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5 Sandal Styles You’re About To See Everywhere This Summer

At the beginning of the year, summer felt like a false memory. British winters often feel never-ending but in a year that saw most of us confined to our homes, the seemingly relentless cold weather was almost too much to bear. Thankfully, the sun is finally starting to rear its head – and bringing with it a bucketload of newly sanctioned, socially distanced activities. So what better way to celebrate the arrival of the warm weather (and gatherings that don’t require a majorly advance restaurant booking) than with a new pair of sandals? After a year of wearing slippers, we’re ushering in a new wave of stylish sandals to accessorise our show-stopping summer wardrobe. Don’t worry though, chic doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable: some of the season’s biggest trends are built around fashion and function. Whether you’re searching for the perfect pair of sandals to wear to Sunday brunch or some fancy flip-flops for a seaside staycation, there are tons of covetable shoes to shop this summer. To check out the biggest sandal trends on the agenda for 2021, click through the slideshow ahead…Refinery29’s selection is purely editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items we love! As part of our business model we do work with affiliates; if you directly purchase something from a link on this article, we may earn a small amount of commission. Transparency is important to us at Refinery29, if you have any questions please reach out to us.Fisherman SandalsFor a sensible sandal that works just as well with socks as it does with tanned toes, you can’t go wrong with fisherman sandals. Since The Row debuted its much-coveted caged design last year, closed-off sandals have become a firm favourite of fashion’s finest, offering wearers full foot protection and lightweight breathability. St. Agni Black Axel Leather Sandals, $, available at BrownsZara Flat Leather Cage Sandals, $, available at ZaraDr Martens Leather Fisherman Sandals, $, available at DR MARTENSToast Steve Mono Artisanal Sandals, $, available at ToastGrenson Quincy Leather Sandals, $, available at Net-A-PorterSlinky Slip-OnsCast your mind back to pretty much any ’90s teen movie and you’ll remember that the coolest girls in school wore platform mules. This summer, the slinky sandals are making a major comeback, with Steve Madden’s original chunky slip-on acting as inspiration. Just add butterfly clips and a mini backpack for the perfect Clueless-inspired look. & Other Stories Leather Platform Sandals, $, available at & Other StoriesVagabond Courtney Sandals, $, available at VagabondArket Flatform Slides, $, available at ArketSteve Madden Slinky Black Sandal, $, available at Steve MaddenMonki Flatform Sandals, $, available at MonkiDad SandalsIf 2020 taught us anything, it’s that comfort is key. There was a widespread desire for comfortable shoes, with everyone on the internet pining after a pair of Chanel ‘dad sandals’. Now, in 2021, two-strap sandals have finally made it to the mainstream, providing padded, practical styles for the masses. Arket Chunky Leather Sandals, $, available at ArketVagabond Erin Sandals, $, available at VagabondDUNE LONDON Lockstockk In Blue, $, available at Dune& Other Stories Croc Embossed Leather Sandals, $, available at & Other StoriesBirkenstock x Proenza Schouler Milano Leather Sandals, $, available at Matches FashionFlatform Flip-FlopsAnother sandal trend looking to the past this summer is the flatform flip-flop. No, we don’t mean the foamy kind you wear on the beach; we mean the chic thong sandals plastered all over your explore page. From The Row’s Ginza to Jacquemus’ Les Tatanes, these statement shoes combine platform soles and leather uppers to create the sweetest ’00s-inspired style.Massimo Dutti Black V-Vamp Platform Sandals, $, available at Massimo DuttiDUNE LONDON Padded Toe Post Flatform Sandals, $, available at Dune LondonZara Satin Flat Platform Sandals, $, available at ZaraMango Mango Chunky Sole Flip Flop In Black, $, available at ASOSMarks & Spencer Leather Flatform Flip Flops, $, available at Marks & SpencerSustainable SlidesIt’s easy to forget that shopping sustainably includes what we wear on our feet. While it’s simple enough to shop for eco-friendly swimwear, sustainable summer sandals (or shoes in general) can be tricky to find. Happily, a growing number of brands are bringing green sandals to the forefront this summer, with a variety of slides that are as easy on the planet as they are to style. Ganni Knotted Recycled-Satin Flatform Slides, $, available at Matches FashionSt. Agni White Arne Leather Sandals, $, available at BrownsFreedom Moses Bond Velvet Two-Strap Slides, $, available at Saks Fifth AvenueALOHAS Toe Ring Flop Black, $, available at alohasH&M Knot-Detail Sandals, $, available at H&MLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?9 Dress & Sandal Combinations To Try This Summer10 Comfy Sandals To Slide Into This Summer7 Socks & Sandals Pairings For Optimum Comfort