Ever wonder what sandal styles are worth buying? The other day someone DM’d me “ok but what sandals are we wearing this year?” and it really resonated with me because, as much as I love shoes, I often struggle with sandals.
There are so many ugly pairs out there and finding a selection of chic, versatile sandals I often find hard. The last few years I have prioritized finding some cute pairs and explored new to me brands in my pursuit of building out a good collection of sandals.
If you’re wondering which sandal styles are worth buying in 2026, this guide covers the best sandals for women to invest in now. From comfortable flat sandals and travel-friendly styles to elegant heels for weddings and summer events, these are the sandal trends I believe have staying power and are worth adding to your wardrobe.
18 Sandal Styles Worth Buying
Of all the types of shoes I shop for sandals are truly some of the hardest to master finding quality pairs that elevate outfits without looking frumpy. I’m pretty particular about my shoes and I’m personally not into massive big platform styles, Birkenstock sandals or similar type styles. But, to each their own!
This year I have actually seen a lot of good sandal styles available. Definitely better than in seasons past. So read on for the styles I personally love and you can shop my edit of sandal styles available now at the bottom of the post in the widget.
To know me is to know that I invest in my shoes. As a New Yorker for over fifteen years I put a lot of mileage on my shoes and therefore I buy quality pairs from brands I can rely on. You’ll see a lot of consistency with those brands in the styles featured below.
I also highly recommend, before you wear any of your new sandals, that you go to a shoe repair place and have them add a protective rubber sole. Most shoes don’t come with this and it’ll work to protect the actual sole of the shoe and will allow for you to get a lot more use out of the shoe. This little piece of rubber has extended the life of my favorite pairs of shoes in major, major ways.
As you break in any new shoes, you may want to consider stocking up on these Blister BandAids. They are life savers in case you run into any blisters.
The H Sandal
Made famous by Hermes and now often copied by other brands this is a staple sandal to style a myriad of ways. My Hermes Oran sandals are my most worn pair of sandals hands down. 100% a sandal style worth investing in. Versatile and comfortable and easy to throw on with a variety of looks.
For the look for less try this style, this style and this style.
The Saint Laurent Tribute Sandal
My other pair of designer sandals get loads of wear when I want a black flat sandal are my YSL Tribute Sandals. Comfy and with a beautiful woven front design, these are an elegant and yet comfy way to wear a flat sandal.
I sized up half a size in this pair.
This flat sandal looks quite like my YSL ones but for a 1/3 of the price.
The Flat Ankle Wrap Sandal
100% a sandal worth buying. This pair is so comfortable and elegant and instantly makes your legs look longer. I wear mine constantly!
Hands down one of my most worn pairs of sandals that I own and a favorite brand. I bought the sand color this year to add to my rotation.
The Black Strappy Sandal
This pair above are by Emme Parsons, a small female founded brand I adore. They are beautifully made and now I can’t wait to shop more shoes from the brand. These look very similar.
Other black strappy sandals to consider for the Summer include this pair, this pair and this under $100 pair.
The Elevated Flip Flop
This Summer I’ve seen a huge increase in retailers putting out what I would called “elevated flip flops”. Historically, I’ve been pretty anti flip flop unless I’m at the pool or the beach.
However, this year I am making a few exceptions for really elegant and chic styles like this croc embossed pair or this pair from Jenni Kayne (I own the latter!)
A good inexpensive pair I own are these in the tortoise. A chic poolside option.
The Flat Leather Sandal
A beautiful pair of flat leather sandals are a Summer wardrobe staple. They’re perfect for dressing up or dressing down and can be styled with everything from dresses to linen trousers.
I also own this affordable two strap pair that I don’t wear a ton, but are good for pool and beach days.
Related: My Best Amazon Fashion Purchases to Date.
The Strappy Neutral Heeled Sandal
A pair of neutral sandals are versatile for styling with dresses and skirts. I love the walkable heel on this pair above by Schutz.
These are more modern in shape, but equally versatile.
The Toe Ring Sandal
The toe ring sandal style has been timeless and is an elegant style to have in your sandal collection. This pair is by Tory Burch and I love the chic gold toe ring, but I’ll warn these sandals aren’t the most comfortable ones I own.
