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.

Miu Miu ss24 yellow skirt top look

(Image credit: Miu Miu)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lauren Cunningham is a freelance fashion and beauty editor covering runway reviews, fashion news, shopping galleries and deep-dive features.