Sun-filled days have finally arrived, which means it’s time to give your footwear collection a breezy boost with the best sandal brands. Whether looking for polished strappy sandals to elevate your cute summer outfits or sturdy chunky sandals to anchor your travel capsule wardrobe, you’ll likely be wearing a range of open-toed styles on repeat this season.
With so many sandal brands to choose from, SSENSE's Vice President of Womenswear Brigitte Chartrand narrows down her options by seeking out quality craftsmanship. “As someone who lives in Los Angeles and wears sandals practically all year round, I search for brands that specialize in comfort and longevity,” says Chartrand.
According to wardrobe stylist Laura Tully, sandal brands that incorporate the latest trends into their collections also stand out from the crowd. As for which styles are heating up this season, Tully tells Marie Claire that trends (and sometimes polarizing) shoes like “fisherman sandals and wedge sandals” are “back on the fashion scene for summer.”
Nordstrom’s Associate Fashion Director Linda Cui Zhang notes that simple styles also have a moment alongside some of the more contentious footwear. “The minimalist sandal, characterized by a streamlined design, will always be a warm weather favorite,” explains Zhang. In this case, shoppers should consider brands that offer tried-and-true staples such as straightforward heeled sandals, easygoing slides, and practical sporty sandals.
With all this in mind, Marie Claire created an extensive edit featuring the best expert-approved sandal brands that will instantly freshen up your wardrobe for the warm months ahead.
Shop the Best Heeled Sandals of 2024
If you want to upgrade your everyday style—or perhaps you need a pair of graceful shoes for an upscale occasion—look no further than heeled sandals. Leading labels like Schutz, Dolce Vita, Stuart Weitzman, and Sam Edelman are known for their elevated footwear, which ranges from block-heeled mules to razor-thin stilettos.
Zhang tells Marie Claire that in addition to these classic footwear labels, several ready-to-wear brands also have a competitive selection of open-toed heels. “Vince footwear is thoughtfully designed to support a busy lifestyle—the brand’s Jolie kitten heels are my favorite because they can easily transition from a workday commute to an evening out,” she says.
Another label worthy of entering the heeled sandals chat? Australian design studio St. Agni, according to Tully. “I recently bought St. Agni's Pina slingbacks for an upcoming wedding, and I can’t wait to dance the night away in them,” says the stylist.
Shop the Best Slide Sandals of 2024
“You can’t beat the ease of a slip-on style for summer,” says Zhang. “I especially love Loeffler Randall’s Hadley Bow sandals,” she adds. Although this family-owned company is known for its signature Penny heels, Zhang mentions that their bow-adorned slides are equally worth the investment.
Similar slip-on sandals are found at Amanu, a sustainable sandal brand specializing in handcrafted designs. “I’m a fan of this label because they elevate their slides with subtle hints of texture,” says Tully.
If embellishments don’t align with your personal style, opt for a more pared-down look like Berlin-based house Aeyde. “I love sandals that are so bare, they practically disappear into my outfit,” says Chartrand, who champions Aeyde's slides. She also mentions that The Row offers “minimal styles with color variations that are sure to complete any look.”
For a chunkier pair of slides with a more maximalist flair, consider Vagabond Shoemakers (a cult-favorite Swedish label) or Birkenstocks.
Shop the Best Fisherman Sandals of 2024
Fisherman sandals recently emerged as a major spring 2024 shoe trend, and by the looks of it, these woven shoes aren't going anywhere this summer. For a modern spin on this vintage style, Tully shops at Hereu, a design studio that sells Spanish-inspired footwear. “I'm really loving the brand because their sculptural designs make me feel as though I’m wearing art on my feet," says the stylist.
Tully shares that Freda Salvador is another one of her go-to destinations for fisherman sandals (the brand even has an entire collection dedicated to the utilitarian style called “Fishermen Forever”). “Freda Salvador brings some edge to their fisherman sandals with elements like stud decorations and raffia straps,” adds Tully.
Discover other standout styles at Emme Parsons, Nisolo, and Alohas—all contemporary labels that breathe new life into the old-school fisherman style. Or, if you're not afraid to go full-on retro, try Melissa's jelly fisherman sandals made with Tutti Frutti-scented PVC.
Shop the Best Sporty Sandals of 2024
If you have a summer filled with outdoor adventures (like hiking or sightseeing in a new city), you'll need a pair of sporty sandals to move around easily. “Japanese footwear brand Suicoke brings an innovative edge to this style category,” says Tully. Other performance-based labels like Teva, Sorel, and Chaco also offer cushioned shoes with contoured footbeds, traction-enhancing soles, and adjustable straps for additional support.
For those who prefer more straightforward, sporty sandals without extra straps, consider HOKA, an orthopedic-backed brand beloved by athletes everywhere, and OluKai, a footwear company that creates waterproof designs ideal for beach days. Both labels offer padded sandals with a simple flip-flop silhouette, among many other styles.
Shop the Best Wedge Sandals of 2024
Make some room in your closet for a pair of nostalgic wedges, because these big and bold sandals have returned from the early aughts. “I'm excited about the resurgence of wedges because there are so many variations to wear, with styles ranging from boho to modern,” explains Tully.
On the boho front, European brands such as Gianvito Rossi, Castañer, and André Assous have embraced an authentic spirit with espadrille-inspired wedges grounded with rope-soled platforms.
Meanwhile, newcomers like Larroude and Amina Muaddi have taken on a more futuristic vision with sleek, avant-garde heels. If these fresh styles capture your attention, Chartrand also recommends the New York-based label, Maryam Nassir Zadeh.
Meet the Experts
Formerly an accountant with a career in merchandise planning, Linda Cui Zhang joined Nordstrom in 2021 as a buyer and is currently the Associate Fashion Director. Originally from North Carolina, Linda resides in New York City.
Brigitte Chartrand is the Vice President of Womenswear Buying at SSENSE, as well as the site’s “Everything Else” section.
Laura Tully is a wardrobe stylist who specializes in creating wardrobes that are versatile, polished, modern, and fun. She teaches her clients that real style embodies self-love wrapped in confidence—delivered in a fabulous outfit.
