Summer 2024’s Biggest Shoe Trends Are Classic and Won’t Quickly Date
While the weather may be going back and forth, in my mind, and my wardrobe, summer is officially here, and I refuse to go back to wearing anything other than warm-weather shoes. My boots, chunky loafers and shearling-lined slip ons have all been stashed away and my collection of sandals, dainty flats and canvas trainers have been brought to the fore.
In doing so, however, I realised the tan sandals I’ve worn religiously for the past four summers have started to look a little tatty. Blame it on the couple of Aperols I had sipped during the day or the buzz you get from spending a few hours in uninterrupted sunlight, yesterday evening, I opened my laptop with the intention of treating myself to a new pair of summer-ready shoes. The big question being, what should I go for?
In need of some inspiration and affirmation, I took to Instagram to see which summer shoe trends fashion people are already wearing. What I found was that many of them have been sticking to tried-and-tested pairs that we’ve seen become popular over the last few seasons, and that I’m sure will feel just as relevant in a few years time as they do in 2024. From heels to flats to sandals to trainers, the more I looked, the more I assembled what I think is a near-perfect edit of summer shoe trends. So, I thought I’d collate and share them with you below.
With classic options such as tan sliders peppered along the way, here’s a more nuanced take at what long-lasting summer shoe trends look like.
SUMMER SHOE TRENDS: 11 PAIRS TO TRY
1. CAGED SANDALS
Style Notes: The Row might have brought the caged sandal (aka the fisherman sandal) back to the fore but its fashion people that have kept it in the spotlight for the past few seasons. The original pair are a big investment, so it makes sense that those who own them have made a conscious effort to re-wear them over the past few summers, which has, by proxy, cemented them as a classic summer shoe option.
SHOP THE SHOE
THE ROW
Fisherman Woven Textured-Leather Sandals
These are selling out quickly, so if you’re looking to invest in this star pair, get them fast.
I love the heel on this retro-vibe pair.
JW ANDERSON
Fisherman Embossed Leather Sandals
I’m a big fan of the contrast stitching—and the fact they’re on sale.
2. ESPADRILLES
Style Notes: Everyone has differing opinions on espadrilles but one thing we can all agree on is that they symbolise summer. I personally prefer pairs with demi, mid heels as they look they most elegant and tend to be the height favoured by stylish French women like Julie, too.
SHOP THE SHOE
John Lewis
Lloret Suede Espadrille Sandals, Black
CASTAÑER
+ Net Sustain Carina 80 Canvas Wedge Espadrilles
Perfect for those who like extra height.
Gucci
Interlocking G Espadrille
Just the right amount of sparkle.
3. MESH FABRICATIONS
Style Notes: Perhaps the most trend-led style on this list is the mesh shoe but, when you look back at outfits from summers gone by, you’ll see that mesh fabrications have always been prevalent when it comes to summer shoes, only they used to be seen most commonly on heels. Now, thanks to Dear Frances’s pair which went viral last summer, it’s all about elegant mesh flats.
SHOP THE SHOE
Mango
Semi-Transparent Mesh Ballerinas
Jeffrey Campbell
Moira Mesh Flats
LOEFFLER RANDALL
Leonie Crystal-Embellished Mesh Ballet Flats
4. FLIP FLOPS
Style Notes: Whether you’re in search of a shoe to wear by the pool or are looking for the simplest style to match to your evening looks, the ’90s flip flop presents the idea summer shoe solution. Whilst recent years have been all about chunkier iterations, I’m seeing fashion people gravitate back to more delicate options right now. But rest assured either will never feel “dated”.
SHOP THE SHOE
A.EMERY
Morgan Satin Flip Flops
Satin flip flops are so elevated.
Sleepers
Tapered Flip Flops
So many influencers swear by Sleepers.
