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As soon as the sunny days roll in, I’m ready to overhaul my "shoedrobe". Even in my hometown of Los Angeles, winter brings its fair share of chilly temps, so once the weather warms up, I’m more than happy to swap out my boots for shoes that keep me feeling breezy and cool all summer long. Cue a closet overflowing with sandals, flip-flops, lightweight sneakers, and other stylish warm-weather staples.
This year, I’m especially excited about the new crop of shoes hitting the interwebs. I’ll admit, the past few seasons have left me a little underwhelmed trend-wise—but 2025? Wow, wow, wow. From retro-inspired picks like jellies and slim sneakers to modern spins on fisherman sandals and Mary Janes, there’s no shortage of summer styles making a serious statement. Keep reading for my top picks for sandals, sneakers, and flats you need in your lineup. Breezy does it!
Best summer shoes, at a glance:
- Best toe-ring sandals: Franco Sarto Blair Platform Sandals, $99
- Best flip-flops: Vionic Flex 360 Adjustable Leather Thong Sandals, $125
- Best espadrille sandals: Madewell The Mira Espadrille Thong Sandals, $148
- Best strappy sandals: Cole Haan Flynn Strappy Sandals, $90
- Best wedge sandals: Dream Pairs Ankle-Strap Platform Wedge Sandals, $32
- Best Birkenstocks: Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle Sandals in Natural Leather Patent, $170
- Best platform sandals: Steve Madden Bigschmona Platform Sandals, $60
- Best fisherman sandals: Anthropologie Fisherman Sandals, $125
- Best ’90s throwback sandals: Dr. Scholl's Original Slides, $120
- Best retro sneakers: Puma Speedcat OG Sneakers, $100
- Best ballet sneakers: Viviaia Cristina Lace-Up Sneakerinas, $159
- Best jelly flats: Sam Edelman Michaela Jelly Mary Jane Flats, $50
- Best woven Mary Janes: Birdies The Hummingbird Flats, $150
Shop 13 of the best summer shoes

Best toe-ring sandals: Franco Sarto Blair Platform Sandals
$99
If you love wearing flip-flops but want something a little dressier, toe-ring sandals are a great option for your closet. This pair is crafted in luxe genuine leather, with wider toe straps that won't rub off the skin between your toes. (Trust me, that is never fun.) They're finished with criss-crossing straps across the vamp, gold stud details, and adjustable square buckle closures. I'm especially loving them in metallic silver, but they also come in black, ivory, and wine red.
Colors: 4 | Sizes: 5–11, with half sizes | Material: Leather
Best flip-flops: Vionic Flex 360 Adjustable Leather Thong Sandals
$125
Sometimes, flip-flops are just the easiest things to slip on before running out the door. In that case, it's nice to still have ones that make a little style statement—like this pair, which has wider straps and tonal buckles. They're finished with microfiber-wrapped EVA footbeds, and they have the brand's signature Vio Motion technology to keep your feet feeling comfortable and supported. They've even received the APMA Seal of Acceptance, so they're a great option if you suffer from conditions like plantar fasciitis.
Colors: 5 | Sizes: 5–12, with half sizes and wide widths | Material: Leather, microfiber-wrapped EVA

Best espadrille sandals: Madewell The Mira Espadrille Thong Sandals
$148
I've been wearing espadrilles every summer for the past 15 years, so I don't see myself stopping anytime soon. This year, I'm definitely adding these strappy espadrille sandals into my style rotation. I love the skinny wraparound straps, the grommet details, and the slight espadrille platform soles—all of which add up to sandals that can dress up even the most casual of summer outfits.
Colors: 3 | Available sizes: 5–12 | Material: Leather

Best strappy sandals: Cole Haan Flynn Strappy Sandals
$70
22% off
Strappy sandals are a great option for basically any warm-weather outfit. Wear them with jeans and tees, shorts and tanks, maxi dresses, sundresses ... you name it, they're going to pair with it. These ones have multiple slender straps across the vamp and adjustable buckled ankle straps, and they come in your choice of black, tan, or metallic gold.
Colors: 3 | Sizes: 5–11 | Material: Leather

