With summer right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about updating your sandal wardrobe. Sandals are a warm weather staple that can instantly elevate any outfit. From dainty strappy styles to sporty athletic slides, there are endless options when it comes to choosing fashionable and functional sandals. Keep reading to discover the biggest sandal trends for this season and find styles that will have you looking chic all summer long.
Minimalist Flat Sandals
Minimalist, barely-there sandals are poised to be everywhere this summer. These simple styles feature thin straps and a flat sole for a streamlined look. Neutral shades like black, tan, and white are popular, but colorful options in metallics or bright hues can really make an outfit pop. Flat minimalist sandals pair well with casual dresses, denim cutoffs, and flowy maxi skirts.
| Brand | Style | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Madden | Strappy Slide Sandal | $79.95 |
| Everlane | The Day Glove Sandal | $115 |
| H&M | Flat Strap Sandals | $12.99 |
When choosing minimalist sandals, look for ones with a thin sole and straps made of soft leather or suede. These materials mold comfortably to your feet. A small heel or wedge sole still counts as minimalist and gives you a very subtle lift.
Chunky Sandals
On the opposite end of the spectrum, bold and chunky sandal styles are also trending this season. Look for thick straps, sturdy soles, and lots of hardware like oversized buckles. Neutral shades keep these statement sandals versatile to pair with your favorite outfits. Or go for bright colors and metallics when you want to make your shoes the focal point.
| Brand | Style | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Jeffrey Campbell | Chaya Lug Sole Sandal | $150 |
| Sam Edelman | Yaro Slide Sandal | $120 |
| Aldo | Bradden Sandal | $90 |
Chunky sandals look especially stylish paired with flowy maxi dresses or mini skirts. The boldness of the shoes juxtaposes nicely with feminine outfit choices. You can also wear these sandals to add edge to jeans and tees or printed pants.
Sporty Athletic Sandals
Sporty sandals with athletic inspirations are also on-trend for summer 2023. Athletic slides, hiking sandals, and pool slides all fit into this versatile category. Brands like Teva and Chaco have mastered the sporty sandal aesthetic. Look for sturdy soles, quick-dry fabrics, and utilitarian details like Velcro closures. These sandals work great for outdoor activities and lend a laidback vibe to casual daytime outfits.
| Brand | Style | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Teva | Original Universal Sandal | $50 |
| Chaco | Z Cloud Sport Sandal | $110 |
| Adidas | Adilette Comfort Slide | $25 |
Athletic sandals like Tevas and Chacos can also easily be dressed up for a night out. Pair them with a summery dress or skirt to juxtapose the casual vibe. Adidas sport slides are trending paired with socks and biker shorts for an athleisure ensemble.
Birkenstock-Inspired Sandals
Birkenstock sandals have been popular for years thanks to their comfort and durability. The iconic Birkenstock Arizona sandal features a thick contoured sole with an anatomically shaped footbed along with two adjustable straps. This orthopedic-inspired style provides excellent arch support. Brands have created their own iterations of the Birkenstock look with similar strappy uppers and thick soles. These sandals are ideal for walking and standing all day in complete comfort.
| Brand | Style | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Birkenstock | Arizona Essentials EVA Sandal | $45 |
| Crocs | Brooklyn Low Wedge Sandal | $50 |
| Steve Madden | Travel Sandal | $80 |
Style these supportive sandals with casual summer staples like shorts, linen pants, and breezy dresses. Opt for black, brown, or neutral colors if you plan to incorporate them into work or business casual outfits. The iconic two-strap design also comes in fun bright shades and funky patterns for a playful weekend look.
Platform Sandals
Give yourself a lift this summer in platform sandals. Both chunky and slim platform soles are popular for 2023. Platforms range from a subtle 1-2 inches to dramatic 4+ inches in height. The platform creates the illusion of extra height while still being comfortable to walk in thanks to the sole remaining flat. Look for platform sandals with both casual and dressy styling.
| Brand | Style | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Jeffrey Campbell | Daisie Platform Sandal | $165 |
| Zara | Crossover Leather Platform Sandals | $119 |
| Mango | Double Strap Platform Sandals | $60 |
When styling platform sandals, balance the height of the shoe with fitted bottoms like skinny jeans, bodycon midi skirts, or bike shorts. Flowy wide-leg pants or maxi dresses can overwhelm and hide the shoe. Neutral colors make platform sandals endlessly versatile for both day and night.
Strappy Gladiator Sandals
Strappy gladiator-inspired sandals are a must for warmer weather. This style features multiple straps crisscrossing up the ankle and a flat or low heel. Gladiators range from dainty styles with skinny straps to chunkier options with wider straps. Go for black, brown, or metallic colors for maximum versatility. Pair these sandals with denim shorts, breezy dresses, and flowy skirts.
| Brand | Style | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Madden | Claudette Sandal | $80 |
| Topshop | Holographic Strappy Sandals | $85 |
| Aldo | Pawel Gladiator Sandal | $90 |
Since gladiator sandals can cover a larger area of the foot, opt for neutral and versatile shades like black, brown, tan, gold, or silver. Pops of color or metallics work especially well for evening ensembles. Just avoid wearing gladiators with pants or maxi skirts that will cover and conceal the shoe straps.
Thong/Flip-Flop Sandals
Basic thong or flip-flop sandals may seem simple, but they are a warm weather necessity. Choose classic rubber styles in black, brown, or metallic for the beach or pool. Dressier leather options work great for summer weekend errands and activities. Designer thong sandals add a stylish touch to casual daytime and vacation outfits. Look for braided, beaded, or embellished details.
| Brand | Style | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Havaianas | Slim Flip Flop Sandal | $26 |
| Tory Burch | Miller Flip Flop | $198 |
| Michael Kors | Brecken Suede Thong Sandal | $99 |
Flip flops and thong sandals are so versatile and easy to wear for warm weather. Throw them on with shorts, swimsuits, dresses, rompers, jumpsuits…the styling options are endless. Just avoid wearing flip flops to work or formal events where dressier footwear is needed.
Mule Sandals
Sandals with a mule or slide silhouette are also trending for 2023. Mule sandals only have straps in the front across the top of the foot, leaving the back exposed. Slide sandals may have one or two top straps but no ankle strap. Mules and slides easily slip on and off, while the straps give more security than basic flip flops. Style these unfussy sandals with everything from dresses to denim and khakis.
| Brand | Style | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Everlane | The Square Mule | $145 |
| Madewell | The Boardwalk Slide Sandal | $68 |
| Steve Madden | Rowen Two-Band Mule Sandal | $90 |
Look for mules and slides in easy-to-match neutral leathers like brown, black, and tan. Woven and jelly styles are fun for the beach or poolside. Mules with block or thicker heels can also transition nicely from day to evening.
Conclusion
Sandals are a warm weather staple that let you show off your pedicure and keep cool in rising temperatures. With so many chic styles trending this season, it’s easy to find fashionable and functional sandals to upgrade your summer footwear wardrobe. From minimalist flat sandals to chunky platforms sandals and sporty slide sandals, there are endless options to complement any outfit. Just be sure to choose good quality materials like leather that mold comfortably to your feet. With proper arch support and straps that don’t rub, you’ll be stylishly comfortable all summer long in the hottest sandal trends.
