Fashion has a funny way of turning yesterday’s fashion faux pas into today’s must-haves. This summer, the sandal styles once dismissed as ‘uncool’ are making a spectacular comeback.
From chunky flip-flops to kitten heel thongs, these formerly overlooked footwear options are now gracing the feet of trendsetters everywhere. Get ready to embrace the unexpected as we explore the sandals that are redefining summer style.
1. ALOHAS Tess Flip Flop
Remember those basic rubber flip-flops everyone wore to the pool? The ALOHAS Tess takes that nostalgic silhouette and elevates it to runway status. Crafted from premium materials with a chic squared toe and minimalist straps, these aren’t your average beach sandals.
Fashion insiders are pairing them with everything from flowy summer dresses to tailored trousers. The subtle platform adds just enough height without sacrificing comfort.
Available in neutral tones like butter cream and chocolate, these flip-flops prove that sometimes the simplest designs make the boldest statement. Who knew the humble flip-flop would become this season’s it-shoe?
2. Jeffrey Campbell Honey-Bun Sandal
Puffy, cloud-like straps once seemed too quirky for mainstream fashion, but Jeffrey Campbell’s Honey-Bun sandals have changed the game entirely. These pillowy slides feature marshmallow-soft padding that makes every step feel like walking on air.
Fashion editors have dubbed them ‘comfort couture’ – the perfect blend of style and practicality. The exaggerated cushioning creates a sculptural silhouette that adds unexpected drama to casual outfits.
Originally dismissed as too bulky or unconventional, these padded wonders now command attention on social media and city streets alike. Their playful volume offers a refreshing alternative to the minimalist sandals that dominated previous seasons.
3. Miu Miu Leather Thong Sandals
Flip-flops at a luxury price point? Miu Miu boldly reimagined the casual beach staple as a high-fashion statement. These refined thong sandals feature buttery-soft leather with the brand’s signature craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The magic lies in their versatility – they work equally well with distressed denim or a silk slip dress. Fashion insiders particularly love the subtle branding and clean lines that elevate an otherwise simple design.
What makes these special is how they bridge the gap between casual and luxury. Once considered too informal for fashion-forward outfits, thong sandals have completed their transformation from beach essential to style staple thanks to interpretations like Miu Miu’s.
4. Ferragamo Lyrai Sandal
Chunky tourist sandals get a luxurious makeover with Ferragamo’s Lyrai. These bold footbed sandals combine the practicality of orthopedic shoes with the prestige of Italian craftsmanship – a combination no one saw coming.
The substantial sole provides actual support while the premium leather straps and signature hardware add unmistakable elegance. Fashion rebels are wearing them with everything from flowing maxi dresses to tailored suits.
What’s revolutionary about the Lyrai is how it challenges conventional beauty standards in footwear. Ferragamo has transformed the once-mocked ‘comfort sandal’ silhouette into something genuinely desirable, proving that function and fashion aren’t mutually exclusive. The chunky profile even adds an edgy, contemporary element to classic outfits.
5. Open Edit Tori Kitten Heel Sandal
Kitten heels were once dismissed as outdated or matronly, but Open Edit’s Tori sandal proves they’re anything but. The modest heel height – just under two inches – offers the perfect compromise between flats and stilettos for all-day wearability.
Sleek straps create a minimalist profile that works for both office settings and weekend brunches. The squared toe adds a contemporary edge that distinguishes these from the kitten heels of decades past.
Fashion enthusiasts appreciate how these sandals solve the summer footwear dilemma: they’re dressy enough for special occasions yet comfortable enough for extended wear. Their understated elegance makes them incredibly versatile, easily transitioning from day to night without missing a beat.
6. A.Emery Hardie Leather Thong Sandals
Minimalism reaches new heights with A.Emery’s Hardie sandals. These ultra-thin strapped thongs represent a stark departure from chunky, embellished footwear, focusing instead on quality materials and clean lines.
Handcrafted from Italian leather, they feature barely-there straps that create an elongating effect on the foot. The neutral color options make them virtually disappear, giving the illusion of barefoot elegance.
Fashion minimalists adore their versatility – they’re essentially the summer equivalent of a capsule wardrobe staple. Once considered too plain to be fashionable, these pared-back sandals now symbolize effortless sophistication. Their subtle presence allows other elements of an outfit to shine while still making a quiet style statement.
7. Marc Fisher LTD Amelea Flip Flop
Square toes are having a major moment, and Marc Fisher’s Amelea flip-flops perfectly capture this retro-inspired trend. The geometric toe box creates an architectural element that transforms the casual flip-flop into something much more deliberate and design-focused.
Surprisingly versatile, these sandals pair beautifully with both structured and flowing pieces. The padded footbed offers comfort that belies their sleek appearance – a hidden benefit that loyal wearers rave about.
Fashion historians note that these square-toed flip-flops actually reference 1990s minimalism, making them both nostalgic and forward-looking. Their accessible price point has made them a gateway item for those experimenting with the squared-toe trend before investing in pricier designer versions.
