The best summer sandals to wear when travelling
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Comfortable walking shoes are a must-pack no matter where you're travelling, but not all pairs need to be trainers. Enter the humble sandal, built for warmer climes and crafted to take you effortlessly from beach to bar. Whether you are looking for a sleek pair to pound the pavements on an upcoming city break, a supportive pair for a far flung adventure or something elegant and versatile, we’ve edited the key summer sandal styles to take on your warm weather travels.
The fisherman sandal
Leather fisherman sandals, £119, Whistles
Iterations of the fisherman sandal abound, but many, though beautifully made, can be stiff and uncomfortable. This buttery-soft leather pair by Whistles are smart and won’t need breaking in – ideal if you're planning on racking up your step count.
The utilitarian sandal
Universal Original sandals in sand £45, Teva
Born in the 80s when an inventive river guide at the Grand Canyon strapped two watch straps to a pair of flip flops to prevent them floating away, Teva has come to embody the ultimate adventurer’s sandal. If you’re looking to pack just one pair for a trip then Teva’s classic sandals are a flexible option: lightweight, waterproof and comfortable. They look chic juxtaposed with smart looks too.
The Y2K flatform
Leather platform sandals, £125, COS
The trend for all things Y2K isn’t going anywhere, so why not embrace the nostalgia while keeping things simple in these chunky leather slides, made with supple nappa leather. Wear them with floaty summer dresses to offset their sweetness.
The elegant slide
Embroidered mesh slides, £270, Toteme
If chunky rubber pool slides aren’t your thing, these elegant flat mules from scandi brand Toteme will work just as well pool-side as they will with city staples back home.
The ankle tie sandal
Tie up sandals £295, Emme Parsons
A pair of ankle tie sandals will make a perennially chic addition to your wardrobe. Team with everything from floaty dresses to cropped trousers and shorts, they’ll never go out of style.
The sporty sandal
Tourist sandals, £495, Balenciaga
A number of luxury fashion houses have re-imagined the sporty sandal recently, informed by practical hiking sandals. Look to Chloe, Alexander McQueen and Balenciaga for a luxe twist on a rubber-soled comfortable sandal that’s made for walking.
The wedge sandals
Wedge espadrille sandals, £95, & Other Stories
You can’t beat an espadrille wedge in terms of a classic investment. Packing for your summer holiday? These make a great evening option. Off to a wedding? You’ll be dancing all night in these.
The runaround heel
Block heel sandal, £150, Arket
A low block heel sandal makes a practical run-around sandal for day that doubles as a smart but comfortable option for evening.
The walking sandal
Arizona sandals, £125, Birkenstock
Birkenstock’s most popular style, the ‘Arizona’ was first launched in 1973 and remains a true classic, and a comfortable option to walk in. This season’s version, with chunky metal buckles and oiled chocolate brown leather, is a chic update on a timeless style.
The dad sandals
The sandals that spawned a thousand imitations, Chanel’s ‘Dad’ sandals are the much coveted-sandals, adored by the fashion crowd for their ability to give any outfit a dose of nonchalance. They are a hefty investment but their ongoing appeal over the past four years mean they look likely to stand the test of time.