With every season there comes along a shoe trend so perfect that everywhere from the runway to the high-street rushes to release their own. Last autumn gave us the chunky loafer, then winter was all about the party platform, and spring was a moment for the fisherman sandal to make yet another appearance, but in amongst the plethora of stylish options for summer, there is a strong contender that has been quietly moving its way up the ranks. It is the flip-flop, but not as you know it.
Far from the foam soled, plastic strapped sandal from holidays of yesteryear, the flip-flop has had a luxurious upgrade.Think premium leather slip ons with a micro kitten heel for a little elegant uplift. And if you weren’t already convinced, the shoe is getting the celebrity stamp of approval too.
Proving that these are the current shoes to be seen in, Rachel Stevens stepped out in not one, but two pairs of the heeled thong sandals in recent days, pairing a black mule with one of team Who What Wear’s favourite Sleeper Dresses, and the Dear Frances Wrap Sandal with a Nobody’s Child linen dress perfect for summer. In fact, an airy midi + a heeled flip-flop might just be the easy summer outfit equation we’ve been searching for (and just in time for a heatwave no less).
And it isn’t just Rachel putting her best foot forward in these sandals, when trendsetter and all round icon Sienna Miller stepped out onto the streets of NYC in a white, ruched dress and thong heels, we were treated to a masterclass in how to wear the shoe for evening too, so you needn’t worry about how long your feet can stand a strappy stiletto, this is a wearable trend that we can get behind.
Chicer than beach-ready flip-flops, but still the ideal hot-weather option for summer in the city, this versatile shoe is like the cooler sister of the strappy sandal, and is popping up everywhere for good reason. Wear with a light dresses, shirts & shorts, wide legged linen, in fact, anything you’d wear your regular flats with–and as Sienna has proven, they’re equally good with event dresses, so that’s wedding season sorted.
Keep scrolling to shop our edit of the best heeled thong sandals on the market now.
Next Up, 10 Major Shoe Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Autumn