Summer is coming which means breezier clothes and open shoes. If you are ditching the boots, giving yourself a home pedicure and looking for sandals to keep your feet cooler while out and about, you will find all the best women’s sandals for summer below.
No matter whether you are looking for comfortable sandals for walking, a pair of stylish everyday sandals or dressier sandals with a little heel, you’ll find plenty of choices in this article.
What the best women’s sandals for summer are for you will depend on where you want to wear them, for how long, and for which activities. As well as, for example, your foot shape and width, and whether you need any arch support.
We’ve concentrated on the best women’s sandals styles for this summer, which are not only on trend now, but which are timeless enough to wear for many summers to come.
There are sandals below which will be good for sightseeing or just walking in your neighborhood, sandals to take you through from day to evening, and sandals which you should be able to walk for miles in without any discomfort.
Read more about the spring summer shoe 2023 trends for more tips and ideas.
How to choose the best women’s sandals for you
Before we look at some of the best sandals in stores for summer, let’s consider what to think about when choosing your sandals…
1. Buy the right size
It goes without saying that you need to find the right size for your feet for any pair of shoes. But if you choose an ill-fitting pair of sandals it can be more obvious given that you can see your feet.
Carmen @carmen_gimeno above chooses a pair of flip flops to go with her print maxi dress.
Check out this printed maxi dress (another option here) that you can wear with this similar pair of sandals (another option here) and handbag.
2. What material should you choose?
This is a personal preference. You may prefer a synthetic material. Or if you want a material with some give that will allow your feet to breathe, leather or suede will work.
3. Do you need support?
Just as with the rest of your shoes, it’s important you choose comfortable shoes. If you need arch support, opt for a pair of sandals which offer you that rather than a pair which are too flat. Most women over 40 benefit from sandals with more support, especially even if you plan on walking a lot this summer.
Similar dress and sun hat, Fly London Bani sandals
4. Choose sandals for your activity
There’s obviously a difference in the type of sandals you will need if you are heading out to for the evening, or if you are walking through the countryside. You may need several types of sandals.
Best women’s sandals for summer
Now let’s look at some sandal styles you could choose for the upcoming weeks.
1. Popular sandals: Best flip flops
I know flip flops are more usually associated with comfort rather than style.
But, perhaps it’s worth investing a little more in your flip flops for a look which offers both, so that you can easily go from beach to cocktail bar, or wherever else your vacation takes you.
The Miller flip flops from Tory Burch are a classic style from the brand which is on trend year after year. This style has more than 6,000 reviews on Nordstrom, with most giving five stars.
Tory Burch Miller Leather Sandal
Website / Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos
Or, you could try the Sam Edelman sandal (below) which has a minimal look because of the simple straps, and comes in a good choice of colors.
Sam Edelman Gigi Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos
Another totally timeless option is a pair of Havaianas like the ones below. These are ideal for popping on by the pool or on the beach.
Havaianas Slim Flip Flops
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos
2. Best women’s sandals for summer – wedge sandals
Wedge sandals offer the option of adding some height without adding the discomfort which can come from wearing heels.
I like wearing Fly London sandals with a feminine outfit. I love how the bulky wedges make outfits a little less girly and a bit more edgy. The shoes add extra height and are still super comfortable.
The T-bar sandals (below) are perforated and made of suede they feel cool to wear in summer.
They come in all kinds of colors too and I know several women who have this shoe in multiple colors.
When it comes to the best women’s sandals, they’re definitely my favorites. I’d love to hear yours.
Or, you could try the Yaco style (below) which comes in a choice of metallics or neutral shades.
Another classic option if you want a little height is the ECCO wedge sandal (below) which comes in a choice of neutral shades.
ECCO CORKSPHERE™ Flowt Wedge Cork Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon
The pair below from Eileen Fisher would look lovely worn with your white jeans. They also feature a cushioned insole for extra comfort in a range of neutral shades.
Eileen Fisher Weslia Espadrille Wedge Sandal
Similar dress, sandals and clutch
3. ESPADRILLES
Espadrilles are definitely a shoe choice for summer. You certainly wouldn’t want those soles to get wet, but they are perfect for the warmer, sunny months.
The CUSHIONAIRE espadrilles (below) will add a little height without wearing heels. They feature a cushioned insole so they should keep you comfy. I think they’d look great with crop flare pants or a maxi dress.
CUSHIONAIRE Mandy Cork Espadrille Wedge Sandal
Or, for a wedge, rather than a platform style of espadrille, you could try the sandals (below).
Bueno Jasmin Wedge Espadrille Sandal
Nordstrom / Zappos
4. Best slides for every day
There’s nothing that looks more carefree, or is easier to put on that a pair of slides. These are sure to appeal if you have a natural style personality like Jennifer Aniston.
