If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.
In this article
As we hit the peak of summer, two things are certain: 1) nothing beats a Jet2 holiday, and 2) this season’s top sandal trends have brought forth a clear winner amongst the fashion crowd: the triumphant return of flip-flops. Though the thong sandal’s comeback has been years in the making, it’s officially hit new heights as this summer’s buzziest shoe. But it’s not the only nostalgic style taking center stage this season. Summer 2025’s biggest sandal trends all have one thing in common: a touch of throwback energy with updated modern twists — from early-aughts era heeled mules to designer takes on the jelly sandals of your childhood.
Whether you’ve been following A-listers on their Euro summer getaways or simply scrolling through the fashion set’s warm-weather feeds, a few key sandal trends have been reigning supreme. Yes, flip-flops are leading the charge, upgraded in sleek leather finishes and elevated silhouettes that make them feel far from beach basics. But there are plenty more Y2K-style influences re-emerging this season, from barely-there sandals embellished in sculptural gold hardware to kitten-heeled mules perfect for a sexy night out to the return of lace-up styles acting as modern-day gladiators.
With the end of summer quickly approaching (harsh but true), these five fashion-editor-approved sandal trends are the ones worth slipping into before the season’s out, whether your August plans include a beach escape, a city break, or simply sipping spritzes in your neighborhood.
Sign up for WWD Shop’s newsletter to get the scoop on the best in beauty and style with in-depth reviews of exciting new releases and buyer’s guides to find the products you need to try ASAP.
Best Summer Sandals of 2025
Flip-Flops Sandal Trend
The flip-flop revival has been slowly building for some time, thanks to luxury fashion takes from brands like The Row and Toteme spearheading the charge. But the throwback shoe has quickly ascended as the It sandal of summer 2025. Celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Jennifer Lawrence, Sabrina Carpenter, and Hailey Bieber have opted for flip-flops for every occasion from yacht-adjacent Euro summer holidays to day-to-night city looks snapped by paparazzi. And the fashion crowd has seconded the notion — you’d be remiss to scroll through your Instagram feed without seeing nearly every style insider’s look topped off with one of the season’s buzziest flip-flops, from sleek leather styles via fashion-favorite brands like A. Emery and Reformation to classic rubber flip-flops from tried-and-true brands like Havaianas and Old Navy. Summer’s most popular flip-flops range from modern updates like sleek square-toe silhouettes and thicker leather straps to kitten heels that offer an extra dose of Y2K energy and height.
Tkees Square-Toe Lily Flip-Flops
Strappy Sandals Trend
Consider summer’s trending lace-up shoes the modern-day gladiator sandals, with a sexier, more minimalist approach. On the Spring 2025 runways, the trend spanned from understated, barely-there lace-up sandals at Proenza Schouler and Khaite to full-on statement-making gladiator sandals at Dior and Isabel Marant. But it’s the former that has taken off as one of summer’s hottest sandal trends, with sleek leather lace-up sandals coming out on top. Think streamlined, nearly naked sandals that lace up around the ankles in neutral colorways and are versatile for styling from beachside vacations to summer nights out. Brands like Larroudé and Margaux are delivering some of the season’s standout takes on the trend, with timeless leather silhouettes and unexpected pops of color (and even a little playful shoe charm here or there).
Larroudé Nadia Flat Sandals In Scarlet Leather
Jelly Sandals Trend
Your favorite childhood jelly sandals are back — now with elevated, grown-up twists for summer 2025. Designers are giving the nostalgic shoe a luxe refresh in buzzy styles that can’t seem to stay in stock. After setting the trend ablaze last summer, The Row’s caged jelly flats are still reigning (Jennifer Lawrence’s stamp of approval last season didn’t hurt). But on the Spring 2025 runways, the trend continued in new forms, with Chloé introducing jelly thong sandals in playful, kid-core hues like baby pink and powder blue.
Elsewhere, brands like Melissa and Ancient Greek Sandals are tapping into two major trends at once with their chic takes on the fisherman-style jelly. Veronica Beard adds a fashion-forward edge with heeled jelly mule sandals, proving the material can go from beach to cocktail hour. And for those channeling understated cool, Sofia Richie Grainge has made a case for the simple jelly flip-flop — a subtle yet trendy nod to the season’s biggest sandal obsessions.
Melissa Possession Sandals
Vince Barcelona Caged Jelly Mules
Heeled Mule Sandals Trend
From chunky satchel bags to the boho aesthetic, Y2K fashion trends have been making comeback after comeback. Aside from flip-flops, another of the era’s signature sandals is everywhere for summer 2025: the heeled mule sandal. Bringing all the early-aughts going-out energy, heeled mules have been popping up all season on A-listers from Emily Ratajkowski and Hailey Bieber to Kylie Jenner. From kitten heels to stilettos, the trending heeled mules range in height, but all bring that same barely-there energy. Delivering a bout of Sex and the City style, kitten heel mules have been popping up as a night-out sandal this summer, paired with everything from flouncy mini skirts to slinky slip dresses and capri pants. Whether you opt for an animal print style to make a statement or a classic black leather approach, brands offer a full range of options for the backless sandal this season.
J.Crew x Rouje Jolie Square-Toe Heels
Aeyde Zebra Print Pony Hair Mules
Reformation Clementine Heeled Mule Sandal
From toe-ring styles to sculptural gold hardware and studded details, embellished sandals have become a staple for the fashion set this summer. Echoing the energy of the season’s anklet trend, these sandals — with their metallic accents and ornate finishes — offer a jewelry-like aesthetic that elevates any look. On the spring runways, designers embraced a bold, maximalist approach. At Giuseppe Zanotti and Tod’s, gold hardware and toe-ring embellishments stood out as a statement-making contrast to the minimalist footwear dominating recent seasons. Tory Burch put a refined twist on minimalism, upgrading her sleek strappy sandals with elegant toe-ring accents for a hint of understated glamour. Meanwhile, Bottega Veneta leaned fully into opulence, adorning its toe-ring styles with chunky gold chains. Khaite took a different route, delivering a more bohemian edge with studded flat sandals that felt both unexpected and effortlessly cool. Fashion insiders have showcased the range of the trend, with the embellishments appearing in summer vacation dumps and daily outfit snaps alike.
Madewell Dessa Toe Ring Sandal
Larroudé Milan Flat Sandal In Beige Raffia
Tory Burch Pierced Multi Strap Heeled Sandal
Why Trust WWD
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Author
Lauren Alexis Fisher is the Senior Style Commerce Editor at WWD and Footwear News, where she writes and edits fashion, beauty, and lifestyle stories. Previously, she served as Senior Editor at Cosmopolitan and Market Editor at Harper’s BAZAAR, where she oversaw digital content from fashion features to news and product reviews. With over a decade of experience as a digital fashion editor, she’s an expert in scouring the internet for the greatest emerging brands, top-rated products, and latest trends to shop.
