Dad sandals are the new ‘ugly’ shoe the fashion world can't get enough of

A few seasons ago, we were preaching the wonders of a certain chunky trainer to a particularly tough crowd. Today, we're doing the same; welcome, dad sandals. 

Dad sneakers eventually had - and are still having - their day, with even the biggest naysayers swaying eventually towards the leg-lengthening, height-enhancing, nostalgic-to-the-point-of-ironic trainers (cough, Balenciaga, cough). Now everyone is comfortably on board with those, the fashion world has decided to pull the rug out from under your chunky trainers and throw you another sartorial quandary. But fear not, if you mastered the aforementioned kicks you can absolutely get on with their summer counterpart. 

Probably exactly what you're picturing, dad sandals are much like those pairs you'd see on middle-aged, male hikers. Often with socks (which, I'm afraid, we're not opposed to either) and perfect for pairing with your new summer dresses, high waisted jeans or bikinis. Think supportive straps, velcro fastenings, slightly foam-y soles or chunky platforms… or all four.

13 best denim shorts for women to live in this summer and beyond

13 Photos

By Georgia Trodd and Emma Spedding

View Gallery

But which are actually chic, and which are reserved purely for the hikers? The good news is you can't really get it wrong. Similarly to the way 'geek chic' came about in the early 2000s, or chunky black boots a few winters just gone, the more obscure and 'uncool' a pair, the higher it scores on the sartorial scale. We're all about the weird and wonderful these days.

You could go v #fashun, and snap up a pair by Balenciaga or Gucci - that'll guarantee serious Insta cred - or by fashion-forward high street retailers like M&S and Topshop.