There's nothing like stepping outside in a fresh, statement-worthy pair of sandals [1] that instantly bring in the compliments — and allow your toes to breathe. Once the sun feels warm enough to grace our feet, let these be the very first things we shop for! This season, we're seeing more popular styles at retailers and on our Instagram feeds than ever before.
When it comes to collecting new pairs, you probably want to cater to all of your moods. There could be days you're feeling more minimalist and days when you'd rather reach for something kitschy — perhaps with prints [2] or embellishments. We were sure to provide a little bit of both in the following categories, which include some old favorite silhouettes reinterpreted with 2021 attitude.
The T-strap is back and better than ever, and wrap-up stilettos no longer feel so yesterday when it comes to jazzing up your going-out looks. The must haves we assume you'll want to slip into first are the padded and puffed leather slides (some braided à la Bottega Veneta) that remind us of an elevated take on the old Floaties of yesteryear. Either jump ahead to the trend you know you want to shop, or scroll through each group and slowly fill up that cart.
- Puffed or Padded Leather [3]
- Chain Link [4]
- Wrap-Up [5]
- Bright Mules [6]
- Hiking Sandals [7]
- T-Strap [8]
- Platforms [9]
- Elevated Flip-Flops [10]
Puffed or Padded Leather
Whether you want to go for the flashy version of this trend, opting for a stiletto with a standout, voluminous upper, or you'd like to slide right into the more elevated take on a flat Floatie (remember those?!), you're going to get noticed in this next-level style. It's perhaps the biggest conversation starter of the bunch. Shop our favorites ahead, and friendly tip, go for the faux or vegan leather [12]!
The Frankie Shop Criss-Cross Knotted Leather Slides in Black [13] ($175)
Zara Chunky Crossed Strap Printed Sandals
Zara Chunky Crossed Strap Printed Sandals [14] ($70)
Alohas Twist Strap Heels
Alohas Twist Strap Heels [15] ($145)
Staud Rita Sandals
Staud Rita Sandals [16] ($225)
Gia x Pernille Padded Thong Sandals in Nude Brown
Gia x Pernille Padded Thong Sandals in Nude Brown [17] ($445)
Valentino Garavani 03 Rose Edition Atelier Leather Sandals
Valentino Garavani 03 Rose Edition Atelier Leather Sandals [18] ($980)
H&M Braided Slides
H&M Braided Slides [19] ($25)
Studio Amelia Tubular Pretzel 70 Heel
Studio Amelia Tubular Pretzel 70 Heel [20] ($494)
Simon Miller Vegan Tee Heel Sandals
Simon Miller Vegan Tee Heel Sandals [21] ($325)
Sinobi Velcro Double Sole Sandal in Beige
Sinobi Velcro Double Sole Sandal in Beige [22] ($360)
Alexandre Birman Soft Clarita Flat Sandals
Alexandre Birman Soft Clarita Flat Sandals [23] ($395)
APL Women's Lusso Slide in Black
APL Women's Lusso Slide in Black [24] ($175)
Chain Link
Chain links come as small or oversize embellishments this season, enmeshing with the overall vibe of the shoe or adding an element of surprise, the way a dainty anklet would. Heels, flats, and platforms are all getting the upgrade with chain link, whereas last season, we saw more braided details and woven appliqués. We welcome the edge with open arms!
Simmi London Tashina Chain Trim Mules in Pink Croc [25] ($32)
Zara Leather High Heel Strappy Sandals With Buckles
Zara Leather High Heel Strappy Sandals With Buckles [26] ($80)
Reformation Gigi Strappy Mid Heel Sandal
Reformation Gigi Strappy Mid Heel Sandal [27] ($248)
Maria Luca Bella Lace Up Sandals
Maria Luca Bella Lace Up Sandals [28] ($640)
3.1 Phillip Lim Georgia Chain Padded Mule
3.1 Phillip Lim Georgia Chain Padded Mule [29] ($595)
Stella McCartney Falabella Sandals
Stella McCartney Falabella Sandals [30] ($765)
Stuart Weitzman Roxanna 100mm Sandals
Stuart Weitzman Roxanna 100mm Sandals [31] ($450)
ASOS Design Wide Fit Heidi Premium Leather Chain Detail Platform Mid Heel Sandals
ASOS Design Wide Fit Heidi Premium Leather Chain Detail Platform Mid Heel Sandals in Tan [32] ($79)
Anine Bing Tony Sandals
Anine Bing Tony Sandals [33] ($299)
JW Anderson Chain Slides
JW Anderson Chain Slides [34] ($595)
Wrap-Up
Wrap-up sandals are back and allow you to play up the opulence on a night out in a stiletto version (perhaps with some added detail, like feathers or metallic shine) or keep it casual in a flat gladiator style. If you want something in between, you'll find plenty of wrap-up sandals on the market with a chunky wooden heel that will still give you a touch of height. Try these with a breezy summer minidress.