8. Loeffler Randall Odessa Sandal
Braided straps bring unexpected texture to Loeffler Randall’s Odessa sandals. This artisanal detail transforms what could be a basic slide into something special – the intricate weaving technique showcases both craftsmanship and creativity.
The woven elements create visual interest while the flat sole maintains practicality for everyday wear. Available in both neutral tones and vibrant colors, they offer something for both minimalists and maximalists alike.
Style-conscious shoppers appreciate how these sandals reference traditional crafting techniques while feeling thoroughly modern. Once considered too bohemian for sophisticated outfits, braided details have evolved into a signifier of artisanal luxury. The Odessa perfectly balances casual comfort with refined design elements.
9. TOTEME Kitten Heel Flip Flop
Swedish brand TOTEME has revolutionized the humble flip-flop by adding an unexpected element – a sleek kitten heel. This surprising combination creates a hybrid that’s both casual and sophisticated, challenging our preconceptions about appropriate footwear categories.
The thin heel adds just enough elevation to change your posture and outfit proportions without sacrificing walkability. Fashion editors love styling them with tailored pieces for an interesting high-low contrast.
Their genius lies in versatility – they work for beach days that transition to evening events without a wardrobe change. Once considered a fashion contradiction, these heeled flip-flops represent how contemporary style increasingly blends formerly separate categories, creating something entirely new and desirable.
10. Gianvito Rossi Suede Thong Sandals
Luxury gets redefined with Gianvito Rossi’s take on the thong sandal. Crafted from buttery suede in rich, saturated colors, these elevated flip-flops bring unexpected opulence to a traditionally casual silhouette.
The expertly shaped footbed molds to your feet while maintaining a slim, elegant profile. Fashion insiders particularly love the jewel-toned options for adding a pop of color to neutral summer outfits.
What’s remarkable is how these sandals maintain the ease of a flip-flop while looking appropriate for upscale settings. Once relegated to beach vacations only, thong sandals have transcended their casual origins thanks to luxury interpretations like these. The contrast between the familiar shape and premium materials creates an intriguing fashion statement.
11. Toteme Suede Thong Sandals
Monochromatic magic defines Toteme’s approach to the thong sandal. These understated beauties feature matching suede straps and footbeds in perfect color harmony, creating a seamless look that elongates the foot.
The barely-there design philosophy prioritizes clean lines and quality materials over flashy embellishments. Fashion minimalists appreciate their quiet luxury – they whisper rather than shout.
What makes these sandals special is their chameleon-like ability to complement any outfit without competing for attention. Once considered too plain or boring, these monochrome sandals now represent the height of sophisticated restraint. Their subtle elegance has made them favorites among those who embrace the ‘less is more’ aesthetic.
12. Mango Wedge Flip Flops
Wedges meet flip-flops in Mango’s brilliant hybrid creation. These elevated thongs feature a moderate wedge heel that adds height without sacrificing stability – the perfect solution for those seeking comfort with a bit of lift.
The wide range of colors and materials makes them accessible to various style preferences. Budget-conscious fashion lovers appreciate that these affordable sandals capture runway trends without the designer price tag.
Particularly genius is how they solve the flip-flop formality problem – the wedge instantly elevates the casual silhouette to make it appropriate for restaurant dinners and outdoor parties. Once dismissed as neither comfortable enough for casual wear nor polished enough for dressier occasions, these wedge flip-flops brilliantly bridge that gap.
13. Tony Bianco Topaz Thong Heels
Barely-there straps create ethereal elegance in Tony Bianco’s Topaz heels. These delicate sandals feature whisper-thin thong straps that seem to float on the foot, creating a minimalist silhouette that’s unexpectedly striking.
The higher heel transforms the casual thong design into something suitable for formal occasions. Fashion risk-takers love pairing them with structured pieces for an interesting contrast between delicate and bold.
Their visual lightness makes them especially flattering, as the minimal coverage creates the illusion of longer legs. Once considered too insubstantial to be taken seriously, these barely-there designs now represent the height of refined summer style. The Topaz proves that sometimes the most impactful design choice is restraint.
14. Jeffrey Campbell Preciosa Sandals
Rhinestones and crystals transform basic slides into statement pieces with Jeffrey Campbell’s Preciosa sandals. These bejeweled beauties bring unexpected sparkle to daytime wear – a departure from the rule that sparkly footwear belongs only to evening events.
The flat sole keeps them grounded in practicality while the crystalline embellishments add unmistakable glamour. Style rebels love wearing them to casual brunches for an unexpected touch of sparkle.
What makes them revolutionary is how they challenge conventional wisdom about appropriate times for glitz. Once relegated to special occasions only, crystal-adorned shoes now brighten everyday outfits thanks to casual interpretations like these. The contrast between the practical slide silhouette and the eye-catching embellishments creates a playful fashion statement.