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Finding the best sandals for women every summer is like winning the fashion lottery. Let's face it, they're not exactly the easiest purchase to make thanks to a series of boxes that need to be ticked: will they suit more than one occasion, do they go with multiple outfits, how comfortable are they on a scale of one to ten?
Their staple status is confirmed year after year as they grace the spring/summer runways of Chanel, Victoria Beckham, McQueen, Jean Paul Gaultier etc., making them a non-negotiable in the wardrobes of every woman regardless of the time of year/how many holidays are on the cards. With that in mind, sourcing a pair of summer sandals has never been more essential. Luckily, I happen to know exactly which styles are the easiest to covet. The good news? There are 7 of them.
Which brand is best for sandals?
- Best women's dress sandals: Dune
- Comfortable women's sandals: FitFlop
- Women's trending sandals: Zara
- Best walking sandals for women: Birkenstock
- Affordable sandals: ASOS
1. TOE RING SANDALS
Arguably the most popular style this year, toe ring sandals started creeping into the footwear collections of every fashion maven towards the end of last summer and we've not stopped thinking about them since. From that bestseller Zara pair with the metal post detailing that's sold out more times than I can count, to more subtle leather new-in styles from Topshop and Free People, one thing's clear: it's time to embrace your big toe.
Save when you shop for the best sandals for women with these Free People discount codes at checkout.
2. CHUNKY SANDALS/DAD SANDALS
Chunky sandals (or dad sandals as our editors like to refer to them as) used to be given a bad rep. Known for their ‘ugly’ appearance and often akin to the durable, velcro strap walking sandals/hiking sandals your old man would sport on holiday with socks (hence the nickname), chunky sandals are now a staple in every member of the fashion crowd's wardrobes. I challenge you not to see a pair of Birkenstock Arizonas – or clogs, for that matter – this season. They're one of the best shoes for a few reasons: minimal break-in period, adjustable straps, high-quality cushioning, comfy contoured footbeds, and often come breathable, water-friendly and podiatrist approved.
Save when you shop for the best sandals for women for functionality and all-day comfort with these Schuh discount codes at checkout.
3. FLIP FLOPS
Despite their lack of arch support thanks to a very flat insole/midsole situation, flip flops (or thong sandals, depending on which side of the pond you're on) are actually some of the most comfortable sandals anyone can own. They're the style you'll reach for first when packing your suitcase, and they slot neatly into the most minimalist of night-out bags for when you need a break from those blister-inducing heels. If you're looking for warm-weather flat sandals for everyday wear, you can't beat these.
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4. HEELED SANDALS
Sandals are not subjected to any one season, especially not heeled sandals. When it comes to elevating an outfit – be it for date night, a wedding, a night out with the girls or a dress-coded event – strappy or ankle-strap sandals with a heel are the vibe. We particularly love these super comfortable heels from Vagabond, but we've also spotted SS26-coded offerings at Mango and Zara, and the return of wedge sandals from Ralph Lauren.
Save when you shop for the best women's sandals, including dressy sandals and wedge heels, with these Ralph Lauren discount codes at checkout.
5. GLADIATOR SANDALS/TIE UP SANDALS
Hark back to 2008 when we saw something of a revival for gladiator sandals, then again to 2015 where every member of the Kardashian/Jenner clan were seen sporting them. Since then, they've had a bit of a makeover. The strappy and lace-up styles influencers are wearing today are a subtle step above the ancient Rome-inspired silhouettes we once adored, but the effect is still very much the same. Love them or loathe them, they don't appear to be going anywhere; a top pick for 2026.
Save when you shop for the best women's sandals with these H&M discount codes at checkout.
6. FISHERMAN SANDALS
Looking for versatile sandals that cover your toes? None feel quite as secure as the humble fisherman design. Their quirky appearance will balance out those twee milkmaid dresses you sometimes find difficult to style, and they can be worn with socks for even more coverage. They work with day wear as well as casual eveningwear, and I've got my eye on the jelly shoe iteration from COS – they look like they'd be the perfect pair of sandals for long days strolling around or running errands in London or New York.
Save when you shop for the best sandals for women with these COS discount codes at checkout.
7. MULES/SLIDERS
Whether you call them mules, slip-ons, sliders or pool slides, there's no denying that this open-toe silhouette is a go-to for convenience and ease. More comfortable than slingbacks, of late, they've been spotted on the Tory Burch runway, with H&M, Marks & Spencer and more following suit on the high-street.
Save when you shop for the best sandals for women with these H&M discount codes at checkout.
How I tested the best sandals
I'm just as obsessed with footwear as the next lady, and I understand that sandals are as much of necessity for the warmer months as summer dresses and SPF are. So, I've narrowed it down to the 7 styles I think you should focus on (as it can be easy to feel overwhelmed in a sea of choice), and that'll see you through the years beyond 2026. Not only that, but I've got my fellow colleagues and editors to style them and test them for you – so you can rest assured that not a pair in this edit wouldn't go un-bought by us. We've taken trends like colour, shape and material into consideration, along with price, comfort and wearability, providing you with a selection of styles from the high-street as well as designer brands. Read more about how we choose and test things here.
Why you can trust me
For the past five years (and a bit), it has literally been my job to be clued up on the latest in the world of fashion. I've not only attended all the press days, fashion shows and showrooms to see the latest drops, but I've been covering them all, too. I advise readers where to shop for capsule wardrobe essentials which is exactly the category sandals fall into. It also helps that, as a 6ft tall woman, comfortable-yet-chic footwear is exactly my forte. So not only have I heard about the best sandals for women, I've actually probably been wearing them.
For more from Glamour UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
