Trust me, these designer sandals are well worth the investment
From famous fashion-favourite styles to the new shapes you need to know


The pub garden is open, picky bits sit front and centre in the supermarket, and the sun makes an occasional appearance, marking the start of the Spring/Summer 2025 season. So, all of our outfits suddenly feel incomplete without a great sandal. And, right now, luxury labels are delivering.
Of course, we have the famous fashion fan favourites: Hermès’ Oran slides in the signature orange shade, and The Row's chunky Ginza flip flops, which are regularly spotted on a whole host of famous faces (or feet, to be more precise), still sit at the top of many wish lists. But this season has also seen some excellent newcomers enter the mix.
Chloé’s jelly sandals bring a nostalgic beach vibe, Loewe’s new Paula's Ibiza petal slides are proving plenty popular, and Miu Miu's Spring/Summer '24 cord sandals have now sparked a whole rope sandal trend that's sure to be a key shoe style this summer.
So, if you're looking to make a wise new-season sandal investment, just scroll below to see the styles worth adding to your wardrobe. If buying them results in building your whole outfits around your shoes this summer, so be it.
Best designer flat sandals
Although trusty trainers see us through every season, spring and summer weather calls for a great sandal (or five)—and few styles are more versatile than a classic flat. No matter if you opt for a stylish strappy design, a chunky leather look, or a more modern cord option courtesy of Miu Miu, there's a huge number of flat sandal styles to choose from that will see you through every event in your warm-weather calendar.
Balancing a chunky sole with a fine strap design these Gianvito Rossi sandals can be styled in a whole number of ways. Whether worn with denim cut offs on the beach or a tailored trouser in the office, consider them your failsafe find for the warmer weather.
Best designer kitten heel sandals
No matter if it's a flip flop, strappy sandal or jelly shoe design, any shoe looks instantly more elevated with a kitten heel at the base. Not only does this make kitten heel sandals more appropriate for office environments (yes, the right sandal will pair perfectly with that two-piece suit), but they'll seamlessly slot into your OOO wardrobe as well. Plus, of course, they're a little more practical than those platform sandal picks.
Few sandals are proving more popular than Bottega Veneta's chic selection as plenty of styles have already sold out before the sun even started to truly shine. Luckily, these blink mules are still available in the gold colourway and will effortlessly elevate any outfit.
Miu Miu's famous slingback pumps also come in a summer-ready version sans the pointed closed toe. The sleek burgundy colourway breaks away from classic black and brown styles while still being easy to wear.
Best designer flip flops
Designer flip flops are somewhat divisive, with some fashion fans reaching for affordable foam styles while others lean towards luxury labels. Yet, the latter group are large in number and have made a handful of designer flip flops real fan favourites. The Row's Ginza flip flops, A.Emery's minimalist designs and any option from Chanel regularly fly off the shelves.
The Row's Ginza flip flops are easily one of the most coveted luxury shoes around. Now, after months of regular rapid sell-outs, we actually have a chance of getting ahold of them. If you're after a luxury chunky flip flop, these are definitely the most popular pick.
With the instantly recognisable red bottoms and playful prints, Christian louboutin shoes make a strong case for maximalist footwear. These flip flops combine animal print and studs to make them quite the statement style. Plus, they're crafted from rubber, meaning you don't have to stress about them being splashed while walking past the pool.
Yes, The Row flip flops deserve two mentions. While the chunky ginza is immediately recognisable, this new season foam style is fun with the flash of red. Plus, it reminds us of the flip flops we'd wear as a kid while on holiday (although, of course, much more expensive).
Best designer high heel sandals
Now the days of the ankle boot are behind us (hello, sunshine!), high heel sandals provide the perfect solution for fancier occasions. Metallic shades and stiletto heels offer an elevated option for evenings and events while chunky wedge-like styles and more natural colours pair perfectly with wide-leg jeans becoming part of the boho aesthetic.
You may have spotted Jimmy Choo's joy-inducing sequin disc sandals on the feet of many chic women on social media, as the style tops the wishlist of may a fashion fan. The perfect summer party shoe, they'll elevate even the simplest of looks and, luckily, more stock will be available soon.
Combining a strappy style with a neutral shade selection, these highly detailed Chistopher Esber sandals will easily add interest to any look. White jeans, a simple brown silk slip, or a chic pair of tailored shorts are just a handful of outfit ideas they could pair with.
Best designer slides
Few shoes are easier to wear than slides (the clue is in the name), meaning these sandals aren't only chic but a practical pick as well. Slightly more formal than a trusty flip flop yet still suitable for the beach, consider luxury slides your true 'for every occasion' kind of shoe. Hermès' Oran sandals have long been a fashion fan favourite and come in almost every colour (meaning there's something to suit every style), but this season proves other luxury label slides certainly deserve a look in. Loewe, Chloé and Fendi designs are all proving plenty popular.
If you've ever been to an extravagant beach club, uber luxury hotel, or simply scrolled through Instagram, chances are you've spied the Hermès oran sandals in almost every shade by now. So, if you're looking for a true wardrobe staple, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more popular pick.
You may know of Saint Laurent's tribute sandals as the sky-high platform shoe but the design comes in a flat version too. A practical pick for everyday wear, it's a fuss-free style that's sure to work with a whole host of outfits – the perfect example of quiet luxury.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

Lauren Cunningham is a freelance fashion and beauty editor covering runway reviews, fashion news, shopping galleries and deep-dive features.
-
Birkenstock's Iconic Arizona Sandals have had a Boho Upgrade for Summer and We're Obsessed
Suede, studded, and selling out fast
-
If Comfort Comes First When You're Shopping For Footwear, Take a Look at the Skechers Summer Collection
The slip-ins technology is a game-changer
-
Dakota Johnson's Latest Chic Off-Duty Look is Proof that Suede Jackets are for Summer, Too
In fact, they're particularly perfect for this time of year
-
Jonathan Anderson is Officially the New Creative Director at Dior
He's about to be the busiest man in fashion
-
White Jeans are Officially Back, and These are 6 Cool Ways to Style Them This Season
Outfit inspiration courtesy of fashion's cool girls
-
All the Cool Girls are Relying on This Nostaglic Top Style for Effortless Summer Vibes
The Noughties-era scarf top has had a new-season makeover
-
10 of the Most Iconic Moments from Maria Grazia Chiuri's Tenure at Dior
A look back through her decade at the helm of the fashion house
-
It's Not Summer Without a Pair Of Denim Shorts — These are the Best to Shop Now
The brands and style to have on your radar