The best women’s sandals for summer 2026
Ditch your sneakers and book a pedicure; sunshine is just around the corner
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The beginning of the summer holidays also heralds the start of sandal season which, for anyone rueing the restrictions of boots and loafers in the winter, will come as quite the relief. The other good news? With foreign breaks on the horizon, and summer weddings and parties filling diaries, designers have stepped up to the plate and delivered a bumper crop of women’s sandals for all styles and occasions this season. From chic flats and beach-friendly wedges to sky-high heels, these are the best sandals to buy now.
The best flat sandals
A great pair of flat sandals are the bread and butter of any good spring or summer wardrobe so, accordingly, the choices are vast. For something versatile enough to pair with everything from dresses and skirts to cut-offs and jeans, you can never go wrong with Birkenstocks – although Khaite’s new Boden raffia sandals are quickly giving them a run for their money.
If you’re looking for something a bit more sleek and feminine, Reformation’s poppy red-hued sandals are a chic option to pair with summer dresses, while on the flipside, Lemaire brings a functional fisherman design, set on rubber soles for effortless everyday ease.
The best wedges
Banish all notions of the chunky, bottom-heavy wedges that were so popular in years past. For summer 2026 there’s a new breed of wedges in town and they are much, much chicer. Take, for example, the sleek, minimalist Ayla 85 from Jimmy Choo. Alternatively, Gianvito Rossi's suede platform wedges add height without the discomfort of an actual heel, making them an ideal option for summer in the city.
Of course, if it’s holiday sandals you’re looking for, you’ll want something a little lighter and more casual. Espadrilles are the obvious choice here and few do them better than Spanish brand Castañer, which created the world’s first wedged version in collaboration with Yves Saint Laurent in the 1970s. Elsewhere, Missoni's bright patterned lace-up style will fit right in on sunny shores.
The best flip flops
While we would never recommend them for work, flip flops can be a great choice for casual and even smart-casual events if you know where to look. Eschew more common rubber and foam designs in favour of luxe leathers with interesting detailing.
The Row and Tory Burch add a touch of whimsy to classic silhouettes with platformed flip flops and embellished options. For something a little more eye-catching, Burberry's version reworks the style with its iconic Burberry Check while Giuseppe Zanotti adds gold-tone abstract detailing.
The best slides
Again, probably not a style for the boardroom but, as streetwear has become an increasingly important part of the modern fashion industry, so too has the humble pool slide been elevated to a summer must-have. If you’re going to an actual pool, rubber versions are perfectly practical, but for pretty much everything else you’re going to want something a little smarter.
Loewe's Pebble leather slides, created in collaboration with Paula's Ibiza, are adorned with the brand's signature gold-tone hardware and are on their way to becoming the shoe of the summer, while The Row's Malicks bring a nostalgic touch of Nineties' style. Manolo Blahnik and Chloé, meanwhile, take a more laidback approach in colourful woven raffia and embroidered cord.
The best heeled sandals
Ascot, church weddings, Glyndebourne – there are some summer events for which heels just feel more appropriate. If you’re the type that jumps at the chance to don a little colour when the sun comes out then Parisian brand Bobbies' iridescent Jenna sandals are sure to be firm favourites. Maje also brings the vibrancy while nodding to this season's love for metallics with a chic chunky heel.
Elsewhere, Sam Edelman and Longchamp each offer a timeless take on heeled sandals awash in black and cream colourways. The former will go with everything and sits on a heel that is not too high, while the latter features pearly detailing that is feminine and oh so cute.
Read more: Vibrant enamel jewellery for summer