Brother Vellies Paloma Sandal [35] ($685)
Miista Leslie Wrap Up Sandals
Miista Leslie Wrap Up Sandals [36] ($350)
Zara Metallic Tied Heeled Sandals
Zara Metallic Tied Heeled Sandals [37] ($50)
Reformation Carina Lace Up Mid Heel Sandal
Reformation Carina Lace Up Mid Heel Sandal [38] ($248)
Bydose Walnut Ankle Wrap 100M Knotted Sandals
Bydose Walnut Ankle Wrap 100M Knotted Sandals [39] ($183)
Alohas Element Leather Sandals
Alohas Element Leather Sandals [40] ($115)
Castañer Lea Heel Sandal
Castañer Lea Heel Sandal [41] ($230)
Madewell The Brigitte Lace-Up Sandal in Metallic Leather
Madewell The Brigitte Lace-Up Sandal in Metallic Leather [42] ($128)
Keeyahri Tamu
Keeyahri Tamu [43] ($620)
Mango Criss-Cross Straps Sandals
Mango Criss-Cross Straps Sandals [44] ($80)
The Attico Renee Suede Platform Sandals
The Attico Renee Suede Platform Sandals [45] ($600)
Reike Nen Odd Pair Red Sandals
Reike Nen Odd Pair Red Sandals [46] ($338)
Bright Mules
This season will have you panting to keep up with your collection of mules in every color of the rainbow. How could you not want to collect them all? The vibrancy these bring to your wardrobe will not go unnoticed, surely brightening up the mood of your passersby.
Intentionally Blank Rex Yellow [47] ($180)
Bottega Veneta Rubber Lido Sandals
Bottega Veneta Rubber Lido Sandals [48] ($890)
Acne Studios Mule Sandals
Acne Studios Mule Sandals [49] ($500)
Zara Thick Heeled Sandals
Zara Thick Heeled Sandals [50] ($50)
Malone Souliers Laney 70mm Pink Suede Mules
Malone Souliers Laney 70mm Pink Suede Mules [51] ($638)
Cult Gaia Rene Heel in Maldive
Cult Gaia Rene Heel in Maldive [52] ($548)
Hush Puppies Brite Jells Slide
Hush Puppies Brite Jells Slide [53] ($70)
Salvatore Ferragamo F-Heel Sandal
Salvatore Ferragamo F-Heel Sandal [54] ($795)
Aminda Muaddi Fuchsia Caroline Calf Hair Mules
Aminda Muaddi Fuchsia Caroline Calf Hair Mules [55] ($840)
Mansur Gavriel Low Mule in Corrallo
Mansur Gavriel Low Mule in Corrallo [56] ($395)
Hiking Sandals
Long live the "ugly sandal trend," which, in our opinion, has just become the cutest and most comfortable option. We love these supportive, sometimes velcro kicks teamed with breezy shorts, a loose button-down, and a braided anklet that give off camp vibes. You'll notice that plenty of them speak for themselves with colorful design details. Rather than opting for a neutral, let these be the focal point of your outfit, even when you're not using them for the function but for the fashion.
