Long sunny days and beer gardens are finally here, and with them a fancy summer shoe’drobe.
Sure, temperatures might be increasingly (albeit fairly slowly) on the rise right now, and the thought of swapping out your comfy trainers to slinky sandals might seem fill you with some dread. However, with months of wear yet to come, you can still treat yourself to some new summer shoes should you wish to. But which pairs are worth spending your money on and will still feel relevant next summer (and every summer that follows)? Well, I have the answer.
Simple shoes always look the most premium.
In my tenure as a fashion editor, I’ve discovered the secret behind expensive-looking summer shoes, and it’s to avoid anything too trend led. Uncomplicated silhouettes, neutral palettes and no-fuss detailing will always win out over of-the-moment colours and treatments. They might not be as alluring as rhinestones, but classic shoes will stand the test of time and go with practically everything you own, which is a boost.
So which expensive-looking summer shoes do I recommend? I’m glad you asked, for I’ve found eight styles that fit the bill. Scroll on to see them in action on the feet of stylish influencers, then shop my edit of the best high-street options in each category.
Style Notes: Sliders are a key sandal style for summer. It has proven its worth over the past few years, having never wavered in being in style. Right now, I keep seeing styles with H-shaped bands across the toe, which I’m putting down to the influence of Hermès Orans.
This chic pair also comes in staple black.
These will instantly elevate any dress or linen trouser look.
A great price!
Style Notes: Sexy but chic, sandals with minimal, floss-like straps that tie around the ankle are a must-have this season. Personally, I prefer them in black for a classic feel, but there really is no limit to the colours currently on offer.
I swear H&M create the most comfortable heels.
Get ready for Barbie summer!
Chic, chic, chic.
Style Notes: I know you’re currently dreaming of beach days, but if you think ahead to the end of August, you’ll likely be looking for a transitional shoe option to carry you through until autumn. Allow me to present Western boots, which have long surpassed their trendy label and our now firm favourites in a fashion person’s wardrobe. Plus, they look so good with a slinky midi or pretty mini dress.
This sandy shade will go with so many colours.
It’s giving cool girl.
I’m picturing these with a black mini dress.
Style Notes: If there’s one shoe brand that’s dominating right now, our editors agree that it’s Birkenstock. The strappy sandals will always be a mainstay in our wardrobes, but those in the know are favouring the Boston clogs. Now, lots of other brands are serving up their own suede mules.
You can’t go wrong with the OG.
The perfect summer shoe exists, and it’s these.
So comfy.
Style Notes: We have The Row to thank for the revival of the ’90s-style platform thong sandals that have been at the top of the summer shoe agenda for years now. Significantly sleeker than they were 25 years ago, modern-day iterations centre around thick leather straps in either black, white or tan for timeless appeal.
Our editors really rate this frugal pair.
From brunch to the beach, these sandals will have you covered.
So chic when worn with neutrals.
Style Notes: Some of the more divisive shoes on my list (or in any shoe round-up) are kitten-heel slingbacks. Kitten heels have sparked enough debate on their own, let alone with the once-outdated slingback strap to the back. Together, however, they create a shoe style that feels fresh and that fashion people are finding impossible to resist.
I own this pair and always get so many compliments when I wear them.
Another gorgeous & Other Stories pair.
Just so elegant.
Style Notes: If you’ve already invested in the fisherman-sandal trend, then you’ll be pleased to hear they’re still very much a thing and will loan themselves especially well to wearing in autumn, as they also look great styled with chunky socks.
These look three times the price.
A statement shoe.
If you’re not a fan of the chunky style, opt for these.
Style Notes: Ballet flats are a year-round shoe solution, but it’s one I think serves its purpose in summer. With a soft silhouette, they pair just as well with lightweight dresses and skirts as they do with jeans, making for a versatile option you can throw on and go.
Look for styles with elastic straps for a cool spin.
Ballerina pumps of dreams.
So cute.
This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated
