Let’s face it: summer fashion officially begins below the ankles. That’s right—your sandal game can make or break your whole vibe, no matter how cute your outfit is from the knees up. 👡✨
And in 2025? The sandal scene is wilder than ever. Designers are ditching the old and bringing in shapes, colors, and textures that’ll make your toes do a happy dance. Whether you’re a minimalist queen, a trend chaser, or someone who just wants to avoid blisters, this guide is your go-to cheat sheet for what’s hot (and what’s…not) in the sandal world this summer.
Ready to strut into the season like you own the boardwalk? Let’s go.
🟢 What’s IN for Summer 2025
1. Sculptural Heels: Art for Your Feet
We’re not just walking—we’re curating. This season, heels come twisted, arched, geometric, and even hollow. Zara, Jacquemus, and Bottega have all leaned in on heels that double as conversation starters.
🖼️ Style It: Pair with flowy maxi dresses or wide-leg trousers to balance the boldness. Don’t let the shoes compete with a loud outfit—let them shine.
2. Chunky Fisherman Sandals
Yes, the nerdy-but-make-it-cute fisherman sandal is back, and somehow, she’s now a fashion icon. Think thick soles, cage-like straps, and comfy coolness you can wear all day.
🌿 Perfect For: City strolls, flea market days, or looking like you just got back from an art retreat in Copenhagen.
Pro tip: Get them in white, butter yellow, or patent black.
3. Barely-There Strappy Flats
It’s giving “Greek goddess on vacation in Amalfi.” These super-slim, barely-there strappy sandals are delicate, elegant, and shockingly versatile.
👡 Inspo: Tan leather, gold ankle ties, or minimalist black straps. Looks just as good with beachwear as with a linen suit.
4. Sporty Dad Sandals—but Make Them Fashion
Athleisure meets ugly-chic. These sandals are like if your dad’s hiking gear got scouted for Paris Fashion Week. Think velcro, thick straps, and orthopedic comfort—but redesigned in cool neutrals or unexpected neons.
🎯 Wear With: Bike shorts, oversized tees, or contrast with a romantic dress for a fashion-forward twist.
5. Soft Platform Slides
Platform slides with soft, padded soles and cushioned straps are the new cloud sneakers. Everyone from Zara to The Row is offering versions that feel like heaven but look like TikTok gold.
🖤 Best in monochrome or ice-cream pastels.
📸 Ideal for: Airport outfits, errands, or “accidentally” running into your ex.
🔴 What’s OUT for Summer 2025
1. Skinny Ankle-Strap Heels
We had a good run. But the pencil-thin ankle straps of the early 2010s are finally bowing out. They look elegant, sure—but let’s be honest, no one wants to feel like they’re walking on dental floss.
👎 Replaced By: Sculptural block heels or strappy flats with better support (and fewer regrets).
2. Flip-Flops (Unless They’re Fashion Flip-Flops)
Standard foam flip-flops are now reserved for literally just the pool. Unless your flip-flops are oversized, squared-off, or made of luxe leather—don’t do it.
✅ Upgrade To: Platform thong sandals or padded leather slides.
3. Jelly Sandals (Sorry, Not Sorry)
We know, nostalgia is tempting—but jelly sandals have officially overstayed their welcome. They’re cute in theory, sweaty in practice.
🚫 Why Not? They’re hard to style, uncomfortable over time, and not exactly adult-chic.
4. Espadrilles With Chunky Wedges
Traditional espadrilles aren’t totally gone—but that big 2015 wedge with the ankle ties and thick sole? Retired. Time to say goodbye to that beachy, boho festival era.
🌱 Swap With: Low-platform espadrille flats or rope-detailed slides.
5. Overly Embellished Sandals
Glitter, rhinestones, and mega studs? In moderation, maybe. But 2025 is all about sleek, sculpted, and understated shine, not looking like your feet crashed a high school prom.
💡 Trend Direction: Think metallic leather, not glitter bombs.
🌈 Color Trends to Watch
- Lemon Yellow 🍋 – Bright, happy, and surprisingly wearable.
- Pistachio Green 🌿 – The new neutral.
- Chalky White ⚪ – Especially in textured leather.
- Chrome & Mirror Metallics ✨ – For sandals that say “main character energy.”
- Cobalt Blue 🔵 – The bold pop everyone’s adding this season.
👣 Style Combos We’re Obsessed With
- Fisherman Sandals + Linen Pants + Oversized Shirt: Cool girl safari mode.
- Sculptural Heels + Bodycon Dress + Tiny Bag: Museum date, but fashion.
- Sporty Sandals + Silk Slip Dress + Baseball Cap: Unironically chic.
- Strappy Flats + Denim Mini + Vintage Tee: Coffee run, but make it aesthetic.
🛒 Buying Guide: Where to Find the Best Summer Sandals
| Store | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Zara | Trend-forward & affordable | $30–$90 |
| Mango | Sleek, Euro-style picks | $50–$100 |
| Arket | Minimalist, high-quality | $70–$150 |
| Asos | Tons of quirky options | $20–$70 |
| The Row | If you want to drop $$$ | $500+ |
✅ Pro Sandal Shopping Tips
- Break them in early: Don’t debut a new pair at an all-day event unless you like blisters.
- Pedicure game matters: Minimal sandals = maximum toe exposure.
- Check sole grip: A slippery slide is only fun at the water park.
- Choose comfort with style: 2025 is the year of both—not one or the other.
🌞 Final Word: Let Your Feet Speak
Your sandals are more than just an accessory—they’re a mood, a lifestyle, a “yes I do know which café just opened downtown” energy.
This summer, ditch the tired styles and embrace silhouettes that feel fresh, fashion-forward, and fiercely you. Whether you’re a beach bum, a city stroller, or someone who just wants to look hot while staying cool—there’s a sandal out there with your name on it.
So go ahead. Show off that fresh pedi, strut with confidence, and remember:
If your sandals don’t spark joy and style… leave them behind.
👡💖
