Style
18 Must-Have Shoes For Spring And Summer
Cool, comfy and cute? That’s a triple check. After months in socks, it’s time to free the foot: we share the best shoes to slip into this spring and summer
When the heat and humidity climb, and the step count doesn’t slow, keeping your feet cool and blister-free is a must. But before you reach for those flimsy plastic flip-flops, consider the alternatives: from elevated takes on beachside staples to city-smart styles made for walking, our curated selection of footwear for spring and summer gives you plenty of options that will wear well and look even better.
The Everyday Sandal
As the season’s style leans into ease and lightness, so-called “granny sandals” become a major go-to in warm-weather wardrobes. These trusty kicks are defined by wide, criss-crossing straps, a secure ankle closure and sturdy soles, for a once-overlooked style that now feels refreshingly modern and still ideal for all-day wear. When paired with crisp shirt dresses, tailored shorts, slouchy linen trousers or even a breezy office look, these sandals can help ground any outfit with a touch of quiet sophistication.
For a sleek yet sturdy option, these Nico suede sandals by Alohas have a soft suede finish in neutral-coloured sustainable leather that’s comfortable, conscious and chic. Everlane’s City Crossover sandals, on the other hand, are great for packing light on holiday or achieving a relaxed office look. For something with a bit more texture, Vivaia’s Arch Pro AdaptAll sandals combine breathable, moisture-wicking comfort with a rustic woven design and enhanced arch support, proving that fashion and function can walk hand in hand.
The Off-Duty Option
Once considered the ultimate “anti-fashion” shoe, the Birkenstock Arizona slide has officially strutted its way into every minimalist’s wardrobe. This style, equal parts utilitarian and effortlessly cool, has been rubber-stamped by both podiatrists and fashion insiders. And while Birkenstock still wears the crown when it comes to ergonomic arch support and buttery-soft footbeds, they’re not the only brand to tap into laid-back Euro-chic vibes, confirming that this double-strap sandal is off-duty polished and incredibly easy to style.
For the classic take, the original velvety suede Birkenstock is available in a wide range of wear-everywhere colours. For something more refined, Quince’s Nappa leather slides give all the cushiony comfort with a smoother finish. And for a touch of sustainable modern luxe, Rothy’s Buckle slide features a soft knit upper and gold hardware that instantly elevates the look, meaning you can throw them on for errands and end up wearing them to dinner alfresco.
The Poolside Pair
Sometimes, simplicity is the way to go. When it comes to summer shoes, that means embracing the return of the classic flip-flop. The nostalgic rubber soles we used to pair with swimsuits and cover-ups, short shorts and beach dresses have returned as a seasonal staple – but instead of going for the plastic thongs and rhinestone embellishments of the early aughts, opt for a cleaner design in elevated materials like leather, raffia or suede. Not only do they provide a much more refined look, but they can also move more effortlessly from seaside to city streets (without the tourist vibes).
These Jessie thong sandals from Reformation perfectly capture the 2025 flip-flop resurgence: minimalist, modern and endlessly wearable. Plus, with six colourways in leather or suede, there’s one for everyone. Prefer a little more cushion underfoot? The Tony Bianco Ives sandal boasts the same smart leather finish, but with a chunkier platform sole. And for those seeking a touch of edge, sustainable label Tkees offers a fresh take with their Square Toe sandals: finished in a croc-embossed texture, they can be dressed up or down with ease.
The Walking Shoe
When the temperature rises, our first instinct is to slip into barely-there footwear that allows our feet to breathe, but sneakers – supportive, functional and versatile – also deserve a spot in the outfit rotation. So to update your kicks for the season, ditch the subdued styles of recent years and reach for a pair in bold hues and playful palettes with a touch of retro nostalgia. It’s a simple – and currently fashion-forward – way to upgrade your everyday work or leisure uniform while keeping comfy.
Whether Dolce Vita’s Laini sneaker in bright pink with green accents or Veja’s Volley suede pair in electric blue, both models’ colours and retro-inspired designs would make worthy additions to your spring/summer wardrobe, styled alongside neutrals or denim – or, for the bold, with complementary colour wheel hues. Alternatively, if you’re not quite ready to dive in, Puma’s Arizona Retro sneakers offer a softer take on the trend with just the right pop of colour that can be blended into your neutral looks.
The Holiday Stunner
Presenting the right blend of craftsmanship, heritage and effortless charm, espadrilles are a natural warm-weather staple. This Spanish-born style with its natural, braided sole comes in a variety of forms, from flirty flats to breezy wedges, that can elevate more casual looks while toning down dressier ones. Stick to the Mediterranean mood and pair your espadrilles with cropped linen trousers or midi skirts, or go full street-style and wear them with barrel-leg jeans or a slip-on maxi dress.
These Lauren lace-up espadrilles by Soludos, available in five colours, pair the authentic jute base with a breathable linen upper that can beat the heat in style and comfort. However, for something more unique, these Rosana espadrilles – part of a collaboration between Etro and Castañer – reimagine the classic mule with stunning floral embroidery, perfect for seasonal outings. And for something you can wear to a breezy summer wedding, Manebi’s wedge espadrilles are sand- and lawn-friendly – a wear-all-day (and after-hours) kind of shoe.
The Runway Trend
With the return of the boat shoe, new-and-improved Breton stripes and trending sailor hats, the nautical trend has officially docked. One more thing to add to the list? Fisherman sandals. The once-popular style from the 1990s is back with its signature woven design and caged, T-bar silhouette that provides the same breathability as your go-to slides, but with a bit more substance – making them perfect for salt-sprayed scenarios and city-ready looks. And since the pair plays well with everything from flowy dresses to tailored suits, even your office wardrobe can get a fresh new sole.
The fisherman sandal from G.H.Bass is a great example, available in two highly versatile colours, while this Loeffler Randall pair comes in a natural crocheted raffia, leaning more into the style’s beachside background. For something you can add to your evening rotation, these block-heeled sandals from Hereu – although more of a splurge – can be as casual or as formal as you want to style them, making them a key capsule wardrobe item.
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