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I am not someone who’s normally down for showing off my toes, but the continuing trend of mesh flats and the idea of having a barefoot-boy summer have both tempted me to bust out my little guys and embrace nature. Yet instead I’m stuck thinking about the grit and grime that cover the New York City sidewalks I stroll on each day, which tend to leave me reaching for some sneakers on instinct.
Even with all my anxiety, some sandals out there are so damn good I don’t think twice about putting them on. As with any other shoe (mary janes, rain boots, even loafers), the pros always outweigh the cons, and these sandals have some major pros. The first is that I can’t stop wanting to wear them. The second is that it’s like a rebellion for my feet, and I can’t get enough.
Here are the best sandals for those of us who need a little push to embrace a free-toe summer.
So you’re looking for the best summer sandals?
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true options
My Top Picks
The Most Versatile Sandals
Teva Hurricane XLT2 Ampsole
We love Tevas (just see here). Not only are they the most comfortable sandals on the planet, but they are perfect for literally everything. Going to a festival? Check. Going to the beach? Check. Going to sit in the park and read? Check. As a city gal, I prefer some platform to my sandals to keep my feet as far from the dirty ground as possible, and these amped soles deliver height while allowing me to feel supported. The traction is great for any terrain, and I know these shoes are going to last for years. Plus, they look cute with some breezy pants or a casual dress.
$80 at Amazon
$80 at Teva
The Upscale Birkenstocks
Maguire Tavira Sandal
These leather sandals are super-elevated but feature a classic fit and a look that pairs well with many different outfits. With three velcro straps that allow for a snug fit, the leather upper doesn’t rub or cause blisters, and the molded insole provides ample support to keep your feet from hurting. Handmade with a cute zigzag hem on each velcro strap, these are a pair I’d take along on any vacation that involves a lot of walking (so my feet have room to breathe).
$245 at Madewell
The Strappy Pair
Reformation Ludo Toe Ring Strappy Flat Sandal
I know what I said about preferring platforms, but this may be one of the only shoes I’ll give a pass for being close to the ground. While strappy sandals can often be uncomfortable, these straps are light and don’t tug on and rub on your foot when you walk. Plus the toe strap offers the right amount of support to keep your feet in place.
$128 at Reformation
The Trending Pair
Ganni Feminine Buckle Ballerina Flats
I know, I know … These are close-toed shoes and therefore have nothing to do with showing off my toes, but sometimes you need an option for when your pedicure is long overdue. You can’t be brave all the time. After seeing this Ganni pair everywhere, I had to try them, and they live up to the hype. They’re comfortable enough to wear all day and cute enough to dress up a casual moment thanks to the pop of red.
$395 at SSENSE
$425 at Ganni
More tried-and-true options
The Puffy Heel
Camper Kobarah Sandal
While these were on my radar last summer as a pair I could sport at my local AMC for the Barbie movie release, these padded and puffy heels are still in style. The funky design features a thick three-inch heel and are made from lightweight and durable EVA foam. With a removable padded insole, they’re heels you won’t want to take off. Reviewers do recommend you try these on IRL as the sizing tends to be off. Many advice sizing down.
$150 at Urban Outfitters
$150 at Camper
The Perfect Flats
Either/Or Woven Slide
These woven slides make me feel like I belong at every farmers’ market or local coffee shop in the world, which may be one of the best feelings out there. Made of vegetable-tanned leather, the woven top molds to your feet for an ultracomfy fit. Each pair is handwoven in Medellín, Colombia, and takes 24 hours to make, so the quality and durability are unmatched. While the bottom can be slippery on certain terrains, it’s an easy fix that’s worth the beautiful craftsmanship of these shoes.
$225 at Garmentory
The Dad-Approved Ones
Hoka Hopara All-Terrain Sandal
My friend is obsessed with these, and the more I see her wear them, the more I want them, especially the light-pink pair she often sports with a cute dress or miniskirt. Even Bella Hadid has even been spotted in these dad sandals, so you know it’s only a matter of time before they take over the fashion world. Made for all-terrain wear, these sandals are great for wet and dry activities and feature a cushioned sole to support your feet however you plan to wear them.
$135 at Zappos
$135 at Hoka
$135 at Foot Locker
The Elevated Flip Flops
By Anthropologie Thong Kitten Heels
Thongs are in! While we may be talking about another type thong, the sandal version is just as good. Thong sandals are more of a casual style, but when set on a heel, it becomes an elevated classic. This pair from Reformation also comes in nine different colorways, including a light green, a denim blue, and a shiny silver, so you have plenty of options to choose from.
$100 at Anthropologie
The Cool Slides
Dr. Martens Blaire Slide Sandals
These are the type of Dr. Martens you can get away with wearing at both a music festival and out to dinner after; we do love duality here. The three straps are adjustable, and the footbed has a soft finish. They’ve been described as comfier than other Dr. Martens, but it’s still a great idea to slowly break these in before walking in them all day, since many people noted they took a little bit to break in.
$100 at Shopbop
$100 at Dr. Martens
A Cool Fisherman Sandal
Frankie Fisher Flats
It’s time to get into fisherman sandals. The leather weaving of this pair from Free People is a bit tighter, giving it a sleeker effect, and the thick adjustable strap around the ankle will make sure these sandals fit like a glove.
$138 at Free People
$138 at Revolve Clothing
The Best Strappy Platforms
Blenda Sandals
Vagabond has some of the best leather-shoe options out there. We love their boots just as much as their sandals. These strappy ones feature a rounded silhouette, a 40-millimeter platform, and a cushiony insole for supreme comfort to wear all day
$130 at Anthropologie
$130 at Vagabond Shoemakers
A Sleek Wedge
St.Agni Wedge Sandal
The corky wedges of our youth have been updated and there are some sleek options out there now, and thank god for that! This slip-on ivory pair will go perfectly with all your vacation outfits.
$260 at Net-A-Porter
Brooke LaMantia , 2024-05-29 19:03:00
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