Comfortable Sandals You'll Actually Want to Wear All Summer - And Into Autumn Too
You can't put an expiry date on great sandals. Discover stylish options that work for holidays, everyday wear and the autumn days just around the corner.
There's something about slipping on a pair of sandals that instantly makes an outfit feel more like summer. They show off a freshly painted pedicure, lighten everything from midi dresses to linen trousers and somehow make even the simplest white shirt feel a little more relaxed. It's probably why, once we've found a pair or two that we love, we're reluctant to pack them away the moment August comes to an end.
The trouble is, not every sandal earns that sort of loyalty. Some look beautiful until you've walked further than the garden gate. Others are wonderfully supportive but feel a little too sensible (read: aesthetically orthopaedic) for everyday wear. And then there are the pairs that work perfectly with holiday dresses but suddenly look out of place once you're back home and reaching for denim and lightweight knitwear.
The best sandals do something rather clever. They're comfortable enough to wear all day, stylish enough that you genuinely want to wear them, and versatile enough to bridge that lovely gap between summer and autumn. Worn with full-length jeans, tailored trousers or even a trench coat thrown over your shoulders, the right pair can keep your wardrobe feeling light for weeks longer than you might expect. Thankfully, there are now plenty of styles that combine genuine comfort with timeless design, meaning you no longer have to choose between happy feet and a polished outfit.
These are the styles we'd happily wear all summer - and well into autumn too.
Fisherman sandals
For years, fisherman sandals had a reputation for being a little... worthy. Not anymore. Today's versions feel effortlessly chic, offering just enough coverage for cooler days while still keeping that easy, summery feel. They're also one of the easiest sandals to transition into autumn. Worn with a linen dress now and straight-leg jeans with a trench coat later, they bridge the seasons better than almost any other style. Brands like Clarks, Russell & Bromley, COS and M&S have all embraced the fisherman trend, with buttery-soft leather styles that prioritise comfort without looking overly practical.
Leather toe-post sandals
Forget the flimsy flip-flops you only wear to the beach. This season's leather toe-post sandals are smarter, sleeker and surprisingly versatile. With clean lines and quality leather, they work just as well for city breaks and lunches out as they do on holiday, while their simplicity makes them incredibly easy to style. They feel polished rather than casual, particularly in black, tan or chocolate brown. Look at Ancient Greek Sandals, Mint Velvet, Hush and John Lewis for elevated takes on this increasingly timeless style.
Two-strap footbed sandals
Some trends come and go. The two-strap footbed sandal has quietly become a modern classic. Supportive enough for long days on your feet yet stylish enough to wear with almost everything, it's the sandal many of us end up reaching for more than any other. From holidays and weekend walks to popping into town, few styles work harder. Birkenstock remains the obvious name, but you'll also find excellent versions from FitFlop, M&S and Hush, often with softer footbeds and beautifully supple leather.
Braided Mary Jane pumps
If you're after something a little more trend-led with a point of difference, braided sandals are hard to beat - even better if they come with a sweet Mary Jane strap. Airier than a traditional ballet pump but more practical than an open sandal, they're the perfect stepping stone into autumn. They instantly add texture to an outfit without feeling fussy, making even the simplest white shirt and linen trousers look considered. Better still, they're one of those styles that never seem to date. Beautiful versions can be found at Zara and H&M, and affordable too.
Caged leather sandals
British summers are wonderfully unpredictable, which is exactly where caged sandals come into their own. Offering a little more coverage than traditional sandals, they're ideal for those days when the forecast can't quite make up its mind. They feel substantial enough for jeans and lightweight knitwear, yet still keep outfits looking fresh and summery. You'll find some particularly wearable styles from Clarks, Penelope Chilvers, Russell & Bromley and COS, all of which favour timeless leather designs over fast-moving trends.