Summer is the season for enjoying more outdoor activities as the sun shines brightly and cooler breezes accompany the warmer days. With your social calendar beginning to fill up, choosing the perfect summer attire, such as a summer dress, is obviously a priority for many. Not only that, summer also calls for different types of accessories, be it summer handbags or summer footwear.
With the hot weather and more outdoor activities planned ahead (you can easily hit your 10,000 steps!), selecting the right summer sandals is equally important because they are the ones that will support your feet during all those walks. If you do not own cosy and comfortable sandals made from high-quality materials that offer proper support and foundation, then walking in the summer can become quite daunting and uneasy.
Of course, when we are looking for summer sandals, comfort is one of the most important factors, but choosing the right style is also another major box to check. After all, the right pair of sandals can either make or break your entire look.
From different models and types (flip-flops, mules, wedges, or strappy sandals) to a wide range of materials, textures, and embellishments (beads, feathers, or crystals), there are a lot of factors to consider before buying the perfect summer sandals. Also, not to add more pressure, but you cannot just randomly purchase a pair of sandals without knowing which trends are in and out in 2026.
Lucky for you, over the years, we have seen the evolution of luxury sandals from major fashion houses that not only offer a fabulous variety of styles for the summer but also come with their own unique flair and statement-making aesthetics.
Without further ado, here are the best summer sandals, complete with the latest trends, according to fashion insiders.
Mules Sandals
Right on top of the list are none other than this year’s favourites, designer mules. These types of sandals feature closed-toe in the front and completely open in the back, with no straps or constraints around the heel, which make them the perfect summer sandals that you can simply slip on without any hassle.
The 2026 summer sandals trends also emphasise greatly on comfort but still put focus on polished looks. As the summer season calls for travelling into sun-soaked destinations, a great pair of mules with woven textures, such as raffia, crochet, and braided leather textures will give you the much-needed resort-chic vibes. Brands like Prada and even Jacquemus have a fantastic selection that you can choose from.
Meanwhile, if you’re leaning toward something more retro but still comfortable on the feet, the low kitten-heel mules from Ganni and Bottega Veneta’s Cha Cha mules are the go-to. We also recommend Saint Laurent’s versatile mules, especially the Emilie and Franciane models, as they blend Parisian glamour with modern practicality seamlessly.
Wedges Sandals
From Gucci to Roger Vivier, there is always the perfect pair of designer wedges for everyone. These types of sandals have always been a summer fashion staple, as they allow you to walk comfortably on any surface while providing ergonomic arch support that elevates the heel without putting excessive pressure on your feet.
What are the latest trends for wedges in 2026? We’re excited to inform you that popular wedge styles have moved away from the chunky, ultra-high cork platforms we saw back in the 2000s. Instead, the latest designer wedges favour sleek and minimalist silhouettes, such as architectural thong wedges and sleek leather or suede slip-ons, which you can find in Ferragamo’s lineups.
Not only that, but we have also seen wedges crafted from streamlined materials, including smooth leather, soft suede, and woven raffia that will make you feel like you’re stepping on clouds. As seen on social media, wedges featuring playful materials like mesh panels, velvet, and metallic straps are now the top choice for evening wear or dressier occasions. Pick the ones that suit you best.
Straps Sandals
Of course, when the summer season calls, you can never go wrong with a sophisticated pair of strappy sandals. Not only do they look good with almost any outfit, from long summer dresses to shorts, jeans, or skirts, but strappy sandals also offer the perfect balance of minimalist elegance and foot support.
The latest trends, as seen on the fashion runways and social media, tell us that Greek-style strappy sandals are back once again, albeit with refined updates. From slim, delicate leather straps that focus on "barely there" minimalist aesthetics, strappy sandals from beloved brands like Jil Sander and Alaïa are dominating the conversation.
Want an extra oomph with your straps? Don’t worry, as we have seen plenty of beaded embellishments, braided textures, and woven details featured on designer strappy sandals, including those from Alexander McQueen and of course from the It brand Khaite, as seen in celebrities like Katie Holmes and Kendall Jenner.
Not only that, some designer brands, like Tory Burch, have added extra bling to their strappy sandals, including styles featuring decorative gold hardware, toe rings, or gemstone detailing that will definitely make you stand out.
Flip-Flops
We know what you must be thinking: flip-flops as a summer sandal trend? But yes, with the rise of this comfy and beloved sandal style, you can definitely wear designer flip-flops this summer and no one will bat an eyelash.
These designer flip-flops, technically known as thong sandals, feature a Y-shaped strap that passes between the first and second toes and no strap around the heel. What sets them apart from your regular flip-flops are the premium materials they are crafted from, their delicate silhouettes, and the minimalist aesthetic that transforms them into much more than just ordinary sandals.
Take The Row’s flip-flops, for example. The New York City-based brand has been giving a makeover to simple flip-flops, and now the world has finally caught up. What the internet calls the “upscale thong sandal,” The Row understands that when you combine everyday comfort sandals with high-end craftsmanship and sleek design, nothing is impossible.
The brand’s most popular flip-flops are their Ginza sandals, which feature a chunky, layered flatform sole made from premium leather and suede, providing a good balance of height while still maintaining an edgy and luxurious aesthetic. No wonder Hailey Bieber couldn’t get enough of them!
Other than The Row, we have also seen plenty of Casadei flip-flops. The premium Italian brand offers a wide range of flip-flops crafted by the house’s generational artisans and complemented by its signature design elements, including metallic blade details that elevate them to high-fashion glamour.
Fisherman Sandals
While fisherman sandals are bulkier than your average sleek summer footwear, make no mistake that they are quickly becoming a favorite among fashionistas for their sheer practicality. Combining leather construction with a sturdy design, fisherman sandals are distinguished by their caged or woven-strap silhouette, often complemented by an ankle buckle.
Having appeared in the summer sandal collections of many luxury fashion houses, from Valentino to Loewe and Chloé, fisherman sandals offer a distinctive style with the utmost comfort, allowing you to stroll through summer with ease. These sandals can also be paired effortlessly with all kinds of outfits, from tailored trousers, linen separates, and oversized summer blazers, to achieve that nonchalant summer look.
Did you know that fisherman sandals can be traced back to Ancient Rome and Egypt? They received their luxury update when brands like Prada and Bottega Veneta adopted them on their runways in the mid- 2000s and transformed them into everyday footwear essentials.
Now that you know the latest summer sandal trends, find the perfect designer pair only at MAYFEYR.
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