9 Classic Sandals That Never Go Out of Style

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Photo: Courtesy of Emme Parsons

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Classic sandals are the crown jewels in any summer wardrobe. Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist at heart, there’s no denying the power of anchoring an outfit with a timeless shoe. Of course, it can be hard to unearth the best styles, especially with the influx of here-today, gone-tomorrow trends.

The trick to ensuring you don’t end up with buyer’s remorse is to look for lasting silhouettes in high-quality leathers that only get better with age. At the most luxe end of the scale, there are The Row’s ultra-sleek flip flops, which are the epitome of quiet luxury, thanks to their easy-to-slip-on silhouette and expertly-crafted design. On the other side of the price spectrum, there are those beloved double-buckle Birkenstocks and the woven details on Castañer’s espadrilles.

Vogue’s Ultimate Classic Sandals Guide:

Other contemporary labels that have mastered the art of the timeless summer shoe include Emme Parsons, A.Emery, and Amanu Studio—all of which offer cool strappy styles that look great with midiskirts and maxidresses. And don’t forget about the heels! Block heels and wedges have enduring appeal, and our edit features a number of favorites you’ll wear over and over again. For all the classic sandals that deserve a spot in your lineup, keep scrolling.

Flip-Flops

What flip-flops may lack in ankle support, they make up for in style points. Slimmer versions like those from A.Emery and The Row feel most on trend for now, but the flatform still has tremendous appeal. For a beach option, it doesn’t get better than a pair of Havaianas—opt for its new square shape if you already own the original.

A.Emery

Morgan satin flip flops

Ancient Greek Sandals

Saionara leather flip flops

Reformation

Jessie thong sandal

Prada

buckle leather flip flop

Havaianas

square pop up logo flip flops

T-Strap Sandals

Don’t call it a thong sandal or flip-flop! The T-strap deserves its own place in the sun. Some of the best ones come with ankle straps for more walking support (see: Tory Burch, Prada, Aquazurra). Others, like Gucci’s, deliver that with a thicker strap.

Gucci

leather thong sandal with double G

Tory Burch

Jessa croco bit chain thong sandals

Emme Parsons

Cecilia leather thong sandals

Prada

flat patent leather thong sandals

Aquazzura

Almost Bare metallic leather sandals

Reformation

Thea T-strap flat sandals

The Strappy Sandal

The only bind these strappy sandals present is which one to buy. For a more boho vibe, opt for A.Emery’s tan suede style, which also comes in brightly-colored leathers, like red and burgundy, if you prefer. If you’re looking for something that has a more city feel, Tibi and Aeyde’s styles are chic and just right for everyday.

Amanu Studio

Serengeti metallic leather sandals

A. Emery

Shel suede sandals

Aeyde

Penny leather sandals

Tibi

Berneice kidskin sandal

ATP Atelier

Capri Nappa flat sandals

Khaite

Jones flat sandals

Slides

Criss-cross, macramé, cut-out leather straps—there’s no shortage of slides on the market right now, whether you want something pared-back for work, or crave texture for vacation.

Mansur Gavriel

everyday sandals

H&M

slides

Aeyde

Sonia leather slides

Emme Parsons

Leo sandals

Cos

macramé leather slides

ATP Atelier

Rosa cutout leather sandals

Elegant Espadrilles

Ah, the espadrille! Few shoes are quintessentially summer as this one. For a strappy wedge, Castañer is a go-to—they come in various heights and colors. If you prefer an open-toe situation, Tory Burch and Gucci put their own spin on the silhouette with minimalist straps and embroidered detailing, respectively. For a flat option, look no further than Prada for the perfect beach sandal, or Mango for an unexpectedly cool take on mesh.

Tory Burch

multi-strap espadrille wedges

Castañer

Carol wedge espadrilles

Gucci

interlocking G espadrille

Vince

Margo raffia heeled espadrille slide

Prada

embroidered linen espadrille sandals

Mango

openwork espadrilles

Double-Buckle

Not every sandal is one you can (comfortably) walk miles in, but the double-buckle is the exception to the rule. Birkenstocks need no introduction—if you already have a suede Arizona, consider its big buckle sister; the Milano also has an ankle strap for extra support. More fashion-forward takes can be found at Chloé, ATP Atelier, and Loewe. Jamie Haller’s pair comes in a few leathers, from browns to this python print, and is an emerging label to know.

Chloé

Rebecca leather dual buckle slide sandals

A.Emery

Prince buckled leather sandals

Jamie Haller

the double buckle sandal

Isabel Marant

Lennyo sandals

Loewe

ease leather dual-buckle slide sandals

Fisherman Sandals

Not really a loafer, nor a traditional open-toe shoe, the fisherman sandal is a versatile option that’s great for transitional dressing; pair it with a colorful sock in between spring and summer (or summer and fall). The Row’s chunky take feels decidedly modern with cotton poplin dresses, whereas Emme Parsons’ and Hereu’s more finely-built leather versions feel like they belong to another time—in the best way.

Emme Parsons

Ernest leather sandals

The Row

Fisherman woven textured-leather sandals

Hereu

Ancora ankle-strap leather sandals

G.H. Bass

fisherman sandals

Jenni Kayne

leather Lake sandals

Madewell

Tegan fisherman sandals

Block-Heeled Sandals

Marrying comfort with style, block-heeled sandals are primed for dinner dates, polished office looks, and wedding guest attire. Bottega’s quilted open-toe mule is simple and elegant, as is Aeyde’s strappy take. Andrea Gomez’s woven thong sandal is a personal favorite I wear often to work.

Bottega Veneta

quilted leather mule sandals

Aeyde

Serafina leather sandals

Mango

patent leather effect heeled sandal

& Other Stories

strappy knotted leather sandals

Tibi

Georgia sandal

Andrea Gomez

Brenda woven leather sandals

Wedge Sandals

The wedge sandal is back, baby! Embrace the look with a minimalist style from Staud or St. Agni. Already a devotee? Reformation and Ferragamo’s sculptural takes are street style-ready.

Staud

Billie wedges

Ferragamo

Anemone leather wedge sandals

Ancient Greek Sandals

black Chora heeled sandals

St. Agni

twill wedge sandals

Reformation

Emilia wedge sandal

Chloé

Rebecca leather wedge sandals