Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
15 Summer Sandals to Keep You Cool All Season Long
The MVP of your summer wardrobe has arrived.
With your next vacation on the horizon and the temperature only rising (seemingly), there’s no time like the present to pick out a new pair of cute summer sandals. And thankfully, there’s still plenty of time left to buy and wear the MVP of your warm-weather wardrobe. After all, the more your feet can breathe in this heat, the better.
A summer sandal is the quintessential shoe for the hottest time of the year. Unlike a more casual beach sandal, the best sandals for the season are meant to take you from day to night—in other words, they’re versatile shoes that won’t compromise on style. They make great additions to your travel shoe rotation, can be worn with everything (including with dresses), and you only need a few pairs to complete your wardrobe. Zimmermann’s creative director and co-founder, Nicky Zimmermann, says, “A staple in my sandal wardrobe is a tan leather sandal or something on the chunkier side. Both styles work with almost any outfit.” Having that versatility is key to ensuring you’ll have the best sandals in your wardrobe for years, ones you’ll keep coming back to time and time again.
Whether you’re walking the city streets, attending a wedding, or just looking for a new shoe to wear on the daily, we have something for every occasion. Read on to shop our top picks for summer sandals to complete your looks for the remainder of the season.
Pros
- Perfect for travel
- Low heel
- Timeless and elegant
Cons
We love a good pair of strappy sandals for the summer, and this pair fits the bill. The silver leather proves the metallic shoe trend isn’t going anywhere, while the tiny block heel lifts your foot off the ground ever so slightly.
Sizes: 35-41
Colors: Silver, Cognac Suede, Rame Suede
Material: Leather
Pros
- Versatile
- Sleek
- Slip-on style
Cons
- Runs small according to some
These simple sandals are bound to become your new go-to. The toe loop adds a unique touch, while the slip-on style makes them easy to put on.
Sizes: 6-11
Colors: 12 options
Material: Leather
Customer review: “I love these sandals. They go with everything and give any outfit a special flair. They are comfortable to walk in as well. They took a few wears to break in - at first the inner sole feels a bit slippery contacting my foot, but after a few wears they felt more grippy. I wear them almost every day.”
Loeffler Randall Henriette Timber Leather Bow Sandal
Pros
- Trendy look
- Sophisticated
Cons
- Not a lot of arch support
Bring your bow obsession into the summer with these classic sandals from Loeffler Randall. Perfect for a bridal shower, a dinner date, or shopping in town.
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: Timber, Natural, Champagne
Material: Leather
Pros
- Elevated look
- Comfortable
Cons
- Not very secure
A square toe and metal plate elevate these summer slides from Tory Burch. They’re chic without compromising on comfort and ease.
Sizes: 4.5-11
Colors: Dark Elk, Perfect Black, Light Cream
Material: Leather
Customer review: “Stylish, nice, comfortable and so dressy !!!! Love it !!!!!!”
Pros
- Extremely versatile
- Knit upper adds comfort
Cons
- Runs narrow according to some
Finding a pair of sleek summer sandals that can also double as work shoes can be a difficult task, but these Everlane mules will solve your dilemma. No need to change for a night out either; you can head straight from the office, thanks to the comfortable soles.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: Black, Sea Grass, Blush Tan, Bone
Material: Recycled Polyester
Customer review: “These sandals are so comfy and cool. They go with everything, from jeans to dresses. I immediately bought them in a second color. I get so many compliments when I wear them.”
Pros
- Versatile style
- Square toe
Cons
- Not a lot of support
There is something so easy and effortless about these sandals; they scream summer sophistication. A medallion adds a metallic touch that’s perfect for dressing up or down. Trust us when we say this: They’re a must-have for your next summer vacation.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: Brown, White, Black
Material: Leather
Customer review: “Love this style shoe. Can wear with shorts or summer dress. They run TTS and are comfortable.”
Pros
- Comfortable
- Sole provides support
Cons
- Might run small
Searching for a supportive summer slide? Anine Bing answers the call with a versatile pair that looks good with shorts, pants, skirts, and dresses—basically, everything.
Sizes: 36-41
Colors: Cognac
Material: Leather
Customer review: “Very comfortable!!the perfect shoes for summer! im in love!”
Pros
- Comfortable
Cons
- Not much support
An espadrille sandal is a unique way to upgrade your sandal collection. This pair has a feminine ease about them that that will instantly dress up your looks.
Sizes: 36-41
Colors: Avalon
Material: Raffia
Pros
- Stylish and sophisticated
- Practical heel height
Cons
- Lacks support
For a truly luxe look, go for these elegant Gucci slides. These can easily be dressed up or down.
Sizes: 34-42
Colors: White
Material: Leather
Birkenstock Mayari Sandals
Pros
- Easy and comfortable
- Good support
Cons
- Some styles sell out quickly
- Casual
These classic leather sandals can be worn anywhere, from a music festival to hiking trails. Your feet will love Birkenstock’s support-first model.
Sizes: 4-13
Colors: 67 options
Material: Cork, leather
Customer review: “Great shoe with very comfortable footbed!”
Pros
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Goes with practically anything
Cons
- Runs small
If your summer wardrobe is all about comfort, skip the heels in favor of these easy-going flats.
Sizes: 5-13
Colors: 7 options
Material: Polyester
Customer review: “I bought these sandals for a trip to Greece. I did a lot of walking in them. They were comfy. They have a comfy foam sole. They are also super cute and went well with many of my different outfits.”
Pros
- Chic and versatile
- Good heel height
Cons
- Stiletto heel isn’t the most comfortable
These barely-there sandals are perpetually popular.
Sizes: 5-10
Colors: Black, White, Tan
Material: Leather
Customer review: “Ok getting these in every color! Perfect height! Quality is amazing!”
Pros
- Designed by a podiatrist
- Offers support
Cons
These chic sandals make for the perfect addition to your collection. With extra soft materials for foot support, these can dress up or down any look.
Sizes: 6-13
Colors: Tan, Black
Material: Leather, rubber
Customer review: “Comfiest shoe, at the same time stylish. Great for support.”
Pros
- Extremely padded
- Affordable
Cons
- Less supportive
- Very casual
These look like a pillow, feel like a pillow, and are so easy to throw on. Whether it’s the beach, grocery store, or anywhere else, these are a must.
Sizes: 4-14.5
Colors: 19 options
Material: Foam, ethylene vinyl acetate
Customer review: “They have become my favorite go-to shoes. I walk my dog in them, I run my errands in them.”
Pros
- Easy slip-on design
Cons
These Vagabond slides are convenient, easy, and comfortable. They’re the ideal elevated slide to style with all your summer outfits.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: Brown, Black, Off-White
Material: Leather
Why Trust ELLE
Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.
Shop More from ELLE Fashion
- Shop the Cutest Summer Sandals From Amazon
- Achieve Elevated Style With the Comfiest Platform Sneakers
- The Best Sequin Purses That Will Add a Shimmer to Your Closet
- The Most Comfortable Wedge Sandals to Get in Your Miles This Summer
- Spend Your Days in the Sun With the Best Beach Sandals
Additional reporting by Lauren Puckett-Pope and Madison Rexroat
Watch Next
The Jewel of Light
See Fendi’s Newest Artisan Baguette
The Best Shearling Clogs to Cozy Up In for Winter
Welcome to the Age of Accessories
