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Finding the best sandals is like winning the fashion lottery. Let's face it, they're not exactly the easiest purchase to make thanks to a series of boxes that need to be ticked: will they suit more than one occasion, do they go with multiple outfits, how comfortable are they on a scale of one to ten?
Their staple status is confirmed year after year as they grace the spring/summer runways of Chanel, Hermès, The Row etc., making them a non-negotiable in the wardrobes of every woman regardless of the time of year/how many holidays are on the cards. With that in mind, sourcing a pair of summer sandals has never been more essential. Luckily, I happen to know exactly which styles are the easiest to covet. The good news? There are 9 of them.
Which brand is best for sandals? These are the best sandals at a glance
- Top rated women's sandals: Birkenstock Suede Arizona Sandals, £115, Schuh
- Best women's dress sandals: ASOS DESIGN Honeydew Mid Block Heeled Sandals, £26, ASOS
- Best flip flop: Classic Top Flip Flops, £23, Havaianas
- Comfortable wedge sandals: Black Low Wedge Espadrille Sandals, WERE £27.99 NOW £20.99, New Look
- Women's trending sandals: The Row Ginza Two-Tone Leather and Suede Platform Flip Flops, £960, Net-A-Porter
- Best closed toe sandals: Split Suede Cage Sandals with Buckle, £129, Massimo Dutti
1. PLATFORM SANDALS
Arguably the most popular pair of sandals for 2023, platforms have made their comeback. They were all anyone would wear in the '90s and early '00s and could be found stomping the streets of virtually every city. Think: Spice Girls, Lizzie McGuire, Destiney's Child and Britney.
Save when you shop for the best sandals with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
2. FLIP FLOPS
Despite their lack of arch support thanks to a very flat insole/midsole situation, flip flops (or thong sandals, depending on which side of the pond you're on) are actually some of the most comfortable sandals anyone can own. They're the style you'll reach for first when packing your suitcase, and they slot neatly into the most minimalist of night-out bags for when you need a break from those blister-inducing heels. Chanel and Miu Miu sported them on their SS24 RTW catwalks.
Save when you shop for the best sandals with these H&M discount codes at checkout.
3. CHUNKY SANDALS/DAD SANDALS
Chunky sandals (or dad sandals as our editors like to refer to them as) used to be given a bad rep. Known for their ‘ugly’ appearance and often akin to the velcro strap walking sandals/hiking sandals your old man would sport on holiday with socks (hence the nickname), chunky sandals are now a staple in every member of the fashion crowd's wardrobes. I challenge you not to see a pair of Birkenstock Arizonas – or clogs, for that matter – this season. They're one of the best shoes for a few reasons: minimal break-in period, adjustable straps, high-quality cushioning, grippy soles, contoured footbeds, and often come water-friendly and podiatrist approved.
Save when you shop for the best sandals, including styles in wide fit, with a backstrap, half sizes, cushioned footbeds and more, with these Schuh discount codes at checkout.
4. HEELED SANDALS
Sandals are not subjected to any one season, especially not heeled sandals. When it comes to elevating an outfit – be it for date night, a wedding, a night out with the girls or a dress-coded event – strappy or ankle-strap sandals with a heel are the vibe. For a well thought-out investment, turn to heeled leather sandals from Jimmy Choo or ST. AGNI, and for comfortable wedding shoes for all those invites this year look no further than ASOS DESIGN.
Save when you shop for the best sandals with these Mango discount codes at checkout.
5. GLADIATOR SANDALS/TIE UP SANDALS
Hark back to 2008 when we saw something of a revival for gladiator sandals, then again to 2015 where every member of the Kardashian/Jenner clan were seen sporting them. Since then, they've had a bit of a makeover. The lace-up styles influencers are wearing today are a subtle step above the ancient Rome-inspired silhouettes we once adored, but the effect is still very much the same. Love them or loathe them, they don't appear to be going anywhere.
Save when you shop for the best sandals with these Dr Martens discount codes at checkout.
6. WEDGE SANDALS
Somewhere between a heeled sandal and a platform sandal is where you'll find a humble pair of wedges. Casual enough to pair with jeans or warm-weather linen trousers, yet still dressy when required, wedge sandals are a top pick in the shoe industry – especially for anyone who struggles to walk in a stiletto. They also tend to be the perfect fit for those with wide feet or high arches.
Save when you shop for the best sandals with these Selfridges discount codes at checkout.
7. MULES/SLIDERS
Whether you call them mules, slip-ons, sliders or pool slides, there's no denying that this open-toe silhouette is a go-to for convenience and ease. Of late, they've been spotted on the likes of the Simon Miller and Gucci runway, with Vagabond, Dune and Arket and more following suit on the high-street.
Save when you shop for the best sandals with these John Lewis discount codes at checkout.
8. FISHERMAN SANDALS
Looking for versatile sandals that cover your toes? None feel quite as secure as the humble fisherman design. Their quirky appearance will balance out those twee milkmaid dresses you sometimes find difficult to style, and they can be worn with socks for even more coverage. They work with day wear as well as casual eveningwear, and I've got my eye on the chunky lug sole/leather upper Nessas from AllSaints – they look like they'd be perfect for long walks around cities like New York and London.
Save when you shop for the best sandals with these Hush discount codes at checkout.
9. ESPADRILLE SANDALS
It's hard not to think of espadrille sandals when you think of summer or sunny travels, which is why they're one of the easiest - and most coveted - shapes. Super comfy and often fitted with a foamy footbed (akin to those shock absorption EVA foam soles everyone loves), espadrille sandals can be found from retailers such as Marks & Spencer, TOMS and ASOS DESIGN this season. We're especially fond of the mesh shoe/espadrille hybrid thought up by Mango.
Save when you shop for the best sandals with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
How we chose the best sandals
We're just as obsessed with footwear as you are, and we understand that sandals are as much of necessity for the warmer months as your summer dresses and SPF are. So, we've narrowed it down to the 9 styles we think you should focus on (as it can be easy to feel overwhelmed in a sea of choice), and that'll see you through the years beyond 2024. We've taken trends like colour, shape and material into consideration, along with price, comfort and wearability, providing you with a selection of styles from the high-street as well as designer brands. Read more about how we choose and test things here.
For more from GLAMOUR UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.