From Prada to J.Crew, Everyone is Weaving Raffia Into the Summer’s Chicest Sandals

Slide your way into this laid-back raffia sandal and you’ll instantly be met with its soft, cushioned footbed. They absolutely do not mean business—no, they mean to take you on a relaxing vacation and set your emails to OOO. According to ELLE’s accessories editor Madison Rexroat, they’re “playful yet chic and elevated, perfect for a summer day or running around.”

Sizes: 35-41

Colors: Black, Natural

Heel height: 0.4 inches

For what little effort it takes to slip into this shoe, it surely delivers a major impact in terms of style. Available in two colorways, the buckled beauty adds a casual touch to any summer ensemble. There’s padding underneath the straps, too, so you don’t have to worry about any skin rubbing against the straw-like feel of the raffia.

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Weathered Sand, Hickory Multi

Heel height: N/A

Customer review: “These sandals have such personality and are super comfortable. My shoe size is 8 1/2 medium width and they fit perfect. All straps are adjustable allowing for easy adjustment if desired.”

These editor-loved sandals received high praise from former senior content strategist Carine Lavache, who said, “he molded footbed makes me feel like I’m walking on clouds.” With just the right amount of platform to keep her off any questionable surfaces, the luxurious shoe has taken her from the office to dinner with friends.

Sizes: 6-11

Colors: 9 options

Heel height: 0.5 inches

Customer review: “I purchased these shoes in yellow and they are like walking on clouds!! Plus, I get more compliments on their unique cool style. They fit perfectly, are an all day comfort kind of shoe, and they make me smile every time I put them on!”

If you’re curious which shoe has caught ELLE’s digital director Claire Stern Milch’s attention as of late, it’s these Andrea Gomez platform sandals. “With a platform and a surprisingly walkable block heel, these sandals are my go-to for every summer function on the calendar,” she says. They’re inspired by the tropical backdrop of the designer’s native Venezuela and channel that quintessential vacation energy that we all crave once summer rolls around.

Sizes: 6-11

Colors: Brown, Blue

Heel height: 4.3 inches

When it comes to shoes (and leather craftsmanship), we trust the Italians. The Milan-born brand Paris Texas wove together raffia and leather to create this stylish slingback sandal. It embodies the essence of the Amalfi Coast—visually stunning yet physically demanding—hence the flat heel. A back buckle allows you to adjust the strap to your preference, too.

Sizes: 6-9

Colors: Naturale-Black

Heel height: 0.25 inches

So, you’re in need of a work-appropriate summer sandal that doesn’t look too casual or feel too stuffy. This Rebecca Minkoff option checks those boxes, offering a refined shoe that can do it all. The cuff ornament at the center adds a subtle visual accent, while a cushioned footbed softens every harsh impact with concrete floors.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Black, Natural

Heel height: 0.5 inches

According to senior fashion commerce editor Dale Arden Chong, “A flatform sandal is the perfect way to elongate your legs without compromising on your comfort.” Should your summer itinerary consist of days by a body of water, “these will go nicely with any beach cover-ups,” she continues. For your day-to-day, though, she recommends pairing these with some linen shorts and a button-down shirt.

Sizes: 6-10

Colors: Natural Woven Straw

Heel height: 3 inches

Manolo Blahnik may be best known for its feminine heels, but this black-and-cream sandal is just as alluring as any of its signature stilettos. The soft leather lining keeps your skin protected from any scratchy sensations the raffia may cause. It’s easy to slip into—and even easier to style—effortlessly adding a touch of elegance to your look.

Sizes: 6-13

Colors: Neutral, Pink

Heel height: 0.8 inches

A favorite of ELLE’s fashion editor, Carson Stannard, these Neous heels are worth your admiration, too. The strappy sandal features a short (a.k.a. easy-to-walk-in) heel with a raffia footbed. The design is minimal yet impactful, giving your look a sexy touch that doesn’t feel too loud or overpowering.

Sizes: 6-11

Colors: Chocolate

Heel height: 3 inches

As one of the designers responsible for raffia’s current popularity, Chloé deserves praise for creating this Isla Crocheted Raffia Mule. It’s rare to find a sandal where even the heel is wrapped in the woven material, making this a truly unique piece. A structured mesh sits at the top of the shoe, with Chloé’s logo discreetly stitched into the fabric.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Black, Beige

Heel height: 3 inches

These raffia sandals come with a little bit of flair, making them one of fashion news editor Alexandra Hildreth’s favorites. “Since Dries Van Noten is so great at everything, its footwear often gets overlooked. Raffia is a go-to during the summer, but there’s rarely a shoe that interprets it as freshly as Dries does here,” she says. The beaded fringe detail proves just how true her statement is.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Natural

Heel height: N/A

The fisherman sandal is another one of those quintessential summer shoes. Year after year, notable designers, like Prada and JW Anderson, create their own iterations of the easy-to-wear style. It should come as no surprise, then, that a shoe like this raffia fisherman sandal exists, blending two trends into one. The rich chocolate hue seen here is a refreshing change from the typical sandy color of raffia, too.

Sizes: 6-11

Colors: Brown

Heel height: 0.25 inches

Another shoe that blends two trends into one is this Braided Raffia Thong Sandal from Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn. It’s already been established that flip-flops are one of this season’s hottest summer shoes, and with a bit of raffia in the mix, you get a distinctly unique sandal at your feet. Made with a mix of leather, suede, and raffia, it doesn’t skimp on quality either.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Shell

Heel height: 0.75 inches

Handcrafted in Spain, the Alzira Raffia Sandal stands out with its square toe and webbed design. A buckled strap keeps your foot secure and safe from slipping. Similar to the Chloé option from earlier, raffia wraps around the heel—but this time, you’re not met with a sky-high platform, but rather a comfortable block heel that makes all-day wear easy.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Black

Heel height: N/A

You get both height and comfort with these Prada slides, making them an incredibly versatile pair. In fact, no vacation is complete without an easy slip-on shoe that takes you from the resort to the beach. The 1.38-inch platform is just tall enough to give you a little lift without compromising the safety of your ankles.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Naturale, Nero

Heel height: 1.38 inches