The Frankie Shop Vagabond Erin Sandals [57] ($120)
Ganni Nylon Hiking Sandal
Ganni Nylon Hiking Sandal [58] ($345)
Mango Platform Strap Sandals
Mango Platform Strap Sandals [59] ($80)
Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandals
Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandals [60] ($105)
Arizona Love Trekky Bandana Sandals
Arizona Love Trekky Bandana Sandals [61] ($188)
Charles & Keith Green Nylon Criss Cross Chunky Platform Sandals
Charles & Keith Green Nylon Criss Cross Chunky Platform Sandals [62] ($29, originally $49)
Melissa Papete + Rider Ad Sandals
Melissa Papete + Rider Ad Sandals [63] ($90)
Suicoke Depa-V2 Sandals
Suicoke Depa-V2 Sandals [64] ($200)
The Row Hook and Loop Sandal in Leather in Eggshell
The Row Hook and Loop Sandal in Leather in Eggshell [65] ($990)
Mou New Bio Sandal Side Logo Strap
Mou New Bio Sandal Side Logo Strap [66] ($275)
T-Strap
It's been a moment since we've seen the T-strap silhouette bubble up in the fashion world, but we're really excited by the various assortment of sandals to choose from that speak to every type of personality. You can opt for something minimalist and sleek in design or look at embellishments that really highlight the shape of the shoe and even elongate the appearance of the foot thanks to that vertical strap.
Stuart Weitzman Black Calypso Braided Leather Slingback Platform Sandals [67] ($295)
Alexandre Birman Clarita Thong Slides
Alexandre Birman Clarita Thong Slides [68] ($395)
Intentionally Blank Algebra in Sage
Intentionally Blank Algebra in Sage [69] ($185)
Ipanema Pearl II T Strap Sandals
Ipanema Pearl II T Strap Sandals [70] ($35)
Aeyde Elise Strappy Sandals
Aeyde Elise Strappy Sandals [71] ($320)
André Assous Nice Featherweights
André Assous Nice Featherweights [72] ($98)
Cult Gaia Ari Sandal in Natural
Cult Gaia Ari Sandal in Natural [73] ($298)
René Caovilla Beige Crystal-Embellished Leather Slingback Sandals
René Caovilla Beige Crystal-Embellished Leather Slingback Sandals [74] ($1,090)
Platforms
Platforms get the retro treatment this season, many coming in splashy colors with chunky wooden soles that take us back to the '70s. Of course, you can always combine two trends in one and elevate yourself in something super strappy with that wrap-up option we already talked about.
Swedish Hasbeens Mirja Ankle Strap Clogs [75] ($270)
Zara Wood Effect Heeled Sandals
Zara Wood Effect Heeled Sandals [76] ($50)
Cult Gaia Fifi Sandal in Pewter Multi
Cult Gaia Fifi Sandal in Pewter Multi [77] ($338)
Brother Vellies Aquarius Clog
Brother Vellies Aquarius Clog [78] ($595)
Madewell The Farrah Slingback Clog in Croc Embossed Leather
Madewell The Farrah Slingback Clog in Croc Embossed Leather [79] ($168)
Larroudé Miso Platform Sandal In Lavender Floral Patent Leather
Larroudé Miso Platform Sandal In Lavender Floral Patent Leather [80] ($290)
Chloé Tan Ingrid Buckled Leather Platform Mules
Chloé Tan Ingrid Buckled Leather Platform Mules [81] ($720)
Madewell The Evelyn Slide Clog in Spotted Calf Hair
Madewell The Evelyn Slide Clog in Spotted Calf Hair [82] ($168)
Elevated Flip-Flops
If we're being honest, we can't remember a time when we took extra care to safeguard our flip-flops. But to be fair, they rarely came in plush or luxe fabrics, upgrading the thong sandal to a whole new territory of cool. Things have changed — now, we'd even venture to keep our flip-flops in dust bags! We particularly love working these with midi dresses and a mini handbag in a pop of color for a night out.
The Frankie Shop Padded Flip Flop Sandals by Low Classic in White [83] ($465)
A.Emery The Blaze Sandal
A.Emery The Blaze Sandal [84] ($116)
ATP Atelier Roseo Sand Chunky Flip Flops
ATP Atelier Roseo Sand Chunky Flip Flops [85] ($395)
By Far Gita Thong Sandals
By Far Gita Thong Sandals [86] ($474)
Zara Square Toe Leather Slide Sandals
Zara Square Toe Leather Slide Sandals [87] ($60)
H&M Leather Slides
H&M Leather Slides [88] ($50)
Intentionally Blank Cyrus in Sand
Intentionally Blank Cyrus in Sand [89] ($36, originally $72)
Aquazzura Tequila Flip Flops
Aquazzura Tequila Flip Flops [90] ($595)
Tkees Foundations Matte Flip Flops
Tkees Foundations Matte Flip Flops [91] ($50)