Best wedge sandals: Dream Pairs Ankle-Strap Platform Wedge Sandals
$30
6% off
As a petite woman—I measure up to 4 feet 11 inches and three quarters on a good day—I'm always a fan of heels that get me over 5 feet. Bonus points for shoes that help support my formerly broken ankle, which means I'm always a fan of wedge sandals. These ones have wide straps across the toes and around the ankles, and three-inch cork wedges heels. Not only do they come in nine colors, but they're super affordable, which means I can buy multiple pairs without tons of sticker shock.
Colors: 9 | Sizes: 5–11, with half sizes | Material: Faux leather, thermoplastic rubber

Best Birkenstocks: Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle Sandals in Natural Leather Patent
$170
At this point, it's basically impossible not to see people wearing Birkenstocks in the summertime. I'm always on the lookout for a fresh take on the classic two-buckle silhouette, and this year, I'm loving them in glossy patent leather. While they come in a variety of colors, I'm definitely eyeing them in lavender. As with other Birkenstock styles, these sandals have contoured cork-latex footbeds that create custom support over time—so the more you wear them, the more comfortable they'll feel.
Colors: 5 | Sizes: 4–12.5, with half sizes | Material: Leather

Best platform sandals: Steve Madden Bigschmona Platform Sandals
$59
Chunky platform soles and adjustable Velcro straps lend these sandals a dose of retro-inspired flair. They have a gleaming gold turnlock detail on one strap, too. These are a great throw-on-and-go option when you have to run errands and don't want to put on sneakers.
Colors: 6 | Sizes: 5–11 | Material: Synthetic

Best fisherman sandals: Anthropologie Fisherman Sandals
$125
Fisherman sandals are currently taking the world by storm...or, should we say, making some waves? In any case, if you only add one new style of shoes to your summer closet, fisherman sandals should be high on your list. While the style was traditionally worn by—you guessed it—fisherman and sailors, the strappy, cage-like sandals have now entered the mainstream. I'm loving these Anthropologie fisherman sandals in every color, but especially cheetah print, since animal prints are always in season.
Colors: 7 | Sizes: 36–41 | Material: Leather
Best ’90s throwback sandals: Dr. Scholl's Original Slides
$119.99
When I was growing up, Dr. Scholl's slides were ev-ery-where. I love, love, LOVED them, and had them in multiple colors. Were the wooden soles sometimes a bit difficult to walk in? Sure. But were they *cool*? Absolutely. I love that they're back in style now, and am already envisioning teaming them with barrel jeans and a fitted tee.
Colors: 6 | Sizes: 5–11 | Material: Leather
Best retro sneakers: Puma Speedcat OG Sneakers
$100
Truthfully, I try not to wear sneakers in the summer—I just really dislike closing in my toes on a hot day. If I *have* to, though, I'm opting for a pair of sneakers like these suede Pumas. The slim, low-profile silhouette is so on trend right now, and the contrasting logo swoops at the sides give them such a bold flourish.
Colors: 9 | Sizes: 5.5–11 | Material: Leather

Best ballet sneakers: Viviaia Cristina Lace-Up Sneakerinas
$159
Even though I can't do a single pirouette or jeté, I still would love to pretend I could be a ballerina. At least these ballet sneakers will help me live out my best Center Stage dreams. The low-profile silhouette is designed in luxe, shiny satin, with satin ties that lace across the vamp. They're finished with elastic heels and triple-layer soles for added comfort. And the fact that they come in the season's it hue, butter yellow? Chef's kiss.
Colors: 5 | Sizes: 5–11, with half sizes | Material: Satin

Best jelly flats: Sam Edelman Michaela Jelly Mary Jane Flats
$50
Oh, jellies. I first wore these in the ’80s, and I gotta say—I'm actually so, so happy they're back in style. What better way to feel like a kid again? There are tons of jelly shoes on the market this summer, but I feel drawn to these Mary Janes (another of my favorite trends from my youth). They have square toes, adjustable buckled straps, and stacked heels—think jellies, but better. Am I buying every single color? Um, yes.
Colors: 6 | Sizes: 5–12 | Material: Polyvinyl Chloride

Best woven Mary Janes: Birdies The Hummingbird Flats
$150
As a self-professed Birdies stan (I already own and love the Starling), I certainly can't wait to rock these woven Mary Jane flats all summer. They're designed in loose, open-weave raffia that was handcradted in Tuscany, with soft mesh lining and elastic buckled straps. Plus, they feature the brand's Barefoot Ballerina Technology, which features seven layers of cloud-like comfort and fully flexible soles. Sign. Me. Up.
Colors: 6 | Sizes: 5–12, with half sizes | Material: Raffia
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