Reformation also makes a chic pair and next I am eyeing this pair by Jenni Kayne. You can use code MEGHANDONO10 for 10% off your Jenni Kayne purchase.
The Neutral Block Heel Sandal
This block heel heel is my go-to wedding guest shoe. They’ve been in my closet for years now and remain one of my most comfortable, easy to style shoe that I own.
The White Heeled Sandal
I also own the block heel sandal from Sarah Flint in a white that is seasonally on trend for Spring and Summer events and I love it with a monochromatic look. There’s a lower heel version, too if you prefer. Sarah Flint remains one of my go-to brands for shoes and you can use code SF-MEGHAND15 for 15% off your first purchase!
The Suede Sandal
I love a suede sandal for being a bit dressier in the Summer months. This pair from Margaux are chic, as are these! I know suede sandals are a bit of an unexpected pick, but I think the texture adds nice contrast to a look.
The Ankle Wrap Sandal
Easy, breezy and a great way to elegant your leg: enter the wrap sandal. I love my pair by Margaux which is beautifully handcrafted in Spain. It comes in a variety of colors.
The Bow Sandal
Feminine and cute without being cutesy. I think a bow sandal is a nice way to make a sandal a bit more dressy.
I own both this pair by The Row and this pair by Sarah Flint, but I think this under $100 pair is also cute.
The Strappy Black Stiletto Sandal
A must in every girl’s closet if you ask me. These Stuart Weitzman sandals are equal parts sexy and versatile.
The Fisherman Sandal
This style isn’t for me personally but if you’d like an option for a closed-toe sandal, try a fisherman sandal like these from female founded small brand Freda Salvador. One of my close friends owns them and she raves about them.
Use code WITWHIMSY10 for 10% off your Freda order.
The Metallic Heeled Sandal
So often I think we think of a gold or a silver heeled sandal as a wedding shoe but I also love it for other dressier occasions. I wore the above pair by Loeffler Randall to a night out in Vegas the other year and I love the beautiful strap detail and ankle wrap. Loeffler Randall remains one of my very favorite shoe brands for over a decade at this point. My exact pair is sold out but these are very similar!
If you prefer to have a block heel, I like the City Sandal by Margaux in their beautiful silver and gold metallic offerings, and this kitten heel pair are also lovely.
If you prefer a flat metallic sandal, this pair and this pair caught my eye!
I also have and love this metallic heel by Sarah Flint that’s a go-to for weddings with a little black dress.
The Kitten Heel Sandal
Kitten heels are having a serious moment this year! A walkable heel is always a good idea, so if you want a heeled sandal that isn’t too high consider a kitten heel style.
I own this pair by Jenni Kayne and adore them. You can use code MEGHANDONO10 for 10% off your Jenni Kayne purchase.
This pair from Reformation also caught my eye.
The Casual Flip Flop
When it comes to the beach or the pool, my go-to flip flop is an understated one that is as about as refined as a flip flop can be. I swear by the styles made by Tkees. They are well made and well priced.
You can shop more Tkees styles on Amazon, too.
Best Sandals for Different Occasions
Not all sandals serve the same purpose, which is why I always recommend building a sandal wardrobe around how you’ll actually wear them.
Best Sandals for Europe Travel
When it comes to packing sandals for Europe, I prioritize styles that are equal parts comfortable and polished. Most trips call for a lot of walking, but I still want my shoes to feel elevated enough for long lunches, dinners and sightseeing days. These are the sandal styles I find myself packing again and again.
For more summer packing inspiration, don’t miss my South of France Packing List, London in Summer Packing List, and What Shoes to Pack for Europe.
Best Sandals for Summer Weddings
Summer weddings often call for footwear that feels elegant without sacrificing comfort. Between outdoor ceremonies, cocktail hours on grass and long evenings spent dancing, I always look for sandals that strike the right balance between style and practicality. These are the styles I reach for most often during wedding season.
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Shop the Sandal Styles
Do you guys have any sandals you absolutely love? I’d love to hear about the sandals worth buying that you’ve tried in the Comments section below! And shop more of my shoe collection in The Shop – Shoes.
You May Also Like:
- What Shoes to Pack for Europe.
- The Most Versatile Shoes for Women.
- My Favorite and Most Worn Shoes + How I Take Care of Them.
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