All of us would agree that t-shirts and shorts are essential for summer weather (duh), but there may be some disparity when it comes to footwear preferences. While many just opt for sneakers or slip-on shoes, we feel that it's also necessary to let your feet out to breathe a bit. With that in mind, here's a list of sandal options we gleaned from the market, from the always-classic Teva to those more trend-forward. Start your summer sandal shopping here.
See our other Buyer's Guides here.
COS Polished Leather Sandal
COS successfully transform a simple silhouette by incorporating smooth navy leather and refreshing cuts. An undeniable summer staple for years to come. ($225)
Pierre Hardy Three-Tone Slingback
Pierre Hardy’s new grey, burgundy and cream slingback features an adjustable, four-part upper made of premium calfskin. We are happy that color blocking has made its way to footwear. ($248)
fragment design for Nike Benassi Slide
Nike’s introduction of the Bensassi Slide to their arsenal was a full frontal attack on adidas’s legendary Adilette Pool sandal. Both are iconic staples in the lives of both off-the-field athletes and common men alike, relaxing in their shorts and playing a game of FIFA. Today, the Benassi gains advantage with the release of the limited fragment design edition. The flat rubber upper is replaced with a swoosh-less textured material that lifts the Benassi into the premium range. Find it at 21 Mercer, New York or Dover Street Market.
DIMISSIANOS&MILLER Mule Flat Sandal
If you are looking for a fashion-forward alternative to the Nike Benassi Slide, look no further than DIMISSIANOS&MILLER's Mule Flat Sandal. This all-black, 100% leather piece is a great luxury iteration of the classic silhouette. ($309)
Matohu Cowhide Thong Sandal
A black thong sandal made entirely of authentic cowhide from Matohu's Spring/Summer 2014 collection. The navy heel strap makes for a secured fit, an important trait often lost with this type of style. ($295)
Officine Creative Caged Leather Sandal
The basket-woven upper and thin sole of this Caged sandal remind us of something you'd find at an ancient Egyptian market. And that's why we like it. ($492)
Magritte for Opening Ceremony Double Reality Birkenstock Zurich Sandal
An ode to surrealist artist Rene Magritte’s renowned painting, this sandal is built for the unlikely combination of comfort and pop art. These will definitely turn some heads. ($170)
Teva for Opening Ceremony Exclusive Universal Hurricane Sandal
Opening Ceremony continue to kill it with another sandal collaboration, this time with Teva. The shiny silver straps make for an interesting update to the classic we wore to summer camp back in the day. ($90)
Kris Van Assche High Webbing Sandal
A straightforward button-snap enclosure of this KVA sandal suggests easiness of wear. The combination of leather with polyester straps evoke a uniquely athletic feel that can be dressed up or down. ($590)
Carven Printed Sandal
Summer is the season to experiment with bold, all-over prints. This terrazzo pattern made from a mosaic of marble, quartz and glass is a great alternative to the solid styles that tend to oversaturate the market. ($506)
N.Hoolywood for Chaco Z1/X Sandal
This N.Hoolywood for Chaco sandal is the optimal choice for someone looking for both the Made-in-Japan bragging right and outdoor functionality. Like all Chaco footwear, the heavy-duty Vibram sole will get you through it all. ($156)
Maison Martin Margiela Marble Layered Sole Sandal
Margiela revamp the classic Desert boot with their unique marble-patterned sole that contrasts nicely against the light brown. ($546)
Lanvin Textured Leather Triple Strap Sandal
If anyone is audacious enough to combine luxe leather with Velcro, it would be Lanvin. With an animal skin texture upper and a soft suede footbed, this is an unexpectedly tasteful throwback to the Velcro shoes of our youth. ($602)
Salvatore Ferragamo Gladiator Sandal
Ferragamo's dark blue calfskin Gladiator has a contrasting a multi-layer rubber sole that will surely look good all summer long. ($540)
Christopher Kane Blue Matte Leather Sandal
With a nautical navy color and breathable woven strap body, this matte sandal effortlessly embodies the spirit of summer. A sawtooth sole keeps the leather style sporty. ($301)
