While sandal season has a reputation for causing blisters, you can be assured that this year’s top summer shoe trends will be kinder to your feet. Confirmed by the three stylists and fashion experts we consulted, heels are staying low and toes have room to breathe — and we couldn’t be happier.
“The headline for this summer’s shoe trends is cool comfort,” says Allison Berlin, stylist and founder of Style Made Simple. “We see this most prominently with the sweeping return of flats, kitten heels and comfort-driven sandals that retain their edge. Notice stilettos are on no one’s radar.”
Ahead, we take a look at the top styles to shop from these trends and more as the stylists share their favorites.
Chunky sandals
Since comfort is king this summer, this translates to chunky sandal styles that you can actually walk all day in. “Look for lug soles (or platforms), fisherman details and even classic Birkenstock slides,” Berlin says.
One of Berlin’s top picks and my own personal favorite, the big-buckle version of the classic Birkenstock sandals, offers unmatched comfort while looking a bit more polished than the original Arizona slides. The Neutral color is perfect for summer, but you can’t go wrong with any of the punchier colors like Fondant Pink or Surf Green.
Adjustable straps and thick platforms amp up the comfort on these cute sandals that Berlin recommends. They come in tons of colors and materials perfect for summer, like denim, knit and raffia.
Berlin also loves these fisherman sandals. Available in black or white leather, they feature a lug sole that can withstand hours and hours of walking while sightseeing on vacation or just running errands.
Textural flats
“The flats of the summer are all about the unexpected fabrications that make this classic staple on demand,” Berlin says. “Nail this look by wearing styles that are made of mesh, crochet and laser-cut materials.”
Berlin loves the summery look of these crocheted ballet flats. Pair them with your favorite denim shorts or a sundress to add some texture to your look. Plus, you can never go wrong with white shoes in the summertime.
Mesh flats are a modern and minimalist take on the trend. This pair has an added edge, thanks to their square toes and silver hardware. The Mary Jane silhouette is a trend in its own right, so expect to see more of this too.
This style that Berlin recommends features laser-cut leather that creates an almost lacelike effect. If you think wearing socks and sandals is a divisive trend, flats and socks might be an easier place to start. These look super cute with a frilly ankle sock.
Kitten heels
“Kitten heels were ushered in by the Y2K movement that has been trending fashion-wide,” Berlin says. “Worn with just about everything from pants to skirts and dresses, this is the ultimate day-to-evening shoe for the summer.”
Heeled flip-flops are a major trend this year (more on this later), but you can ensure they stay comfortable with a low kitten heel, like this strappy pair from Steve Madden.
I picked up these pointed-toe slingbacks in the spring and love how comfortable they are. The heel is low and the toe has plenty of room so I’m not squished or scrunching. They’re a great style for the office or a shoe for weddings, since I can actually wear them for hours on end.
A mule or slide sandal with a kitten heel will be one of the most comfortable options, since you can just slip right in. Berlin recommends this pair from Reformation that comes in Seashell satin, Black Suede or Almond Leather.
Mary Janes
Mary Jane shoes are all grown up and now one of the top shoe trends of the year. Stylist Jordanna Sharp says they’re great for pairing with shorts, skirts and flowy summer dresses. “If you are typically more feminine in your style, they are a great way to make your outfit feel edgier, adding that cool-girl vibe,” Sharp says.
What’s more shocking than the under-$30 price point on these Mary Jane flats is how cushioned and comfortable they feel. I’ve tried some ballet flats that are literally like walking on cardboard, and while this style looks nearly identical in shape and profile, somehow the padded sole offers a cloudlike layer that keeps my feet happy all day.
Sharp likes these nappa leather flats. They combine the popular ballet flat style with the Mary Jane for an on-trend shoe. “Style them with a tank, Bermuda shorts and tie in a belt to match the color of the shoe for a go-to summer-in-the-city look,” the stylist says.
Silver studs add extra flair to these Mary Jane flats. Despite their edginess, the neutral color means that they’re surprisingly versatile. Wear them with jeans and a white button-down for an effortless everyday outfit.
Thong sandals
Thong sandals are no longer just for slapping the pavement on the way to the pool. Now, flip-flops are getting upgraded with kitten heels, platform soles and luxe materials, so you can wear them out without feeling dressed down. According to Sharp, the simple silhouette “feels timeless and easy to style with almost anything.”
"Bringing back a ’90s trend, I love the minimalism of these sandals," Sharp says. This pair combines the flip-flop trend with a kitten heel for a little extra oomph.
Another one of my favorite sandals of the season, these chunky flip-flops come in funky colors like this Pistachio green or a Coral orange for a pop of color.
A chunky heel and thick straps give these thong sandals an elevated look. Wear them with a flowy maxi skirt or dress or your favorite pair of denim.
Silver shoes
“Silver is so fresh and fun for summer,” says fashion and jewelry designer Carla Rockmore. The metallic shine gives a dressed-up feel to a number of silhouettes this season, from cute sandals to practical flats.
Nearly 50% off for Clarks’ 4th of July sale, these clog sandals lean into the comfort-focused trend that Berlin mentioned. They have a boho feel, thanks to the wooden effect of the platforms and the thick leather straps.
“These practical shoes will keep you looking and feeling cool,” Rockmore says of these silver Birks. The metallic finish brings an eye-catching edge to the fan-favorite style.
Sharp recommends this Mary Jane style, which comes in nine colors, including this metallic silver. The round toe gives them a classic look, juxtaposed by the grommeted strap.