I’m over clunky shoes the minute there’s a glimmer of sunshine in the sky. And because flip-flops will only get you so far (literally and figuratively), a range of sandals is constantly in rotation for me during the summer months.
Sandals have also become an unlikely favourite for men’s event dressing, with Alexander Skarsgård stepping out in a pair of Valentino Rockstud flip-flops on the Sundance red carpet earlier this year. And while thong sandals aren’t for everyone, plenty of more reserved options offer additional coverage.
But where to find the perfect middle ground between function and fashion? From comfort first and office friendly to dressy, these are the best sandals to keep you walking on sunshine all summer.
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The best summer sandals for women and men
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Best women’s sandals for comfort
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Archies Arch support flip-flops none-selected
Archies arch support flip-flops
£35 at Archies £35 at AmazonIf, like me, you find flat shoes are the enemy, those classic flat-soled flip-flops are off the cards for anything beyond a quick seaside stroll. However, Archies – as the name suggests – makes flip-flops with proper arch support, something you’d normally only get from a chunkier shoe. They’re easy to style since they’re so minimal, and the range of colours means there’s something for everyone. The hot pink pair is a personal favourite. Inspired by the early 00s trend, these can be styled with jeans for a laidback – the Row-approved – summer outfit.
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Teva Midform infinity sandal none-selected
Teva midform infinity sandals
£65 at Teva £74 at Free PeopleTeva is known for making practical, sport-inspired sandals. The midform soles add a slight platform with built-in support, making them ideal for long days on your feet. The elastic lacing keeps them secure without them digging in or causing friction.
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John Lewis x Rejina Pyo Flatform sandals none-selected
John Lewis x Rejina Pyo flatform sandals
£69.30 at John LewisComfortable but fashion forward, these shoes from the John Lewis x Rejina Pyo collaboration have a soft, clean look that channels the designer’s minimalist aesthetic. The flatform soles add subtle height without compromising stability, while the cushioned base makes them easy to wear. I like how the mesh upper keeps things light and breathable too.
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Best women’s sandals for the beach
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Crocs Getaway platform flip-flops none-selected
Crocs platform flip-flops
£39.99 at M&S £44.99 at CrocsAfter high-profile collaborations with designers such as Simone Rocha and Balenciaga, Crocs have become an unlikely fashion-world favourite. That said, their practicality is still a big selling point. These platform flip-flops are lightweight, waterproof and easy to clean, while the thicker straps offer a more secure fit than your average pair.
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Havaianas Square-toe flip-flops none-selected
Havianas square-toe flip-flops
£30 at Asos £30 at HavianasIf you find most flip-flops rub, snap or just feel flimsy, Havaianas are a good option. I’ve had my pair for years and go back to them every summer. I love this chocolate brown pair with square toes, for added interest on an otherwise classic shape.
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Lululemon Restfeel woven slides none-selected
Lululemon Restfeel woven slides
£68 at LululemonThese woven slides are a great alternative if you don’t like a toe-post style. The waterproof design makes them ideal for poolside or beach days, and they’re an easy-to-wear, subtle pop of colour.
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Best women’s sandals for work
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M&S Leather woven flat slingback sandals none-selected
M&S leather woven flat slingback sandals
£40 at M&SIn classic black leather, these sandals are more polished than flip-flops but far lighter than traditional shoes – perfect for warmer office days. The layered woven straps add both coverage and stability, and are finished with smart gold buckles.
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Cos Crossover leather sandals none-selected
Cos crossover leather sandals
£109 at CosThis crossover style is a smart choice. With open backs and peep toes, they’re neutral enough to work with most officewear. Also, if worn with trousers, these sandals almost pass as a closed shoe while still allowing extra airflow.
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Charles & Keith Easley t-bar caged sandals none-selected
Charles & Keith Easley t-bar caged sandals
£65 at Charles & KeithIf traditional sandals feel off limits in your office, this caged-toe design might still pass. With its more structured, shoe-like feel, the breathable weave is softer and more forgiving for hot days.
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Best women’s dressy sandals
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Birkenstock Arizona rivet mules none-selected
Birkenstock Arizona rivet mules
£135 at Daniel Footwear £135 at OfficeIf you live in Birkenstocks during the day, this gold-studded version of the Arizona should fit the bill – a little more dressed up without the signature cork sole.
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Alohas Dawn sandals none-selected
Alohas Dawn sandals
£170 at AlohasA little more directional, this pair is crafted from red leather with an elegant toe-ring design. I also like the sculptural wavy sole. These feel minimal enough to style easily but have the right amount of design interest to elevate a summer dress.
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Aldo Riva heeled sandals none-selected
Aldo Riva heeled sandals
£63.20 at AldoWith extreme versions seen on the runway at Matthieu Blazy’s recent Chanel Cruise show, barely there sandals are a big trend this summer. You’ll be glad to hear that, unlike Blazy’s, this metallic-gold leather pair does come with full soles.
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Best women’s chunky sandals
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Dr Martens Gryphon Atlas leather gladiator sandals none-selected
Dr Martens Gryphon sandals
£99.99 at Schuh £130 at Dr MartensDr Martens sandals have been increasingly popular over the past few summers. Whether I’m strolling down the high street or I’m in my local pub’s beer garden, I almost always see someone wearing a pair. The hard-wearing soles are brilliantly durable but do need a breaking-in period, so it’s worth having plasters on hand for the first few wears.
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Camper Thelma sandals none-selected
Camper Thelma sandals
£135 at CamperHeavy shoes aren’t ideal for travel, but this platform pair weighs practically nothing thanks to its ultralight soles. The design taps into that revived 90s aesthetic while still feeling easy and wearable.
