This is your sign to start doing those heel peels, lathering on your nightly foot cream and get your pedicure booked in! Sandal season has arrived and we are spoilt for choice.
With so many beautiful shoe brands and styles ever-emerging, it’s sometimes best to shop by need and work backwards. Instead of focusing only on what you love the look of (you probably have a very long list), think about what you’re going to need functionally from a summer sandal this year.
Are you a beach-every-day kind of woman or do you prefer wine tasting under the vineyard sun? Will you be running around sightseeing somewhere new or entertaining kids on their school holiday? Whatever you’re up to this summer, there is a sandal perfectly suited for your needs.
We’ve curated a round-up of summer sandals to get you through any and every summer situ with happy feet.
Nelson Made Layla Slide
If the vibrant, weaved, orange look of these sandals didn’t sell it straight away, the colourway name of ‘Aperol’ is the final confirmation that you need to own these shoes. They sum up summer shoe perfection. The very slight platform allows for a flattering silhouette without being uncomfortable, the thick straps mean they’ll stay secure on your feet, and the colour texture combo exudes happy January energy. This sandal is the perfect cruisy day shoe. Meet your friends for brunch before you coast through the shops and end the day with a real-fruit ice cream on the beach. Pair with soft linens or denim for a carefree yet chic summer look.
Platform COS Sandals
One trend we’re pleased to see still hanging around is the platform shoe. A platform is going to be flattering on everyone – no matter if you’re tall, average, or tiny. Not only does a platform elongate the legs, but a stacked sandal will give your summer dress or flowy pants the opportunity to shine a little more. An overall outfit booster, we love these COS platforms because they’re a perfect balance of edgy and elegant and will work dressed up or down. The only downside of a taller platform sandal is that they may be uncomfortable to walk around in all day, so I’d reserve them for a summertime long lunch or dinner out instead of a full day commitment.
Birkenstock Arizona Eva
We all know and love the Birkenstock Arizona sandal. For good reason, they’re one of the most popular sandal choices for New Zealanders of every age and gender. However this swim season, we’re loving Birkenstock’s Arizona Eva style as a more versatile take on a classic. The main feature pulling us in is that they’re a waterproof material, making them a fashion forward replacement for the controversial jandal silhouette. You’ll feel a bit more comfortable hitting the river, lake, or beach in these compared to their suede older sister, and the price point is a little lower. It’s the perfect slide to get you through those water-side summer days.
Alias Mae Arizona
As December rolls around and the sun starts to really shine, we all start to feel a bit happier. Blue-sky mornings get us off to optimistic starts, the evenings stretch out a little longer, and people feel a little more bold. You know what that means? Date nights. Everyone loves a summer fling, or a chance to court your long-term partner and fall in love all over again. I truly believe all you need to feel fun, flirty, and confident on a date is a kitten heel. This Alias Mae sandal is the perfect chic strappy shoe. It’ll give you a bit of height but not too much that you can’t walk home after a couple of 4pm Aperol Spritzes. The vibrant and energising emerald green colourway is sure to put a pep in your step, and the noise of these little heels hitting the pavement will have you feeling empowered no matter how the date goes!
Teva Midform Universal Sandal
To many of us, summer means more than sun soaking on the beach. It can mean camping, rock pool exploring, and long days of active adventure. These Teva’s are the summer equivalent to the ‘dad sneaker’ trend. Upon first glance, you might not be taken by the pared back style, but trust me, they’ll grow on you. Elle Fanning wears them and we trust her! The plain black colourway makes them easy to pair with any outfit – you can make them look ultra sporty or a little more casual depending on your line-up of activities. What we love about the Teva Midform Universal Sandals is that they are just that – universal. They’ll get you through a huge day of sightseeing, a festival, or a bike tour down the coast in functional style.
Mi Piaci Celine Sandal
A polished take on utility styling, this Mi Piaci sandal is the perfect relaxed shoe to take you from day to night. The padded straps guarantee comfort and mean you don’t have to think about your foot slipping out the back while you’re running around Christmas shopping. Wear them with a long denim skirt and match the shoes with your favourite handbag for a put together daytime look. The glossy leather finish means you can also pair them with a light silk skirt for a slightly dressed up summer dinner. The best all rounder option to be your summer sandal staple!
