These Designer Sandals Have Outlived Every Summer Trend
Our take
The fleeting nature of trends is a constant conversation in the fashion world, and the recent spotlight on designer sandals that transcend seasonal shifts feels particularly resonant. It's a welcome counterpoint to the relentless churn of "must-have" items that often end up discarded after a single season. The article rightly points out the inherent value in investing in pieces that defy trend cycles—those that possess a timeless quality and versatility that allows them to be seamlessly integrated into a variety of wardrobes. We’ve long championed a similar philosophy, advocating for considered purchases over impulsive buys, as exemplified in our recent piece on My Summer Jewelry Capsule Has Just 3 Essential Necklaces. The idea isn't to eschew all trend-driven pieces, but to curate a foundation of enduring style that can be punctuated by seasonal accents. This shift in perspective—prioritizing quality and longevity—reflects a growing desire for conscious consumption within the fashion landscape.
The stigma surrounding "splurge purchases" is gradually eroding, replaced by a more sophisticated understanding of value. It's less about the price tag and more about the enduring investment. These sandals, capable of pairing with everything from denim to black-tie dresses, represent a practical luxury—a piece that delivers year after year, minimizing waste and maximizing style. This aligns with a broader cultural movement towards a “quiet luxury,” a rejection of ostentatious displays in favor of understated elegance and impeccable craftsmanship. Consider, too, the rising influence of individuals like Kendall Jenner, demonstrating how even athletic-inspired pieces, like those scrutinized in Not Track Shorts—The Coolest Girls Make the Sportif Trend Look Easy With These Leggings, can be elevated through thoughtful styling and a commitment to quality. The emphasis isn't on the brand logo, but on the overall aesthetic and the feeling of confidence the garment evokes.
This phenomenon also speaks to a broader reevaluation of what constitutes “style.” It’s moving away from chasing the latest micro-trend, and towards cultivating a personal aesthetic that feels authentic and enduring. The current emphasis on timeless pieces isn't simply a reaction to fast fashion's wasteful practices, but a recognition that true style is about more than fleeting popularity. It’s about expressing oneself through carefully chosen pieces that reflect one’s values and personality. The enduring appeal of these designer sandals, precisely because they've outlived every summer trend, serves as a powerful reminder of this principle. It reinforces the idea that investing in quality, versatility, and enduring design is ultimately more rewarding than chasing ephemeral fads – a perspective we also explored when discussing the enduring appeal of classic pieces, even when newer, more hyped alternatives arrive, as noted in Run, Don't Walk: Rihanna's Puma Sneakers Are Selling Fast During the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
Looking ahead, we anticipate a continued shift towards prioritizing craftsmanship and timelessness in fashion. The rise of resale platforms and the growing interest in vintage pieces further underscore this trend. Consumers are increasingly discerning, questioning the value of disposable fashion and seeking out pieces that offer both style and longevity. The question remains: will this movement extend beyond sandals and encompass other categories, fundamentally reshaping the way we approach our wardrobes and, ultimately, our relationship with fashion itself? It’s a development worth watching closely, as it has the potential to redefine the very concept of a “fashionable” life.
Some shoes are just worth the investment. Though you might not have wanted to hop on a trending shoe style with a hefty price tag when it first hit the runway, many have stood the test of time—and deserve to be treated as such.
There is somewhat of a stigma with making a splurge purchase when it comes to a sandal style, specifically. Perhaps it’s the truncated season during which they can be worn; or maybe it’s the thought that there’s literally less material involved in the production; regardless, it’s time to kick your preconceived notions—at least when it comes to the below styles.
These designer sandals have earned true cult status for a reason. They’ve been beaten into the ground, worn with everything from jean shorts to black-tie dresses, and lived through many sartorial trends that have long since come and gone. And they still look just as chic with everything you own, years later. In short, they’re champions. Stylish wardrobe workhorses, one might say.
Ahead, find the best designer sandals that are absolutely worth the investment. I promise, you won’t regret it.
These are my absolute ride-or-die sandals. Not only do I wear them absolutely everywhere, but they’re incredibly comfortable, classically understated, and—what’s more—they come in a range of colors and materials each season.