M&S Collection
Flat Toe Thong Sandal
5. SUEDE CLOGS
Style Notes: Summer isn’t exclusively about sandals—in fact, I’d say this is the time that I see more and more people wearing their closed-toe Birkenstock Boston clogs. Unlike leather pairs, the suede upper is softer by comparison and loans itself well to lightweight summer styling.
SHOP THE SHOE
BIRKENSTOCK
Boston Suede Clogs
BIRKENSTOCK
Boston Suede Clogs
I also love this hue for summer.
6. TOE JEWELLERY
Style Notes: I have a pair of sandals from six years ago which, every time I wear them, I always receive compliments on them. Featuring a simple gold band that hugs the toe, creating a toe-ring effect, this is a style I’m starting to see more of again, thus landing it a spot on this list.
SHOP THE SHOE
Jeffrey Campbell
Atlantica Sandals
These come in a mix of different colours.
AMANU
The Kibera Embellished Croc-Effect Leather Sandals
So easy for everyday wear.
EMME PARSONS
Laurie Leather and Gold-Tone Sandals
These would go with everything from shorts to breezy dresses.
7. LOW-KEY TRAINERS
Style Notes: Instead of flashy colours and macro silhouettes, for summer, trainers always revert to being slightly more low-key. A neutral or soft colour palette is favourable for maximum versatility, as is a more dainty silhouette.
SHOP THE SHOE
ADIDAS ORIGINALS
+ Wales Bonner Sl76 Leather-Trimmed Brushed-Suede and Mesh Sneakers
Fashion insiders are raving about this collaboration.
VEJA
Campo Suede-Trimmed Textured-Leather Sneakers
A white trainer goes with everything.
ADIDAS ORIGINALS
SL 72 Leather-Trimmed Nylon and Suede Sneakers
Swap your Sambas for the SL 72s.
8. SOFT BALLERINAS
Style Notes: Flat ballerina shoes are one of the biggest shoe trends of the last few years. For summer, why not try a pastel colour or a softer fabrication than leather—I have my eye on a canvas or satin pair.
SHOP THE SHOE
Reformation
Mariella Mary Jane Ballet Flat
These also come in white and pastel pink.
Everlane
The Day Ballet Flat
Whistles
Hai Honoree Shoe
I love these—you could definitely wear to fancier events if you don’t want to wear a heel.
9. FLAT SLIDERS
Style Notes: Often its the simplest shoes that can look the most elegant and refined, and that’s certainly the case with sliders. From Saint Laurent’s interwoven pair to Aeyde’s thick toe strap, these shoes are guaranteed to go with any outfit, which is a big part of their appeal.
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No one would guess these are so cheap.
AEYDE
Anna Leather Sandals
A cream slide is so sophisticated.
FERRAGAMO
Leah Logo-Embellished Leather-Trimmed Raffia Sandals
Raffia is a huge trend this season.
10. WHITE
Style Notes: White shoes always make a comeback in the summer months but, I have to admit, I always worried that they looked a little cheap on me. However, thanks to a slew of elegant-looking designs—The Row’s heeled sandals are proving a big hit in fashion circles—I’m really starting to understand the attraction.
SHOP THE SHOE
AQUAZZURA
So Nude 50 Satin Slingback Pumps
& Other Stories
Point-Toe Ballet Flats
White shoes don’t have to break the bank.
ST. AGNI
Twist Leather Slingback Sandals
11. BRAIDED LEATHER
Style Notes: Perhaps not the most obvious summer shoe trend to end on but when you analyse the wardrobes of French and Scandi women for a living, braided leather shoes are hard to miss. With all the charm of a woven basket bag, this shoe is central to so many European dressers. From flat sandals to heels to closed-toe slingbacks, there are plenty to choose from on the market right now.
SHOP THE SHOE
A great summer party shoe.
AMANU
The Shela Fringed Braided Leather Slides
Simple, yet so effective.
LE MONDE BERYL
Regency Bow-Embellished Woven Leather Ballet Flats
An ideal alternative to the mesh flat.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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