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Hollister Raffia platform sandals none-selected
Hollister raffia platform sandals
£39.95 at HollisterThis pair takes a bold shape and softens it with natural raffia. It’s chunky but not clunky; more Mediterranean getaway than heavy-duty platforms.
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Best men’s sandals for comfort
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Birkenstock Milano sandals none-selected
Birkenstock Milano sandals
£90 at Office £105 at John LewisBirkenstocks are great starter sandals because they’re as functional as they are stylish. This style offers a slight update on the popular Arizona, adding heel straps to keep feet extra secure. The anatomically shaped cork-latex footbed is designed to mould to your foot over time, so these sandals should get more comfortable with every wear.
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Keen Uneek sneaker none-selected
Keen Uneek sneakers
£110 at Asos £110 at KeenIf you’re familiar with gorpcore, you’ve probably seen a pair like this before. Sitting somewhere between sneakers and sandals, this hybrid style from Keen leans into the outdoors-meets-everyday aesthetic. Made using recycled PET plastic, the bungee drawstring fastenings make them easy to slip on and off, while the contoured soles keep things comfortable whether you’re actually on the trail or just dressing as if you could be.
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Vivobarefoot San-dal leather sandal none-selected
Vivobarefoot San-dal leather sandal
£150 at VivobarefootThese sandals are designed to have thin, flexible leather soles that mould to your feet and the ground so you can feel as close to barefoot as possible. This might not be for everyone, particularly if you prefer more cushioned soles, but it’s great for those who love really lightweight shoes.
For more, read our guide to the best barefoot shoes
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Best men’s sandals for the beach
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FitFlop iQushion ergonomic flip-flops none-selected
FitFlop iQushion ergonomic flip-flops
£30 at FitFlop £20.61 at AmazonFitFlop’s speciality is ergonomic footwear in designs that don’t look overengineered. This pair has cushioned soles, built-in arch support, and what the brand calls rebound technology – essentially impact pillows that reduce pressure on your feet as you walk.
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Adidas Adilette Aqua slides none-selected
Adidas Adilette Aqua slides
£14.99 at Decathlon £20 at NextFabrics such as leather, suede or anything too light in shade that could be easily marked are best avoided on the beach. You can’t go wrong with classic sporty slides instead. This navy and white pair is made from Eva, a soft foam-like material that’s fast drying – ideal if you’re in and out of the pool or sea.
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AllSaints Dune slip-on logo sliders none-selected
AllSaints Dune slip-on logo sliders
£39 at AllSaints £79 at NextThese sliders are sleek and made from lightweight TPU, a recyclable alternative to rubber, that’s practical for water, salt and sand. The shark-tooth tread also gives the extra grip needed for a pool day. Less overtly sporty than your typical slides, they’re great if you favour a clean, fashion-led approach to summer dressing – and, if necessary, they’re smart enough to take you beyond the beach and out to dinner.
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Best men’s sandals for work
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M&S Suede fisher sandals none-selected
M&S fisher sandals
£45 at M&SM&S’s take on the fisher style offers a smart middle ground for summer dressing. This semi-open-toe suede pair is easily worn with or without socks, so it could work for chillier early autumn days too. These would look great at the weekend with light-wash denim jeans.
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Grensen Quinton sandals none-selected
Grensen Quinton sandals
£195 at GrensonThis pair, from 160-year-old shoemaker Grenson, blends the shape of a leather shoe with the structure of sandals. For stricter dress codes, they wouldn’t look out of place with smart trousers – wear with black socks for extra coverage.
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Toms Santiago leather mule sandals none-selected
Toms Santiago leather mule sandals
£65 at John Lewis £65 at AsosInspired by classic smoking slippers, Santiago mules keep things clean and refined, with closed leather uppers and easy slip-on backs.
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Best men’s dressy sandals
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Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 sabots none-selected
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 sabots
£157 at Side KicksReworking its bestselling Mexico 66 trainers, Onitsuka Tiger has tipped into holiday mode with a backless clog design. With beige woven uppers and green accents, this style feels relaxed but put together enough for an evening look.
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Cos Leather mule loafers none-selected
Cos leather mule loafers
£119 at CosBusiness in the front, party at the back: you could probably get away with wearing these loafer slip-ons to a summer wedding. They’re a strong option when you want something breezy without sacrificing formality.
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Dune Issac leather sandals none-selected
Dune Issac leather sandals
£79 at Dune £79 at AsosThis is a pretty timeless design that should see you through several summers. The warm brown shade feels softer than black, making this pair an easy match for everything from tailored trousers to casual shorts.
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Best men’s chunky sandals
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The North Face Explore Camp sandals none-selected
The North Face Explore Camp sandals
£72 at AsosThis olive green pair is a sportier take on a chunky style. Set on sturdy but not overly chunky soles, they still align with the North Face’s signature outdoorsy style. With adjustable straps for comfort, they have hints of neon orange that add a welcome pop of colour.
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Veja Etna suede sandals none-selected
Veja Etna suede sandals
£105 at VejaThese sandals manage to feel both minimal and chunky at once. With adjustable straps and cushioned footbeds, they’re designed for comfort as much as style and, like all other pieces from the brand, are made with a focus on sustainable practices.
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Ugg Otzo slides none-selected
Ugg Otzo slides
£140 at UggIf I told you to wear a pair of Uggs in blistering heat, you’d probably think I’d gone mad, but this warm-weather option by the California brand known for its cosy sheepskin boots is lightweight and supportive.
For more:
• The best UV-protected sunglasses for men and women
• Jess Cartner-Morley’s 52 women’s summer wardrobe updates for under £100
• 50 men’s summer fashion updates for under £100 – some are even free