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the fisherman sandal is here to stay. And the popularity of this normcore sandal is largely due to The Row. Though they carry a high price tag, these sandals will last from early spring through late fall with ease.
Though Birkenstock gained popularity in the fashion girl wardrobe with its no-frills Arizona style, its high-fashion Birkenstock 1774 has brought some designer collaborations that are just as lust-worthy as they are limited. Next up: their collaboration with Repetto.
If you’re looking for a pair of sandals that exude luxury, Hermès is the only place to go. Their classic Oran slide sandals come in every color of the rainbow, denim, canvas, and more. They’re easy to wear, with an understated woven style that only those in the know realize is the Hermès “H.”
Designers have been trying to master the sporty Teva look for years, but few have hit the nail on the head quite like Miu Miu. With colorful ropes, they crafted a pair of kicks that looks just as preppy as they do athletic.
Though these Bottega slides haven’t been around nearly as long as the brand itself, they effortlessly incorporate the woven leather texture that is so iconic to the house.
Not only are these sandals more closed-toed than many others, but their navy suede material throws all rules of dressing out the window. With months of seasonal appropriateness ahead of the rest, we would venture to say that as long as there isn’t snow on the ground, you can probably make them work.
It's no surprise that the best minimalist sandals come from Jil Sander. Known for clean lines, a classic color palette, and seasonless styles, these kitten-heeled sandals check all the boxes and then some.
It’s hard to master a white sandal. Sure, they look great with a tan, but they also get dirty, scuffed, and stained at the drop of a hat. Prada’s thin-strapped style, elegantly tied in a knot, avoids most of those issues—and is dainty enough to pair with a festive dress as well.
Yes, it still counts as a sandal, even with a closed toe. After all, sometimes you just don’t have time for that pedicure, but you don’t want to slip into a full shoe. We love the delicate pink suede material (though it comes in other leathers as well), and they’re insanely comfortable.
For those dressier events, nothing beats the Jimmy Choo Jenn. With an elegant stiletto heel, this classic single-strap slingback nearly disappears so as not to compete with the black-tie dress you’ve paired it with.
We’re throwing it back to the early-aughts with this one, but there’s a reason that this sandal trend came back around for more. Toteme has cornered the market on heeled styles, which are now a must-have with midi skirts and tanks, as well as low-rise jeans and crisp white tees.
There’s something about the combination of the ankle strap, block heel, and toe-strap design that makes us feel like we’ve slipped into a vintage era. These sandals feel both youthful and sophisticated, walking the line of duality with ease.
Much like the debate over which direction is best when cutting a PB&J, an open-woven ballerina flat is both a shoe and a sandal. But, alas, it makes our MVP list for just that reason. This pair of skimmers will. Feel more supportive than the rest, and the best part is, it comes in a range of fun colors.
Saint Laurent has entered the lexicon of fashion and non-fashion people alike with this particular style. Despite the lack of a visible logo, these slide sandals are for those looking for a nod of understanding from those who pass them by.
Loewe makes a fantastic kitten heel. With a low height and a wide (yet flat) heel shape, you can walk miles in these sandals without losing pace.
With a caged design and ankle strap, this sandal was plucked straight from the 1920s, with a little inspiration from the minimalism of the ‘90s. This pair of sandals will take you from the office to dinner and then after-hours cocktails that follow. Even if you decide to change your clothes, your shoes will remain a constant.
Mules are another tricky style to master, especially when they have heels. Magda Butryn crafted the Goldilocks of heeled mule that we can’t get enough of, featuring high enough sides so that they stay on your feet with a vamp that dips low in the front to create an elegant shape.
You remember jellies from your childhood. Not only are they back (and have been for some time), but they haven’t quite been mastered until now. Instead of re-creating the juvenile style you remember from your elementary school wardrobe, they crafted an elegant mule, feeling much more Cinderella than Gymboree.
Dries Van Noten knows how to do sequins. On skirts, blazers, and—yes—sandals. Whether you’re heading out to a party and seeking a pair of flats, or simply want to add a little sparkle to your coffee run look, these are the summer sandals for you.
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