Summer’s Top Sandal Trends for Women – FORD LA FEMME

Strap Into Style: Summer’s Top Sandal Trends for Women

Love it or hate it, open-toe shoe season has finally arrived! Alongside booking that much-needed pedicure to put you on the front foot for summer, it is time to check out and dive into the newest arrivals in summer clothing, including the array of stylish footwear options that are currently dominating trends.

From the 70s-inspired gladiator sandals making their long-awaited bohemian return, to classic strappy sandals by Melissa, to divisive peep-toes that will push your fashion flair in the best possible way, the upcoming summer season is bursting with chic and fashionable shoe trends that will elevate your wardrobe and help you refresh, revamp or re-imagine your personal style.

I don’t need any excuse to get new sandals for summertime, however I do try to be more sustainable, and luckily enough, I still have some of these trends from years ago! Does anyone remember these really long gladiator sandals? I still have them and have been waiting to wear them again! Ha ha. Lets get to the list though and see what new pieces I need!

Fisherman Sandal

If you are ready for something new this season, the preppy and nautical influence of fisherman sandals may just be the answer for you. Brenton stripes and sailor hats were seen in collections from Moschino and Proenza Schouler, with seaside attire proving to be a popular source of inspiration.

However, fisherman sandals, or boat shoes, have proven to be a leading trend thanks to brands like Simone Rocha and Michael Kors, who showed that these city-ready silhouettes were equally as fashionable during a beachside weekend as they were styled with sleek office separates. I actually love these!

Gladiator Sandals

In recent years, the 1970s staples we know and love have worked their way back into our wardrobes. Suede jackets, paisley dresses, and boho bags are dominating trends in their own right, but in 2025, gladiator sandals will make their triumphant return, completing the boho comeback.

This throwback silhouette was seen across runways, including Christian Dior, Khaite, and Johanna Ortiz, all putting their signature spin on the classic style. This simple summer staple is best personified with a minimalist, flat-soled style accented with ankle ties and delicate leather foot straps. Now I have an excuse to get mine out again!

Peep-Toe Sandals

Every year, fashion trends always include at least one style that becomes fairly contentious among fashion experts and enthusiasts alike. In 2023, Miu Miu showcased corporate pumps with a slither of toe poking out, instantly dividing attendees into those who loved it and those who would happily pass each and every time.

Fast-forward to 2024, and brands like Aaron Esh and Burberry continued this trend by debuting open-toed heels that were deliberately designed to turn heads and play into the ‘shock’ factor. However, in spring/summer 2025, peep-toe shoes have firmly ditched their bad rep and are now expected to be one of the biggest trends for the upcoming summer season.

Carven’s cushioned sandals, with a chic sharp point and knotted fabric that reveals just the right amount of toes, and Dries Van Noten, who chose to go big with glossy mules that reveal all toes except the little one, are leading the pack in popularity and anticipation.

Thong Sandals

After many years of remaining a closet favorite, thong sandals continue to be a popular footwear option in spring/summer 2025. Classic flip-flops have undergone subtle but stylish improvements, including kitten heels, square toes, elegant leather straps, and platform heels, creating the ultimate vacation shoe that can easily transition from the beach to the bar.

Designers like Toteme and The Row chose to stay true to tradition, while trendsetters like Miu Miu stepped far outside the box with thong-strapped open-toed sneakers and Mary Janes. Fashion powerhouses Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Dior believe that baring toes should be a year-round thing by unveiling knee-high thong sandal boots.

Clogs

It is safe to say that Chemena Kamali’s debut Chloé show will go down in fashion history for ushering in a new love and appreciation for all things Bohemian, including the humble clog. Each collection featured towering cork platforms with beautiful signature buckles and stud finishes.

But Kamali was not the only designer championing this classic silhouette. Big names like Miu Miu, Hermès, and Zimmermann also unveiled their own unique spins on the clog. With so many different strap styles, heel heights, and finishes, don’t be surprised if you find yourself constantly turning back to these beauties all summer long.

I was wearing clogs back in 2011, so I’m actually really excited for this comeback! I kept a pair specifically for this purpose, as I always loved them. I can’t wait to wear them again!

Deep Cherry Chic

Rich, juicy, and vibrant red hues have appeared heavily across spring/summer 2025 runways, with designers like Victoria Beckham, Balmain, and Bottega Veneta ensuring it remains one of the hottest colours of the year. From feminine and classic strappy heels to versatile sports sandals, dark cherry footwear is the ultimate accessory for any look.

Pair these ruby delights with dark brown and burgundy knits, bags, and statement jackets in your wardrobe. Dark red has also proven to be a popular shade for fall/winter 2025, cementing it as a powerful and versatile shade worth investing in now, for the entire year to come.

Ankle Ties

If you think shoe trends have reached peak ballet pump, think again. Ferragamo took us all the barre for the upcoming warm weather seasons with their spring/summer collections. Models adorned the runway in dusty pink, wrapped cardigans and sandals finished with luxurious thick satin ribbons tied around the ankles.

Elsewhere, fashion labels like Burberry, Proenza Schouler, and Toteme skipped the ribbons and instead used thin leather straps or rustic ropes perfectly contorted around the food and tied up the ankle. I think sandals with ties around the ankle are really chic, feminine, and cute! Definitely ballerina style!