If someone asked me what my favorite thing about summer is, I'd be quick to respond that it's the shoes. (it's true—I'm not keen on the weather.) Summer shoes are fun and friendly and can actually be pretty affordable. Perhaps because summer shoes require fewer materials, I find sourcing pairs that only look expensive to be easier than in other seasons.
Since I currently have summer shoes on the brain and freak over affordable shoes that look expensive, I made a shopping list. These 30 summer shoes will thrill and delight, but they won't deplete your bank account all that much, as each pair costs less than $100. I scoured the stock at Mango, Zara, Nordstrom, Shopbop, and several other favorites, and I think you'll be pleased with my findings (all of which look like they cost at least a few hundred dollars). Scroll to find—and perhaps order—your favorites.
Mango
Heel Non-Structured Sandals
Our editor in chief, Kat Collings, put these on my radar, and she has impeccable taste in shoes.
Madewell
Nessa Soft Braid Slides
These look quite comfortable.
& Other Stories
Platform Terry Sandals
I'd like to be wearing these right now.
Reformation
Mavis Ruched Sandals
These will go with literally everything.
Scoop
Knotted Block Heel Sandals
No, that price isn't a mirage.
Circus by Sam Edelman
Jacinda Thong Sandals
Snag these before they sell out.
Zara
Buckled Flat Leather Sandals
These would be perfect vacation sandals.
Caslon
Kalvin Slide Sandals
These seem essential to me.
Seychelles
Low Key Glow Up Slide Sandals
Beach days are calling.
H&M
Mules
This peachy color would go with everything.
& Other Stories
Diagonal Slingback Leather Sandals
Simple, chic, versatile.
Steve Madden
Harlin Heeled Mule Sandals
Yes, they're technically jellies, but the color and sleek shape make them look expensive.
Mango
Leather Jelly Shoes
Fisherman sandals are my favorite shoe trend of this summer, so these are a no-brainer.
Zara
Block Heel Leather Sandals
See what I mean by looks expensive?
Jeffrey Campbell
Maisie Mule Heels
I'm obsessed with the color of these.
H&M
Platform Espadrille Mules
I don't typically like espadrilles, but these are really good.
Circus by Sam Edelman
Patrice Mule Sandals
No one will know they're just $90.
Free People
Winding River Slip-On Sandals
The woven leather makes these look extra expensive.
Open Edit
Remmy Twist Sandals
These can easily be dressed up or down.
Charles & Keith
Chalk Chain-Embellished Blade Heel Mules
The hardware on these is the opposite of trendy.
H&M
Mules
I can't believe these are only $35.
Zara
Heeled Woven Sandals
Woven leather strikes again.
Charles & Keith
Chalk Metallic Buckle Flatform Sandals
Sometimes, hardware can look cheap, but not in this case.
Open Edit
Sheena Sandals
Just read the reviews if you need convincing.
Urban Sport
Squeezy Slide Sandals
These feel like walking on a cloud.
BP
Karsyn Strappy Slide Sandals
These would make great wedding shoes.
Madewell
Randal Boardwalk Fisherman Sandals
These won't take up much room in your vacation suitcase.
Caslon
Canari Slide Sandals
You can't go wrong with any of the colors these come in.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.