Below are some more options you may like.
The Sam Edelman slides (below) look like a high-end designer pair and come in a huge array of color choices. Reviewers say they are comfortable and versatile.
Or you might like the minimal simplicity of the ANINE BING slides (below).
The Boden slides below have a designer feel, thankts to the horsebit styling at the front.
Boden Snaffle Trim Slider Sandals
Abi @stealmystyle40 above wears tan slides with her maxi dress.
Recreate her outfit with this similar dress (other options here and here), sandals and crossbody bag.
5. fisherman sandal
Fisherman style sandals are particularly on trend this season. Choose a neutral shade and they will go with all of your summer outfits.
Boden Traditional Fisherman Sandals
6. asymmetric STRAPS
Asymmetry looks very stylish on your clothes (take a look at this article on how to wear asymmetric clothes), and can look great on your shoes too.
Franco Sarto Glenni Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos
Bernardo Tia Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos
7. slingback platform
If you like the look of slides, but you want the security of a strap at the heel, then a pair of slingbacks could be the answer.
Nisolo Go-To Flatform Slingback Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos
Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion above (read her style interview here) chooses metallic slingbacks with her shorts.
Get her look with this similar top, shorts, sandals, belt and earrings.
8. strappy sandals
Strappy sandals are always on trend and are a great way to stay cool and comfortable during the warmer weather.
The AllSaints sandals (below) have an edgy feel to them because of the buckle detailing.
AllSaints Lore Strappy Sandal
Website / Nordstrom
Prefer metallic shoes? Here is our list of the best silver and gold shoes for women over 40.
Thicker straps are particularly on trend right now. The Massimo Dutti sandals (below) will go with everything in your summer closet.
Massimo Dutti Leather Flat Slider Sandals
For a timeless option, the Vince sandal (below) come in a wide range of colors and have a cork footbed for comfort.
Vince Lucila Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos
9. criss cross sandals
For a look that is a little edgier, you could try the Born sandals (below), which have a cushioned footbed, and come in black, cream or tan.
Børn Imani Crisscross Strappy Sandal
Website / Nordstrom / Zappos
10. two strap sandals
For a colorful choice, you could try the Boden two-strap sandals (below). Keep the rest of your look neutral and let your sandals be the star of your outfit.
Dawn Lucy @fashionshouldbefun above (read her style interview here) wears cushioned two-strap sandals with her summer dress.
She is wearing a pair of sandals from Jambu & Co. sandals, dress from Billabong and denim jacket from Riders by Lee Indigo. Check out this similar tote and earrings to complete the look.
11. chunky sandals
Sandals with chunky straps are also on-trend at the moment. You can wear with your shorts or cropped pants, or to contrast with your more feminine summer dresses.
Comfortable women’s sandals
If you are looking for sandals because you like walking at home or you like sightseeing, then you will need a comfortable pair of sandals to make sure you can walk all day without getting sore feet.
There are plenty of comfort options above. Below you will find more of the best comfy sandals for walking to choose this summer.
1. sandals with arch support
Birkenstock is often recommended by podiatrists if you need additional support because its sandals feature a contoured footbed.
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal
Nordstrom / Zappos
As an alternative, you could also look at the CUSHIONAIRE sandals (below) from Amazon which have suede insoles to form a contour of the foot when they are worn in. Reviewers say they are super comfortable, but advise sizing up.
CUSHIONAIRE Leah Cork Footbed Sandal with + Comfort
Vionic is another good comfort brand to choose. The toe loop sandal (below) have the look of flip flops with a contoured footbed.
Vionic Ella Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos
Another style you could choose is a slingback. These are great if you like sliders but find them tricky to wear because they don’t have a back. The heel strap will keep your sandals secure.
Dr. Scholl’s Islander Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos
Also take a look at our list of the best shoes with arch support for more comfort options.
Karen @styledbykaren above wears her Birkenstock style sandals with shorts.
Recreate her outfit with this similar top (another option here), linen shorts and sandals.
2. Sandals with a little heel – dressier sandals
If you want a sandal that looks a little dressier – perhaps to go with a dress, or for a more formal occasion, then you may prefer to look for a more versatile sandal, with a small heel.
There are more heeled options for you below, which all feature either a block heel, or a relatively low heel that won’t be uncomfortable to walk in.
If you want a very subtle heel, the block heels below are classic choices that you could dress up or down.
Naturalizer Vera Sandal
Website / Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos
Vionic Isadora Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos
Steve Madden Audrina Ankle Strap Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos
Sam Edelman Wilson Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos
For edgier options you could try the gold sandals from Zadig & Voltaire, or a pair of strappy heels from COS.
Zadig & Voltaire Cecelia Caprese Block Heel Asymmetric Sandal
Check out our list of the best plantar fasciitis shoes for women over 40 for more options.
