Business
4 min read
Summer Footwear: The Sandals Making Waves—and Those Left in the Dust
Stylists and designers weigh in on the season’s must-wear sandals and the styles that have lost their step.
As temperatures rise, so does the stakes of choosing the right sandal. This season, the footwear landscape is defined by a sharp divide between what’s elevating wardrobes and what’s fading into obscurity. Stylists and designers, ever the arbiters of seasonal shifts, have drawn a clear line: some sandals are commanding attention with their innovation and versatility, while others are being relegated to the back of closets—or worse, clearance racks. The trends dominating this summer are not merely about aesthetics; they reflect a broader cultural pivot toward comfort, sustainability, and individuality. What’s in is as much about functionality as it is about form, with styles that transition seamlessly from beach to brunch. Meanwhile, the sandals that have fallen out of favor are those that once relied on gimmicks or fleeting nostalgia, now exposed as relics of a less discerning era.
The resurgence of the sporty sandal is perhaps the most unexpected yet welcome development of the season. Brands like Teva and ECCO have reimagined the chunky, strap-heavy design that defined outdoor footwear in the ’90s, infusing it with a sleekness that aligns with contemporary tastes. These sandals are no longer confined to hiking trails; they’re being paired with midi dresses and tailored shorts, offering a juxtaposition that feels both intentional and effortless. The appeal lies in their utility—adjustable straps, cushioned soles, and durable materials make them ideal for everything from urban exploration to weekend getaways. Designers have also embraced the trend, with high-end iterations appearing on runways, proving that functionality and fashion are no longer mutually exclusive.
Another style making a strong comeback is the strappy flat, a minimalist staple that has been redefined by modern craftsmanship. Unlike the flimsy, one-dimensional versions of the past, today’s strappy flats are constructed with precision, featuring supple leathers and ergonomic designs that cradle the foot. Brands like Ancient Greek Sandals and Brother Vellies have led the charge, offering styles that are as comfortable as they are elegant. These sandals thrive in a variety of settings, from casual outings to more polished affairs, thanks to their ability to elongate the leg and add a touch of sophistication. The key to their appeal is versatility; they can be dressed up with linen trousers or dressed down with denim, making them a wardrobe workhorse for the season.
Platform sandals have also secured their place as a summer essential, but not in the way one might expect. The towering, disco-inspired versions of the early 2000s have been replaced by a more refined iteration—lower heels, architectural details, and organic shapes that prioritize stability without sacrificing height. Designers like The Row and Bottega Veneta have championed this trend, creating sandals that strike a balance between boldness and wearability. The platform’s resurgence is tied to a broader movement toward elevated basics, where even the most statement-making pieces are designed to feel grounded. These sandals are particularly well-suited for evening wear, offering a modern alternative to the ubiquitous stiletto while still delivering that coveted lift.
The final trend dominating this summer is the return of the fisherman sandal, a style that has been reclaimed with a contemporary twist. Once associated with practicality over panache, the fisherman sandal has been reinvented by brands like Prada and Chloé, who have introduced luxe materials and unexpected embellishments. The result is a sandal that feels both timeless and fresh, with crisscrossing straps and a slightly chunky sole that provide structure without bulk. These sandals are inherently versatile, pairing just as well with a sundress as they do with cropped trousers. Their resurgence speaks to a desire for footwear that is both stylish and substantive, capable of holding its own in a variety of contexts without sacrificing comfort.
On the flip side, the gladiator sandal, a staple of early 2010s fashion, has finally been laid to rest. Once a symbol of maximalist footwear, the gladiator’s excessive strapping now feels overly fussy and impractical, a relic of a time when more was mistaken for better. Stylists have noted that clients are increasingly opting for streamlined alternatives, favoring designs that offer visual interest without the bulk. The decline of the gladiator is also tied to a broader shift away from overly decorative footwear, as consumers prioritize comfort and wearability over transient trends. What was once a statement piece has become a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of overdesign.
Similarly, the jelly sandal, a nostalgic favorite from the ’90s, has failed to make a meaningful comeback. While there have been attempts to revive the plastic, translucent style, it remains a novelty rather than a necessity. The issue lies in its impracticality—jelly sandals lack support, trap heat, and often feel flimsy, making them ill-suited for extended wear. Designers have experimented with updated versions, incorporating thicker soles and more ergonomic shapes, but the fundamental flaws of the material persist. The trend’s brief resurgence earlier this year was met with lukewarm enthusiasm, signaling that consumers are no longer willing to sacrifice comfort for the sake of nostalgia. The jelly sandal’s moment, it seems, has passed.
Another style making a strong comeback is the strappy flat, a minimalist staple that has been redefined by modern craftsmanship. Unlike the flimsy, one-dimensional versions of the past, today’s strappy flats are constructed with precision, featuring supple leathers and ergonomic designs that cradle the foot. Brands like Ancient Greek Sandals and Brother Vellies have led the charge, offering styles that are as comfortable as they are elegant. These sandals thrive in a variety of settings, from casual outings to more polished affairs, thanks to their ability to elongate the leg and add a touch of sophistication. The key to their appeal is versatility; they can be dressed up with linen trousers or dressed down with denim, making them a wardrobe workhorse for the season.
Platform sandals have also secured their place as a summer essential, but not in the way one might expect. The towering, disco-inspired versions of the early 2000s have been replaced by a more refined iteration—lower heels, architectural details, and organic shapes that prioritize stability without sacrificing height. Designers like The Row and Bottega Veneta have championed this trend, creating sandals that strike a balance between boldness and wearability. The platform’s resurgence is tied to a broader movement toward elevated basics, where even the most statement-making pieces are designed to feel grounded. These sandals are particularly well-suited for evening wear, offering a modern alternative to the ubiquitous stiletto while still delivering that coveted lift.
The final trend dominating this summer is the return of the fisherman sandal, a style that has been reclaimed with a contemporary twist. Once associated with practicality over panache, the fisherman sandal has been reinvented by brands like Prada and Chloé, who have introduced luxe materials and unexpected embellishments. The result is a sandal that feels both timeless and fresh, with crisscrossing straps and a slightly chunky sole that provide structure without bulk. These sandals are inherently versatile, pairing just as well with a sundress as they do with cropped trousers. Their resurgence speaks to a desire for footwear that is both stylish and substantive, capable of holding its own in a variety of contexts without sacrificing comfort.
On the flip side, the gladiator sandal, a staple of early 2010s fashion, has finally been laid to rest. Once a symbol of maximalist footwear, the gladiator’s excessive strapping now feels overly fussy and impractical, a relic of a time when more was mistaken for better. Stylists have noted that clients are increasingly opting for streamlined alternatives, favoring designs that offer visual interest without the bulk. The decline of the gladiator is also tied to a broader shift away from overly decorative footwear, as consumers prioritize comfort and wearability over transient trends. What was once a statement piece has become a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of overdesign.
Similarly, the jelly sandal, a nostalgic favorite from the ’90s, has failed to make a meaningful comeback. While there have been attempts to revive the plastic, translucent style, it remains a novelty rather than a necessity. The issue lies in its impracticality—jelly sandals lack support, trap heat, and often feel flimsy, making them ill-suited for extended wear. Designers have experimented with updated versions, incorporating thicker soles and more ergonomic shapes, but the fundamental flaws of the material persist. The trend’s brief resurgence earlier this year was met with lukewarm enthusiasm, signaling that consumers are no longer willing to sacrifice comfort for the sake of nostalgia. The jelly sandal’s moment, it seems, has passed.