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The 9 Best Sandals To See You Through Sunnier Climes 2023

Finding the best sandals is like winning the fashion lottery. Second to jeans, they're not exactly the easiest purchase to make thanks to a series of boxes that need to be ticked: will they suit more than one occasion, do they go with multiple outfits, how comfortable are they on a scale of one to ten?

Their staple status is confirmed year after year as they grace the spring/summer runways of Chanel, Hermès, The Row etc., making them a non-negotiable in the wardrobes of every woman regardless of the time of year/how many holidays are on the cards. With that in mind, sourcing a pair of summer sandals has never been more essential. Luckily, I happen to know exactly which styles are the easiest to covet. The good news? There are 9 of them.

Which brand is best for sandals? These are the best sandals at a glance

1. PLATFORM SANDALS

Arguably the most popular pair of sandals for 2023, platforms have made their comeback. They were all anyone would wear in the '90s and early '00s and could be found stomping the streets of virtually every city. Think: Spice Girls, Lizzie McGuire, Destiney's Child and Britney.

Neous Cher Leather Slingback Platform Sandals£605 at Net-A-PorterKeiko Padded Flatform Sandals£69 at Charles & KeithBlenda Sandals£90 at VagabondTanya Chunky Flatform Sandals£40 at Schuh

Save when you shop for the best sandals with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.

2. FLIP FLOPS

Despite their lack of arch support thanks to a very flat insole/midsole situation, flip flops (or thong sandals, as Americans call them) are actually some of the most comfortable sandals anyone can own. They're the style you'll reach for first when packing your suitcase, and they slot neatly into the most minimalist of night-out bags for when you need a break from those blister-inducing heels.

The Row Ginza Two-Tone Leather and Suede Platform Flip Flops£960 at Net-A-PorterTruffle Collection Moulded Flip Flops£20 £10 at ASOSJinx Logo Flip Flop£65 at Michael Michael KorsWhite Rubber Diamond Flip-Flops£275 at Jimmy Choo

Save when you shop for the best sandals with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.

3. CHUNKY SANDALS/DAD SANDALS

Previous to 2020, chunky sandals (or dad sandals as our editors like to refer to them as) were given a bad rep. Known for their ‘ugly’ appearance and often akin to the velcro walking sandals your old man would sport on holiday with socks (hence the nickname), chunky sandals are now a staple in every member of the fashion crowd's wardrobes. I challenge you not to see a pair of Birkenstock Arizonas – or clogs, for that matter – this season.

Adley Way Backstrap Sandals£110 at TimberlandTrax Cleated Sole Sandals£225 at Russell & BromleyBirkenstock Suede Arizona Sandals£95 at SchuhTeva Midform Universal Adorn Sandals£60 at Office

Save when you shop for the best sandals with these Schuh discount codes at checkout.

4. HEELED SANDALS

Sandals are not subjected to any one season, especially not heeled sandals. When it comes to elevating an outfit – be it for date night, a wedding, a night out with the girls or a dress-coded event – strappy or ankle-strap sandals with a heel are the vibe. For a well thought-out investment, turn to heeled leather sandals from Jimmy Choo or Vagabond.

ASOS DESIGN Hayden Knotted Mid heeled Sandals£28 at ASOSSinead Woven Trapeze Heel Buckled Sandals£89 at Charles & KeithAlva 85 Suede Sandals£650 at Jimmy ChooLuisa Sandals£100 at Vagabond

5. GLADIATOR SANDALS/TIE UP SANDALS

Hark back to 2008 when we saw something of a revival for gladiator sandals, then again to 2015 where every member of the Kardashian/Jenner clan were seen sporting them. Since then, they've had a bit of a makeover. The lace-up styles influencers are wearing today are a subtle step above the ancient Rome-inspired silhouettes we once adored, but the effect is still very much the same. Love them or loathe them, they don't appear to be going anywhere.

Dr Martens Nartilla Gladiator Sandals£89 at SchuhSalina Flat Sandals£175 at BobbiesStrappy Sandals£17.99 at H&MRAID Exclusive Strappy Ghillie Tie Sandals£25 at ASOS

Save when you shop for the best sandals with these H&M discount codes at checkout.

6. WEDGE SANDALS

Somewhere between a heeled sandal and a platform sandal is where you'll find a humble pair of wedges. Casual enough to pair with jeans or warm-weather linen trousers, yet still dressy when required, wedge sandals are a top pick in the shoe industry – especially for anyone who struggles to walk in a stiletto.

Gianvito Rossi 45 Suede Espadrille Wedge Sandals£650 at Net-A-PorterRhinestone Wedge Sandals£59.99 at MangoAnise 85 Liquid Leather Metal Wedge Mules£675 at Jimmy ChooMonica Wedges£70 at TOMS

Save when you shop for the best sandals with these Mango discount codes at checkout.

7. MULES/SLIDERS

Whether you call them mules, slip-ons, sliders or pool slides, there's no denying that this open-toe silhouette is a go-to for convenience and ease. Of late, they've been spotted on the likes of the Schiaparelli, Mara Hoffman and Saint Laurent catwalks with Charles & Kieth, TOMS and more following suit on the high-street.

Sandstorm Woven Strap Footbed Leather Slide Sandals£195 at Russell & BromleyChunky Chain-Link Slide Sandals£59 at Charles & KeithCarly Mule Sandals£45 at TOMSFoamies Arch Fit Horizon Rubber Sole Slide Sandals£45 at Skechers

Save when you shop for the best sandals with these TOMS discount codes at checkout.

8. FISHERMAN SANDALS

Looking for sandals that cover your toes? None feel quite as secure as the humble fisherman design. Their quirky appearance will balance out those twee summer dresses you sometimes find difficult to style, and they can be worn with socks for even more coverage. My favourites? Silver is the colour of the year (along with Barbiecore pink, of course), so I've already snapped up ASRA's Poppy style, but for more casual occasions I've got my eye on the AllSaint's Nessies.

Nessie Fisherman Leather Sandals£189 at AllSaintsASRA Poppy Chunky Fisherman Sandals£69 at ASOSWide Fit Leather Ankle Strap Flat Sandals£49.50 at Marks & SpencerEyra Fisherman Sandals£120 at Vagabond

Save when you shop for the best sandals with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.

9. ESPADRILLE SANDALS

It's hard not to think of espadrille sandals when you think of summer or sunny travels, which is why they're one of the easiest - and most coveted - shapes. Super comfy and often fitted with a foamy footbed, espadrille sandals can be found from retailers such as Mango, Zara and Urban Revivo this season.

Gaimo for Office Flat Ankle Tie Sandals£60 at OfficeUrban Revivo Espadrille Tie Up Sandal£40 at ASOSLeather Espadrille Sandals with Straps£49.99 at MangoContrast Lace Up Espadrilles£32.99 at Zara

Save when you shop for the best sandals with these Office discount codes at checkout.

How we chose the best sandals

Combining our expert knowledge in fashion (including which brands are worth spending your money on and live up to the hype) with customer reviews and data on what you’ve been searching for, we’ve curated what we feel is a selection of the best sandals on the market. We’ve rifled through the good and the bad so you don’t have to, and have paid particular attention to specifics like functionality, cost, fabrics, sustainability and wearability in order to narrow it down. Our aim is to find you pieces which will last as well as work, and, as a team of 30+ here at GLAMOUR HQ, we’ve tried our fair share of the best sandals to know which ones are worth shouting about.

For more from GLAMOUR UK's Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.

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