As much as I love to accessorise my Phoebe Philo wedge flip-flops with brat-green Miu Miu plasters (I keep a stock in my handbag), wincing with every step because your feet have been shredded by a pair of summer sandals isn’t very brat. Nope, there isn’t enough Compeed in the northern hemisphere to justify painful hiking slides or razor sharp “naked” strappy flats that slice through your feet like cheese wire.
It’s 2024, our shoes need to serve us. They need to – at an absolute minimum – be fit for purpose. They absolutely shouldn’t leave you wanting to saw your own toes off with a nail file rather than sprint to catch the Heathrow Express. I can’t believe I’m about to write this, but, dear reader I learnt the hard way: summer sandals that look pretty but could double as a medieval torture tool are not worth your hard-earned money. (Dents in your bank account heal less quickly than a blister on the sole of your feet, believe me.)
Read more: The Best Sandals To Invest In Now
In pursuit of the most comfortable, most chic sandal, I conducted a survey among Vogue editors within yelling distance of my desk (because my feet hurt too much to walk across the room, and I’m kinda done with email until 1 September) – imploring them to share the flat summer sandals which gets them through the working week, a Mediterranean vacation, and a cute dinner date. Here’s what they had to say…
Laura Hawkins, fashion features editor
“For the last decade, I’ve worn nothing but a chunky, hiking-inspired strap sandal, which I habitually wear until it has fallen apart and then replace (RIP Christopher Kane’s diamanté-embellished iterations and Marni’s neoprene styles in delightfully icky hues). My latest crush is Cecilie Bahnsen’s Valeria sandal, a utilitarian style with a practical sole that could easily endure a dash down a rocky slope to a swimming spot, but also works perfectly for a city lunch, as they’re crafted in sumptuous textured cloqué and sparkled with Swarovski crystal beaded flowers.”
Funmi Fetto, style editor
“There’s a wonderful line in one of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s books (I forget which) that describes the back of someone’s sandal slapping its wearer’s heels. I’ve come to realise I really dislike that sound. So when it comes to summer sandals I prefer something chunky, sturdy, one that grips my foot and works well pounding the pavements of London. I love the Marni’s Fussbett sandals – every year there is some colourful or whimsical iteration of them – I’m still wearing one I bought a few years ago that is lined in acid pink (faux) fur. Which is slightly ridiculous but so much fun – and they don’t slap the back of my heel.”
Laura Ingham, deputy director, global fashion network
“What’s not to love about a forever-chic summer shoe that puts your comfort first? These simple, quilted leather Prada sandals (note the trustworthy chunky sole), are my everyday staple. Just add: a pedicure!”
Kerry McDermott, digital director
“Let me point you to The Row’s City flip-flops, which are versatile enough to go with just about anything. In the future we may look back upon an £860 flip-flop as the apotheosis (death knell?) of quiet luxury. Until then, I’ll be mentally pairing these babies with everything in my summer wardrobe.”
Joy Montgomery, commerce editor
“When it comes to putting a shoe through its paces (quite literally), Glastonbury is surely the ultimate endurance test. (You’re essentially walking an ultra-marathon every day in a permanent state of fringed jacket-clad tipsiness, it really is survival of the fittest.) My Birkenstock Arizona Evas were more than up to the task. With their slip-on-and-go silhouette, molded footbed and wipe-clean practicality, they made it through hell and high-water (read: Shangri-La and baking sun), and emerged unscathed. Quite a feet (sorry) of endurance.”
Naomi Smart, commerce director
“I’m loving my classic Havaianas Brazils so much that I’ve invested in a multitude of colours – specifically, black, red and white! This is a flip-flop that doesn’t annihilate your feet. They’re a weekend essential that’s also office appropriate when paired with a cute boho skirt or cargo pant.”
Alice Cary, commerce writer
“In recent years, I have come to realise that I am just not a sandals “person”. Where my colleague Naomi Smart will wear her crystal-swathed Manolo Birkenstocks come blizzard, rain, or shine, I prefer to rely on trainers, pumps and boots all year round. However, a select few sandals have earned their place on my summer shoe-rack, including a puffy leather pair of Miu Mius that I can wear with the knowledge that: I won’t get a blister, they won’t meet the same fate as bygone broken flip-flops, and they go with just about anything. Beach, hike, office, rain, festivals (!) – they’ve walked the extra mile.”
