'90s Sandal Trends Were Elite—5 Elegant Pairs Set to Take Over This Summer

With summer creeping up on us, we’ve taken careful consideration to identify the hardest working pieces in our wardrobe, that we can reliably call upon for the next few months. We’ve hunted down trending dress styles, explored the latest sophisticated take on shorts, and now it's time to look at the footwear. After a primary scan through the current sandal offerings, it's clear that the standout shoes of summer all have a very '90s influence. As the sun’s just come out, let’s get straight into it.

Christy Turlington wears strappy sandals on the Calvin Klein runway, 1992.

Having grown up in the '90s there are plenty of trends that I'm glad to see didn't make it out of the decade. Some, however, are simply too special to let go of. Of these '90s trends that continue to circulate, some return like clockwork every few years—like the micro statures of skirts and handbags, whilst others have only just re-emerged, like the controversial pedal pusher trend.

After the playful prints of the ‘70s, and the bold silhouettes of the ’80s, the following decade is often remembered for logomania, disc belts and swathes of body glitter. And whilst many of us may remember it that way, there was also a more discreet fashion revolution in the works at the same time. For the first time we saw fashion quietening, as minimalism in its first form came to prominence, heralded by designers like Calvin Klein, Jil Sander and Prada. This summer, '90s refinement is back on the up, and it's culminated in the following 5 sleek sandals trends that are destined to reign this summer.

Jennifer Aniston wears flip flop sandals, 1998.

Amongst the background noise of overalls and tie-dye, designers began to dedicate their time to pared-back designs, and the understated aesthetic has only grown in popularity. For 2025, we’re taking influence from iconic sandal styles that punctuated the ‘90s, but with a contemporary refinement to suit the current season. Think platform flip-flop sandals now with a sleek think sole, knee-high lace-up sandals now finish around mid-ankle and the cage jelly shoes we squeaked around in now come in refined leather in the form of the fisherman sandals. To make tapping into the '90s style trend even easier, I've curated a concise edit of styles from investment pieces to high-street heroes to know about this summer.

Keep scrolling to explore the '90s sandals that are already trending for summer 2025.

1. Flip Flop Sandals

Style Notes: The easiest throw-on-and-go sandals of all time, the humble flip flop has been elevated (quite literally) with a chunkier sole for summer 2025. Key for years now, these have proven they'll stand the test of time in your warm-weather wardrobe.

SHOP FLIP FLOP SANDALS:

2. Lace-Up Sandals

Style Notes: Forget the lace-up sandals that went to the knee and were impossible to stay in place, instead, it's now just up to your ankle. A lot easier to style, these look so chic paired with floaty linen dresses.

SHOP LACE-UP SANDALS:

3. Fisherman

Style Notes: I bought a pair of fisherman sandals last year and they're still one of my most complimented shoes to date. Saving you from having to have your pedicure on point, the woven caged style goes with everything from Bermuda shorts and wide-leg trousers to mini dresses.

SHOP FISHERMAN SANDALS:

4. T-Bar Sandals

Style Notes: The once dated sandal style has had a comeback thanks so some of the most stylish women around. Flat T-bar sandals are bound to be the pair you reach for when on holiday, or at home for a summer office look.

SHOP T-BAR SANDALS:

5. Minimalist Strappy Sandals

Style Notes: Barely-there flat sandals are literally everywhere right now, replacing chunkier pairs we've seen in previous years. Loved by minimalists, the simply strappy style is just so easy to wear at all times. Trust me, I have multiple pairs I'll be wearing on heavy rotation over the next few months.

SHOP STRAPPY SANDALS: