishing my sunglasses and switching up my footwear for summer. Enter the fashion sandal.
2023’s sandal offering combines form and function, and comfort is key. Plus there’s the not-so-subtle re-emergence of Y2K trends (thank you, TikTok), so those flatform sandals you tucked to the back of your wardrobe in 2004? Time to give them a dust off.
Hermès sandal dupes to invest in now
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Off the back of the pandemic, our shoe selection has maintained its sensible edge. Brands have continued to embrace supportive soles and well-placed straps, but never fear, comfort does not compromise style. Trading in trainers for a stylish sandal will quickly transform your look.
The sandal styles to know for 2023
I’ve found the perfect sandal formula and I’m willing to bet that these six sandal styles will see you through ANY summer occasion. Pedicures at the ready…
The sensible sandal
For those days when you’re always on your feet but want to give a high-fashion edge to your look, it’s time to turn to the sensible sandal. Padding is key, as is extra support – it’s giving off-duty, relaxed and fuss-free. Imaginatively dubbed the ‘Fisherman Sandal’, these sandals fit somewhere in-between ‘I’m too cool to care’ footwear of impossibly cool creatives and those jelly shoes you wore as a child. I’ll stand by them though, they’re comfortable and chic and work incredibly well with a denim midi skirt.
A true classic, these shoes have been lovingly worn by dads for years, now it’s our turn…
Best fisherman sandals to shop now
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The gladiator sandal
Straight out of 300BC, the classic leather sandal has seriously stood the test of time. With wraparound leather (or faux leather) straps, simple metal hardware and flat soles, the Roman sandal is an elegant favourite. Choose a pair that criss-cross up the leg almost reaching the knee and style them peeping out from the bottom of a midi-skirt or a pair of Bermuda shorts.
Personally, I choose to keep it low-key and pick a subtle ankle-grazing option, paired with cropped denim or a micro-mini skirt. Seasoned shoppers find their gladiators from a little store by the Mediterranean, a steal for a few Euros. However, if you’re not making it overseas, find yours on the high street now.
The best strappy sandals to shop now
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The fashion flip flop
All hail the Havaianas, fashion’s most comfortable summer pick, I’d wear mine every day if I could. Straight from the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, the flip flop has welcomed a high-fashion makeover. For a minimal moment, a chubby flatform pair is the perfect pick.
While flip flops definitely have laid-back surfer connotations, dressing them up for the evening has never been easier. Kitten-heeled flip flops (like this denim pair) look unquestionably chic when matched with fitted denim or cargo pants.
A regular feature on the spring/summer catwalks, the fashion flip flop is clearly here to stay. Join the legions of flip flop fans – a list which includes Rihanna and Emily Ratajkowski – and shop yours now.
The best flip flop to shop now
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The stylish slide
I’m such a fan of the statement slide: they’re cosy, comfortable and will match just about anything. It’s easy to dismiss sliders as an off-duty pick only, but I find myself reaching for mine at every possible moment. They’ll slip on easily under long, wafty dresses or subtly steal the show with the regular jeans and a T-shirt go-to.
Fans of the slide include ever-stylish stars Katie Holmes and Kendall Jenner, who pair theirs with relaxed-fitting denim, but they’ll work equally well with higher hemlines. These sturdy shoes will toughen up your summer sartorial choices. A true trendsetter would go that extra mile and emulate the elusive Olsen twins: slide on your Sensible Sandals over socks for major high-fash dad vibes.
The best sliders to shop now
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The haute hiker
The summertime sister of the weather-proof duck boot, the hiking sandal will become your comfortable superstar when the hot weather hits. They’re not pretty and far from elegant, but they’re functional and efficient but they appeared in the collections of major players such as Prada and Chanel. Expect plenty of Velcro, numerous straps and padded soles in a sandal that could be dunked repeatedly in a bucket of water and still not spoil.
The sports sandal is the style choice of the street style set, including Jessie Bush and Camille Charriere. They’ll pair theirs with almost anything, playing around with the stark contrast they form with pretty florals and sharp suiting.
The best walking sandals to shop now
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The chic clog
Get ready to clomp around the streets this summer because, yes, you heard it here first, clogs are back. Whilst you’ll never be able to sneak up on anyone ever again, 2023’s clog offering is unfailingly fun. I’ll admit, it’s unlikely you’ll ever catch me in a pair of Crocs (sorry, but no), the clog taps into the ongoing Y2k trend without feeling too performative. There’s no question about it, the clog is cool. They feel instinctively man-repeller, or Carrie Bradshaw in her peak fashion days. Go the extra mile and hit the Dutch maiden mood, pair with light-washes and floaty silhouettes. Clip clop!
Best clogs to shop now
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Read next: our guide to the trending shoe styles you will be seeing everywhere in 2023.
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