Okay, I'm finally ready to dive into some serious summer shoe shopping, and there's just so much to choose from. My style has had this whole "modern classics" vibe for a minute now, but I'm actually delighted to notice I'm feeling more inclined to lean into footwear trends this season. My summer wardrobe is brimming with really good investment pieces, but all that classic RTW is begging for a little of-the-moment touch.
Look, I planned on highlighting just my number one key sandal style, but it quickly turned into three. What can I say? There's just a lot of great summer footwear floating around, and I'm not here to skip anything important! From minimalistic strappy sandal options to gently on-trend details, here are the extremely wearable footwear styles that have made my short list for summer.
Toe Rings
I was originally going to call this a micro-trend, but sandals with metal toe rings have ticked over into full-blown trend status. There are lots of options to shop right now—including this buzzy Zara pair that's just sold out in white and silver but is still available in black and gold. There are designer styles aplenty, including a $25 pair that easily look 10 times the price. Don't miss that the above pair from Jeffrey Campbell comes in red, silver, and bronze as well.
Crochet
This summer's crochet trend hasn't skipped the footwear category. Open-weave raffia and macramé sandals have big summer vibes, while some softer crochet-knit flats feel like an extension of that mesh-slipper trend that just keeps on keeping on.
Flip-Flops
Whether you call them flip-flops or thongs (or jandals if you're from New Zealand like me), this beachy staple has quietly becoming the epitome of low-key, minimalistic summer style. Flat leather options like The Row's City Flip Flops will never go out of style, and kitten-heel and slingback options feel particularly primed for this season.
-
Keep This Between You and Me: I Just Found a $165 Alt for The Row's Viral and Sold-Out $1300 HeelsYou're welcome.
-
FYI: This Is the Under-$40 Accessory Everyone Will Wear With Short Dresses This FallIt's all in the elegant details.
-
Hailey Bieber's Sneakers and Favorite Sandal Styles Are Under $100 at Nordstrom RNScoop them up while they're on sale.
-
Did Foot-Jewelry Shoes Just Become the Biggest Trend of 2025?Anklets and toe rings are on hiatus.
-
This Fall, Say Goodbye to Ballerinas Because This New Flat-Shoe Trend Is Taking Its PlaceAnd it's even more sophisticated.
-
This Unexpected Under-$50 Sandal Is Winning the Great Summer Flip-Flop DebateMorgan Stewart has made a case for them.
-
The Results Are In: These Are the Designer Shoes Dominating Summer 2025Sneakers, sandals, and more.
-
Trust Me—These 5 Summer Trends Will Still Be Dominating in The FallInvest now, wear all year.