3. Walking sandals for women
It may be that you are doing some serious sightseeing. In which case, you may want to choose a pair of sandals especially designed for walking or hiking, like the Skechers sandal (below).
Skechers On-The-Go 600-Brilliancy Sport Sandal
Amazon / Zappos
Another good choice for some serious walking, or if you are doing anything like rafting are these Teva sandals. As well as being practical, they also happen to look very trendy for 2023.
Teva Tirra Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos
Claudia @glamupyourlifestyle above (read her style interview here) matches her sandals to her jeans.
Steal her look with this similar tank top, shirt, jeans, sandals (another option here), necklace and bag.
4. Transitional sandals
If the weather is changeable where you are, a pair of sandals which are a kind of bootie-sandal hybrid can look perfect with your outfits. Take a look at the choices below.
The peep toe sandal (below) comes in a choice of black or different shades of tan. They would look good with your summer dresses and a moto jacket for transitional weather.
Paul Green Cayanne Peep Toe Sandal
Lucky Brand Rhazy Slingback Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon
Blondo Marie Peep Toe Bootie
Nordstrom / Zappos
For a flat choice, you could try the Blowfish sandals (below) which feature a very small wedge. You can choose from many colors, and reviewers say they get lots of compliments when they wear them.
Blowfish Malibu Balla Core Sandal
Or, the Söfft sandals (below) have a very small heel.
Söfft Natalia Sandals
Amazon / Zappos
Fonsa @savvysouthernchic above wears her peep toe sandals with white jeans.
Get her look with this similar jacket, top, skinny jeans, open toe booties, bag and earrings.
6. Sandals with a covered toe
Perhaps you aren’t keen on sandals because you don’t like to show off your toes. A pair of sandals that are strappy but yet have a covered toe will still keep you cool for summer.
Massimo Dutti Leather Cage Sandals
AllSaints Nessie Leather Sandals
shop the best women’s sandals featured below:
What do you consider the best women’s sandals for summer? Do you have any favorite brands or a pair you wear summer after summer? Let me know in the comments below.
Continue reading:
- What To Wear In Summer – My Top 10 Tips & Tricks
- Best Shoes With Arch Support – Comfortable Walking Shoes To Walk In All Day!
- The Best Plantar Fasciitis Shoes For Women Over 40
- The Most Comfortable Walking Shoes For The Stylish Woman
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Feature image by Abi @stealmystyle40
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I’m struggling to find cute sandals this year. The platform sandal is everywhere this year, but it’s too chunky for me. I did find a dressy pair of white flip flops on Amazon, and I love them! They have a small heel, which I love. Now I just need a more casual pair . . .
Never in a million years did I think you would feature me in this article. I hate flat shoes and in summer I always get blisters with every kind of shoe or sandal. It is really hard for me to find something I like. On the upside, it is never really warm for a long time here, so what I’ve got doesn’t get worn out easily haha.
Greetje
I’ve worn baretraps jonelle sandals for years. They are comfortable for walking and the thong keeps my arches stable. My first pair was silver which made any clothing look just a little classier. No silver this year so I’ve got red ones and love them to bits.
Ladies, spend the money and buy yourself one good sandle this summer! So much better for your feet! I will be buying a SAS sandle this summer. Maybe two, I was really surprised women thought these shoes were dowdy, I’m unable to wear heels any longer. I must use a walker and I’m only in my mid-fifties so perhaps my idea of dowdy is different from the mainstream. Every day is a gift and no body is guareented tomorrow!
Thank you, Lise,
I look forward to your articles. These are great suggestions,
I’m always on the hunt for comfort shoes. My latest purchase were two pairs of Pikolinos. They’re a bit pricy, but worth it and they will not fall out of fashion.
I’d only where the first sandal. There’s a lot cuter ones out there than the others
They all appear comfortable and the comfortiva look cute. But there are so many cute and comfortable sandals on the market that your could have shown. In my opinion a lot of the above pairs are quite dowdy and would make me appear older. I am 53. One brand I love is the Munro Willa sandal. Instant comfort, heel, and a bit sexy. I wore these for hours my first time with no pain (plantar fascia) and no blisters. Great walking shoe.
I agree with you. I’m 76y.o. and I think the only pair I would wear are the Fit Flops. Most are frumpy
I love most of the styles. I wish you could have also shown us similar styles that cost less. I’m a retired teacher and I can’t afford this expensive of a shoe anymore. Love your site!
I love Clark’s sandals. They have good arch support for me and feel so comfy. There are many styles under $40 at Amazon.
What a great selection! Thank you. Lise
Thanks Lise – I’m definitely going to treat myself to one new pair this summer! I just can’t decide which ones!