Step Into Summer Style: 6 Summer Sandals Trends

Set the stage for 2025’s most wearable footwear trends and the growing conversation around sustainability, comfort, and style. Introduce the idea that while many styles are stepping up, one trend needs to be left behind. I am an avid summer sandal watcher, especially on what people are wearing on social media. I love a good sandal, but lately I have gotten away from high-heeled strappy sandals.

Trend#1: Jelly Sandals

The Rise of Comfort-First Fashion

Discuss the shift in consumer priorities toward supportive, wearable shoes that still look chic. Mention how this impacts sandal design. I think honestly, when you get to a certain age you start to figure out what means more to you: design, aesthetic, or comfort more than anything. I love a pretty sandal, but honey if that sandal causes me any foot grief, I am not wearing it. It can be the prettiest sandal I’ve ever saw, if it costs me my dog’s chile bye!

Trend Spotlight: Jelly Sandals Make a Nostalgic Comeback
Explore how jelly sandals are being reimagined in grown-up, fashion-forward ways with eco-conscious materials and modern silhouettes.

Trend#2: Woven Sandals

Sculptural Sandals: The New Statement Piece
Highlight the popularity of bold, artistic heel shapes and architectural details in sandals, where fashion meets design. I haven’t worn any woven sandals in a while, but I am sure there are some very cute ones out there. I love when women take their fashion into their own hands, and also the women who find inspiration within their fashion sense.

Woven and Raffia Sandals: Texture That Tells a Story
Explain the demand for earthy, handwoven sandals that align with boho and artisan fashion aesthetics. Include popular colors and styling tips.

Sleek and Strappy: The Return of Minimalist Sandals
Dive into the resurgence of ‘90s-inspired sandals with thin straps, neutral tones, and elegant silhouettes dominating runways and retail.

Trend #3: Kitten Heels Mules

Kitten Heels & Low-Profile Mules: Effortless Elegance
Unpack how kitten-heeled mules are redefining summer dressing—blending sophistication with walkable comfort. The kitten-heeled mule is reaching the top without big advertisements this summer 2025. They are breaking the outdated idea of wearing heels in the warmer season by mixing chic looks and shoes that feel good all day. Wearing heels is no longer an excuse for a sore Achilles tendon midday. Wearing kitten heels assures you can still walk easily without ever looking sloppy. The appeal comes from how versatile English is. Take a pair of mules when you’re at work, at a bar, or even running regular errands; they will automatically make you look polished.

Imagine open backs, toes that point out, soft leather, and fun summer colors such as butter yellow, cherry red, and warm neutrals. They’re shoes that are quietly stylish, rather than flashy, and that low-key elegance is what’s on trend lately. Wear them with linen trousers, skirts, or denim shorts for a surprise change. They make it easy for someone who loves fashion to look organized, and they’re so comfortable that it’s likely they’ll become your most-worn summer shoes. Should you be putting together a capsule collection or wanting to replace fading trends, now is the time to start wearing kitten-heeled mules.

Sustainable Sandals Are Stealing the Spotlight

Trend#4: Rafia and Rope Sandals

Summer 2025 is all about embracing the earthy, tactile elements that connect us to the season, and raffia and rope sandals are leading the charge. These naturally woven textures are making a major statement, not just as casual beachwear, but as elevated, fashion-forward staples. Think of them as the laid-back cousin to the luxe leather sandal—still stylish, but with a breezy, bohemian twist.

Designers like Michael Kors, Chloé, and Staud are showcasing raffia and rope in everything from strappy slides to platform espadrilles, pairing these raw materials with sleek silhouettes and high-end details like metallic buckles, shell accents, and artisanal stitching. The appeal? They’re lightweight, breathable, and effortlessly chic—just what you want when the sun’s high and the temps are climbing.

What makes this trend even better is its versatility. Raffia and rope sandals pair beautifully with linen sets, wide-brim hats, and basket bags—giving you that coastal cool aesthetic without trying too hard. Whether you’re strolling along the boardwalk, heading to brunch, or packing for a resort getaway, these sandals add a relaxed-yet-refined vibe to any summer outfit.

Plus, many brands are now turning to eco-conscious production methods, using plant-based dyes and sustainably harvested raffia, making this trend a win not only for your wardrobe but for the planet, too.

Trend#5: Thong Sandals

Once a humble beach staple, thong sandals are stepping into the spotlight for summer 2025—this time with a serious upgrade. Designers are giving this simple silhouette a sophisticated glow-up, using premium materials, elevated construction, and thoughtful detailing that make them feel far from basic. Think buttery-soft leather, sleek metallic finishes, padded footbeds, and even sculptural heels that turn a practical shoe into a style statement.

What makes thong sandals such a standout this season is their unmatched versatility. They’re the ultimate in effortless dressing—equally at home with relaxed denim shorts and a tank as they are with a flowy midi dress or tailored linen trousers. Whether you’re headed to a sun-drenched brunch, a beach wedding, or just running errands in style, these sandals offer that perfect blend of casual ease and quiet polish.

Fashion houses like Toteme, Tibi, and The Row are all embracing this return to minimalist footwear, proving that comfort doesn’t have to compromise on elegance. Many modern designs are also embracing neutral palettes, from warm taupes and crisp whites to rich espresso browns, making them easy to integrate into a curated capsule wardrobe.

And let’s not forget comfort—today’s thong sandals come with arched soles, cushioned leather linings, and wider straps, solving the common issues of blisters or slipping that once made these tricky to wear for long periods. It’s fashion-meets-function at its best.
Explore the influence of ethical fashion on sandal trends. Include materials like cork, recycled leather, and biodegradable rubber. Here is last year’s line up, not too many changes.

The Trend to Retire #6: Clear PVC Strappy Sandals

Beyond the comfort issues, there’s growing awareness of the environmental cost of plastic-based fashion. PVC doesn’t break down easily, and styles like these—often bought on trend and worn only a handful of times—contribute to a fast fashion cycle that’s becoming harder to ignore. As fashion leans into sustainability, thoughtful materials like leather, raffia, and plant-based alternatives are replacing synthetic plastic in warm-weather footwear. Here is my current eye pair I am looking at.

Clear strappy heels may have had their moment, but their lack of practicality, wearability, and eco-consciousness makes them feel outdated in today’s more mindful style landscape. If your closet still has a pair, don’t feel guilty—but it might be time to trade them in for a shoe that loves you (and the planet) back.

How to Transition Your Wardrobe for a Stylish Summer
Guide phasing out outdated styles and incorporating 2025’s key sandal trends into daily wear.

Shop Smart: What to Look for When Buying Trend-Forward Sandals
Offer practical advice on choosing sandals that are both stylish and functional. Consider heel height, arch support, and versatile colors.

Walk Confidently Into the Season
Wrap up with an encouraging message about embracing fashion evolution while making mindful, stylish choices that reflect personal taste and modern trends.