From Everyday Flats to Statement Heels, These Are the 4 Designer Sandal Styles Actually Worth the Investment
From fashion-favourite styles to the new shapes you need to know about
Never in my life have I gone so long wearing solely sandals, and it looks set to continue throughout August and well into September. Our autumn wardrobes certainly feel a fair way off, though there is something undeniably chic about styling jeans with a jumper and flip flops. So I'm incredibly confident in dubbing a designer sandal a worthwhile investment, even as we near the middle of August. Invest wisely and they'll last you a near lifetime, after all.
The question remains, though: which designer sandals are actually worth the investment? Which ones tick this season's trend boxes while remaining relatively timeless? And which ones haven't been copied across the entirety of the high street? As you'd expect, I have the answer—or twenty, if we're counting each individual suggestion—spanning designer sliders, flip flops, heeled sandals and more. And I have to say, this season boasts some particularly strong choices.
Proenza Schouler Spring/Summer 2026
Take Proenza Schouler's flower-detail sandals, which I haven't stopped thinking about since they sauntered down the runway last September. Or Giuseppe Zanotti's fish-skeleton sandals—statement enough to anchor any outfit without the added height of a heel. Or, if you're all-in on Havaianas but want a more luxurious alternative, there are a number of designer flip flops vying for your attention—Christopher Esber's among them. And let's not forget the currently trending Chloé jelly shoe.
Scroll on for the edit of the best designer sandals for every style and occasion. And if you think there's a key one I've yet to include, come and talk to me. Let's have a sandal chat.
Best Designer Flat Sandals
Flat sandals span a whole range of design iterations, from classic fisherman styles to chunkier dad-approved designs, so there's no shortage of options to choose from. But if you're anything like me, you have all the basics already covered in your current shoe collection. So here are the flat sandals standing out this season, from the fish-skeleton design spotted across Fashion Week street style to a timeless Jil Sander sandal.
A timeless yet still trend-led strappy sandal that can genuinely be worn everywhere for years to come? Jil Sander has the answer.
Silver has the unique ability to not only seamlessly pair with any other shade, but also immediately elevate an outfit. Throw in this barely there thong sandal shape and you have a pair that works just as well in the day as it does in the evenings.
Not all sandals feature dainty designs. In fact, there's an impressive number of chunkier, pavement pounding appropriate styles to choose from, including this higher coverage A.Emery design.
If you're investing in a pair of sandals, choose a paired back style that will work with a multitude of outfits.
Theres a reason why Jimmy Choo bring its Ayla sandals back season after season, and the gold colour way is my favourite. If you want to pack light, then invest in this pair of sandals that will go with pretty much your entire suitcase of outfits.
Best Designer Flip Flops
Designer flip flops are somewhat divisive, with some fashion fans reaching for high street 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 were once almost hard to escape, A.Emery's minimalist designs have won over many a fashion fan, and any Chanel flip flops are rather tricky to get ahold of they're so popular.
Leather flip flops, I've found, will last you many a summer and only get more comfortable the longer you wear them. This butter yellow pair breaks up the sea of classic black and brown.
I've lost count of the number of people I've seen wearing these flip flops. The wider straps not only provide more coverage but are also said to be more comfortable than their skinny counterparts.
I was recently lucky enough to visit the luxury Turkish resort Anda Barut, and on the very first morning, no fewer than six pairs of these PVC flip flops strolled past my sun lounger—on the feet of some especially chic women.
Love the look of a classic Havaiana—rubber, bold in colour and with a slightly sporty edge—but prefer to invest in a luxury label? These Bottega Veneta flip flops tick every box.
Flip flops have come a long way from their humble rubber beginnings and, as this Gianvito Rossi beaded pair proves, they really can work for more formal occasions.
Best Designer Heeled Sandals
While it's tempting to live in flip flops all summer, high heel sandals provide an especially chic solution for fancier occasions or even the office. This season, the bolder, the better appears to be the key memo. Picture vibrant shades, abstract silhouettes and accents that make them a true statement piece.
The Valentino 'Coeur Royal' sandals are the perfect go-to occasion heel. They will work across all seasons, for summer weddings and winter parties.
The Aquazurra Infinity Chain sandals will take you from day to night with a more supportive stacked heel for comfort. Pair with bermuda shorts or a column maxi dress.
When these sandals stepped out on the Proenza Schouler Spring/Summer 26 runway, I knew they'd spark a trend for extra-large flower heels. And that they did. With a mid-height heel and high foot coverage, they're also a more practical pick.
Neous is my go-to for modern footwear all year round and this thong style will make every summer outfit look cool.
While the make-up of these heeled sandals may be mainstream—croc-effect leather—the design is anything but. Consider this strappy Simkhai style your wear-every-day shoe, with a high-fashion edge.
Heeled thong sandals have proved to be one of the most popular styles this summer, stretching our love of flip flops even further. Few brands have created a more sculptural style than Alaïa.
Investment purchases don't have to be boring. These lilac mules are far more versatile than you think. Pairing them with jarring colours is exactly how you should style them this summer.
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. Saint Laurent, The Row and Miu Miu 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.
For those who prefer a fully covered foot, look no further than Prada's Nappa leather slides. If the black colourway doesn't catch your eye, they're also available in white.
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.
When thinking of The Row sandals, the Ginza sandal or newly trending red and black flip flop may first shoot to mind, but the rubber slides are quietly gaining traction. They're available in red, cream and black and have already sold out in some sizes.
If the typical chunky rubber slides aren't quite your style, you'll be glad to see they're far from the only iteration. Miu Miu's leather strappy slides lean in the opposite direction with a fisherman's sandal design that will pair perfectly with a sundress.
