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Behold: The Only Shoes You Need in Your Summer Wardrobe

You’ll be hard-pressed to find an outfit these won’t go with.

By Ashley Achenbach and
summer shoes
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Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

As summer slowly rolls in, it’s time to step into the season with style. With an array of choices that range from chic to casual, finding the perfect summer shoes to complete your seasonal wardrobe can be an adventure in itself. From beachside strolls to city escapades, the right pair of sandals should add flair to your look while ensuring comfort during those gloriously long, sun-drenched days.

From essential flip-flops to trendy platforms, our curated collection of summer footwear encompasses a diverse range of styles to suit every taste and occasion. Among this year’s biggest trends, you’ll find metallic sneakers, comfortable flats, and more stylish sandals than one person could possibly wear—but we’re up for that challenge. Ahead, browse 25 pairs of shoes that are perfect for your summer ahead.

The Dressy Sandal

Tony Bianco Caprice Heel

Caprice Heel

Every closet needs at least one pair of do-it-all sandals. These strappy black heels from Tony Bianco are elegant enough to always be event-ready, yet classic enough to pair with everyday denim.

Sizes: 5-10

Colors: Black, White, Acid Green, Skin Capretto, Acid Pink

Material: Leather

An Espadrille Wedge

Larroude Poppy Espadrille

Poppy Espadrille

Beachside boardwalks and espadrilles belong together. These wedges (beloved by Kate Middleton) provide just the right amount of height without sacrificing comfort.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: White

Material: Raffia, fabric

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The Slingback Shoe

Tory Burch Pierced Slingback

Pierced Slingback

Red is the color of 2024, and these shoes are fresh off the runway, complete with trendy metallic accents.

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Plum, Black, Cream Corn

Material: Leather, chrome

The Block Heel

M. Gemi The Lizza Nuova

The Lizza Nuova

If stilettos frighten you as much as they do me, take my word for it: A sturdy block-heel sandal will save you needless ankle pain. This black pair looks luxe yet casual.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Black, Sand, Navy Suede, Black Suede, Sandstone Suede, Silver, Warm Gold

Material: Leather

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The Raffia Slide

Bottega Veneta Jack Espadrille

Jack Espadrille

Whether dressed up with a skirt or down with cutoff shorts à la Hailey Bieber, these espadrilles are reliably versatile, supportive, and chic.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Cane Sugar

Material: Jute

The Pointed Toe Mule

Vivaia Yaffa Pointed-Toe Knot Sandals

Yaffa Pointed-Toe Knot Sandals

If you tend to suffer from shoe-inflicted heel abrasions, these flat mules are the ideal alternative. Backless but close-toed, they’re a business-casual favorite for warmer months.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: 6 options

Material: Elastic, recycled plastics, rubber

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The Pastel Pump

Zimmermann Aura Mule 65

Aura Mule 65

Summer is usually open-toe season, but there are always a few occasions that warrant covering up. Zhuzh up your favorite pair of pumps with an adventurous hue for the season.

Sizes: 6-11

Colors: Lemondrop

Material: Leather

The Pool Slide

Havaianas You Milan Sandal

You Milan Sandal

These padded slides are luxuriously comfortable, and they’re tough enough to take on sand, saltwater, and chlorine without complaint.

Sizes: 35-42

Colors: Black, Rose Gold

Material: Faux leather, rubber

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The Gladiator Sandal

Dr. Martens Blaire Sandal

Blaire Sandal

The gladiator sandal is back for summer 2024. In this case, with a leather feature and minimal detail.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: White, Black

Material: Hydro

The Flatform

Steve Madden Karis

Karis

A staple style reminiscent of a ’90s Olsen twin, these edgy platforms are meant to merge chic nostalgia with laidback ease.

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Black, Bone, Raffia

Material: Synthetic upper, vegan leather

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The White Sneaker

Vince Leather Warren Sneaker

Leather Warren Sneaker

A versatile white sneaker is eternally useful, but especially so in the summer. ’Tis the season for wearing white!

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Plaster

Material: Leather

The Neutral Heel

Vince Alina Leather Heeled Thong Sandal

Alina Leather Heeled Thong Sandal

Chances are you already have a beloved pair of white sandals on your shoe rack, but if you’re looking to invest in a crisp new pair for summer, this one never gets old.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Moonlight, Black

Material: Leather

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The Cotton Loafer

Prada Saint Tropez Cotton Slip-On Sneakers

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Saint Tropez Cotton Slip-On Sneakers

Give me the viral Prada loafers—but make it summer. These cotton loafers were made for days at the yacht club.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Naturale

Material: Cotton, rubber

The Lifestyle Sandal

Simon Miller Cro Slide

Cro Slide

These chunky slides go beyond your average summer raffia—match them with a white summer sundress or a pair of cutoff denim shorts.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Natural, Black

Material: Synthetic, textile, leather

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The Thong Sandal

Gucci Marmont Logo-Embellished Leather Sandals

Marmont Logo-Embellished Leather Sandals

The tried-and-true flip-flop is a staple sure to transcend trends. Elevate yours with a Gucci logo in gold.

Sizes: 4-12

Colors: Black, White

Material: Calf leather

The Dad Shoe

New Balance Unisex 574s

Unisex 574s

Hit the trails, board a flight, or tackle even the longest of theme park days in a trusty pair of New Balances. This vibrant hue makes these ideal for summer.

Sizes: 5.5-13.5

Colors: Gulf Red, Chive, Sea Salt

Material: EVA foam, polyurethane, mesh, suede

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The Heeled Mule

Dolce Vita Nitro Heels

Nitro Heels

Stay in a seaside state of mind with these woven, beach-inspired sandals. The lightly cushioned footbed and slip-on style make them an easy accessory to sweeten up any summertime look.

Sizes: 6-10

Colors: Natural, Black, Mint, Seaglass, White, Yellow, Vanilla

Material: Raffia, recycled synthetic

The Durable Slide

Birkenstock Arizona Essential

Arizona Essential

There’s a reason why they’re the unofficial shoe of the summer: Birkenstocks have been battle-tested by a very ardent fan base. This waterproof pair has the ability to survive sun and splash.

Sizes: 4-12.5

Colors: 11 options

Material: EVA

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The Kitten Heel

Staud Simone Crochet Heel Cream

Simone Crochet Heel Cream

The simple joys of a good slip-on? Zero effort and maximum comfort. Fashion-forward, convenient, and easy to pair with any summer outfit.

Sizes: 35-42

Colors: Cream

Material: Crochet, wood

The Espadrille Flat

Loeffler Randall Kayla Flat Espadrille

Kayla Flat Espadrille

If you’d rather not toddle in wedges, an espadrille flat is the next best move.

Sizes: 6-10

Colors: Caramel, Black

Material: Mesh, leather, rubber

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