Last spring I cleared out half my shoe drawer and kept only ten pieces. Three months later, half those were still on my feet. The other half? They looked great in theory but never made it past the bedroom door.
That’s the thing about sandals — they seem simple until you need them to work for a morning coffee run, a dinner date, and everything between. A friend texted me photos of her sandal collection recently asking which ones deserved to stay, and I realized: this is my unofficial job now.
So here’s what made the cut after testing thirty pairs across every price tier I could find. Designer, mid-range, under $50 — everything’s in here.
What Makes a Sandal Worth Keeping
I don’t care how cute a sandal is if it falls apart by July. The footbed needs to hold up all day. Real leather matters more than brand name. And the color should work with at least half your wardrobe — neutrals like black, white, and tan are obvious choices, but a good red or green adds unexpected versatility.
Fit is non-negotiable either. If you’re squeezing in or sliding around after ten steps, no amount of style saves it.
The Top 3 I Come Back To
Hermès Oran Sandals (from $850)
I’ve had mine for more than a decade, and they still lead every summer. The leather has softened without losing shape, the cost per wear is literally cents at this point, and they go with everything from jeans to dresses. Prices run from $850 up to $1,500 depending on material. I wrote a full review of them years ago — my feelings haven’t changed.
Toteme Heeled Sandals ($560)
I stopped wearing heeled sandals for years. They had to be something really specific to earn a spot in my closet, and these made the cut. A classic black thong sandal that’s elevated both literally and figuratively — I genuinely have to stop myself from wearing them all day.
Gianni Bini Flip Flops ($50)
I’m not going to pretend this isn’t a little random, but these flip flops are essential to my summer. The leather makes them feel appropriate for almost anything — they work as a ‘fancy’ flip flop and an everyday one simultaneously. Four core colors: black, brown, tan, white. For fifty bucks, it’s like winning the sandal lottery.
More Designer Picks Worth the Investment
Beyond my top three, these are the designer sandals I keep within reach all summer:
- The Row Ginza flip flops — I’ve had mine for years. Great when you want a flat but need something more polished than a basic flip flop to balance an outfit.
- Khaite Loop sandals in python — my go-to for date nights. Minimalist design, snakeskin embossing that pairs with almost anything. Snakeskin is one of those non-neutral neutrals that works everywhere.
- Prada platform sandals — newer to me but already a favorite. They look intimidating but the platform cancels out most of the heel height, so they feel closer to a 3-inch heel than what they actually are.
The Best Hermès Oran Dupes
A classic slide sandal doesn’t swing in and out of style. The Hermès Oran is timeless — but I get it, the price tag is steep. If you’re still deciding or just need something more budget-friendly, here are dupes that give that same low-key elegant look:
- Bruno Magli Fina Slide ($275) — almost identical with a fun touch of gold hardware. Always sell out fast.
- Margaux The MX ($265) — not an exact copy but the same minimalist vibe, loved for quality and comfort.
- M. Gemi The Malfada ($228) — handmade in Italy, similar without being a replica.
- Steve Madden Hadyn ($69) — identical look at an under-$70 price point. A trusted brand worth trying if you want to test the style.
- Amazon Project Cloud ($49.90) — over 1,000 reviewers back these real leather slides as a solid buy.
- H&M Sandals ($24.99) — budget-friendly and versatile enough to dress up or down.
The Best Summer Sandals Under $250
A great sandal doesn’t need designer markup. Some of these I own, some I’m window shopping for:
- Tony Bianco Caprice Heel ($150) — I have several colors of these. Work with shorts, dresses, and jeans.
- Ancient Greek Eleftheria ($235) — a classic staple I’ve worn year after year.
- Tony Bianco Topaz Flip Flop ($155) — love the brown croc texture for adding visual interest this summer.
- Tony Bianco Ives Flip Flop ($130) — a close dupe for The Row Ginza.
- Intentionally Blank Pretty Please Strappy Heels ($198) — great python option under $200. Snake is always my favorite pattern.
- Intentionally Blank Year Ahead ($188) — the shape and pop of color here are everything.
- Larroudé Biarritz Jelly Sandals ($190) — a fun ‘naked’ sandal with extra detail at the toe.
The Best Summer Sandals Under $100
Budget-friendly doesn’t mean basic. These are on-trend and genuinely versatile:
- Open Edit Tori Kitten Heel ($49.95) — nearly identical to my Toteme pair.
- Mango Slide ($79.99) — could easily be in the Oran dupe section, same effortless feel.
- Zara Red Sandal ($75.90) — I own these and love them, comfortable right out of the box.
- Zara Strappy Sandals ($75.90) — a little dressy, very chic. I wear mine with jeans, shorts, and mini skirts.
- Madewell Iggy ($98) — the zebra detail adds nice texture.
- Gianni Bini Steffan ($49.99) — super comfortable, perfect for everyday. I wear these constantly.
The Best Amazon Summer Sandals (All Under $50)
I’m a known fan of Amazon fashion finds, and summer sandals are no exception. Fast shipping plus great prices — these are my current picks:
- Snakeskin Strappy Sandals ($19.99) — an exact designer dupe with solid reviews. There’s also a kitten heel version for under $20.
- Pointed Open Toe ($19.98) — unique, chic, and another designer-inspired find at this price point.
- Jelly Flip Flops ($39.99) — I own these. Perfect for the beach or poolside.
- Suede Slides ($49.90) — great option for casual looks, designer-dupe energy.
- Square Toe Slides ($39.99) — modern and clean-looking with black trouser shorts especially.
A Few Tips Before You Buy
If you’re carrying most of your weight below the waist, sandals with a bit of heel or platform can make a noticeable difference in proportion. A strappy sandal also draws the eye and creates balance that a flat slide sometimes doesn’t.
And honestly — buy one nice pair before three cheap ones. The cost-per-wear math always works out the same way.
What are the most comfortable summer sandals?
The answer comes down to footbed support and leather quality more than anything else. My picks for all-day wear: Hermès Oran (the investment option), Gianni Bini flip flops at $50, and Tony Bianco Caprice heel when I need something dressier.
Are Hermès Oran sandals worth the price?
After a decade of wearing mine, yes. The cost per wear is down to cents and the leather has held up beautifully. That said, $850+ is real money — if it’s a stretch, the dupes in my mid-range section give you the same silhouette for under $300.
What sandals are trending for summer 2026?
Saturated colors (red, butter yellow, deep greens), platform silhouettes, and the elevated flip flop having a serious moment. Minimalist slides like the Oran remain timeless.
If you’re only buying one pair this summer, make it something in neutral leather that matches at least five things already in your closet. Everything else is a bonus. — Ava
Related: The Sneakers I Actually Wear Every Day · My Summer Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
