Flat Sandals Are the Quintessential Summer Shoe

Summer should be spent doing exactly two things: showing off your toes and feeling generally fabulous. Flat sandals are a quick and easy way to achieve both.

Eliminating the fuss of high-heeled designs, this type of less-is-more footwear keeps you grounded (get it?) while still delivering the fun styling opportunities of fisherman slip-ons and platform slides.

How to wear flat sandals

It’s easy to assume that because flat sandals have no heel (or a very tiny one), they’re a strictly minimalist choice. On the contrary, they are incredibly aesthetically versatile. Less hardware makes them more lightweight, meaning you can play with shapes and textures in your clothing choices.

If your flat sandals come in a neutral colourway, style them with a playful pattern and foot-reaching fringe. Want your flats to make more of a statement? Try a pair with a long strap that can be wrapped up to reach your calves.

When in doubt, experiment with colour. Silver and gold continue to trend as outfit add-ons, so consider investing in a pair of flat sandals that have a sleek reflective hue. With the right shoe choice and a great pedicure, you’re set for a winning sunny season.

Our fave flat sandals for summer 2025

Best overall

Steve Madden Women’s Hadyn sandal

These slip-on Steve Madden sandals are both an uncomplicated footwear option and a visually intriguing statement. With a suede outer make and a faded denim upper, they are the perfect choice for showing off your summer pedi in style.

The winning design element is the cutout-filled straps, which adds some geometric newness to the classic slide-on shoe. Available in 12 colours, they’re sure to be a staple in your rotation. And just think how perfect they would look with a denim jumpsuit.

Pros

• Available in 12 colours
• Trendy denim design
• Reviewers love how comfortable they are

Cons

• These are not water-resistant, so they’re not ideal for rainy weather

Best budget

Amazon Essentials casual strappy sandals

Featuring leather lining and a straightforward secure buckle closure, these flat sandals are an easy everyday pick. With over 9,000 ratings and a price tag that starts at under $25, they’re a crowd-pleaser with a strappy asymmetrical edge.

Plus, their lightweight feel makes them the ideal easy-to-pack travel companion.

Pros

• Quality flat sandals starting at less than $25
• Available in five colours
• Reviewers love how comfortable they are

Cons

• Some reviewers say they run small, so consider sizing up if you’re in between sizes

Best flip slop sandal

Tkees Lily sandal

While these may seem like ordinary flip flops, their beauty lies in the details. Made in Brazil, these glossy sandals are minimal but functional, featuring a square toe and thin straps that serve an elegant finish.

Pros

• Practical and comfortable
• Simple and easy to style
• Good for Poolside

Cons

• Straps might not be durable enough for long walks

Best metallic sandals

Schutz Acacia flat sandal

Calling all metallic lovers, we may have found the ideal summer shoe for you. Available in both silver and gold, these buckle-closure sandals are adorned in metallic discs, offering a gorgeous accent to any light summer outfit. 

Pros

• Eyecatching design
• Can be coordinated with jewelery and bag hardware
• Secure buckle closure

Cons

• Soles may be too flat for high arches

Best black flat sandals

Seychelles Persuasion Sandals

These sandals are both secure and stylish with four leather buckle straps—perfect if you appreciate a little edge. Made in Italy with Nappa leather, these slip-ons promise durability and stability.

Pros

• Durable for everyday use
• Extra secure with four buckles

Cons

• Leather may make them heavier

Best white flat sandals

L’Agence Hanna leather sandal

Looking for a unique pair of sandals? This strappy pair from L’agence includes coin embellishments and a crossover toe strap. Its off-white leather is ideal for summer styling.

Pros

• Can be dressed up or down
• Versatile colour
• Comes in three colourways and a variety of hardware options

Cons

• May be tougher to keep clean

Best slip on sandal

L’Intervalle Bosnia sandal

Yes, slides can very well make a fashion statement. These patent leather slip-ons feature a square-toed edge, padded leather inner soles and a glossy finish. Plus, they’re available in eight colours!

Pros

• Diverse colour selection
• Padded for maximum comfort

Cons

• The padding might make the slides fit snug. Consider sizing up!

Best for men

Ugg Seaside slide

Water-resistant and well-cushioned, these slip-on men’s sandals are the ideal one-and-done choice for the summer. Crafted with a leather upper and a rubber sole, these slides pair effortlessly with any summer activity.

Pros

• Versatile
• Cushioned sole for all-day comfort

Cons

• Has no buckles or closures—may slide off easily compared to other styles

Best leather

Maguire Tavira Sandals

Handmade in Fornos, Portugal, these velcro leather sandals make a reliable staple for the warmer months. Versatile and comfortable, it features adjustable straps, an insole that molds to your foot and a unique zig zag trim.

Pros

• Available in three colours
• 100 per cent leather

Cons

• It’s a Maguire best seller, so they might sell out. Cop them while you can!

Best fisherman style

Everlane The Day fisherman sandal

We put these as one of our top choices for fisherman sandals because they are soft, supple and ultra-high quality. Plus, their flat fit gives them the minimalist stamp of approval.

Made of Nappa leather and available in three neutral colours, they deliver a pillowy texture and closed-toe support if you’re looking for extra security.

Pros

• Monochromatic minimalist finish
• Available in three colours
• The handcrafted design promises long-lasting durability

Cons

• Because of their high-quality leather construction, these are not water-resistant and should only be spot cleaned

Best dressy

Sam Edelman Bay Jelly Sandal

For those still hooked on jelly shoes, these slip-on rubber sandals are available in a charming butter yellow with elegant detailing on the surface. Best of all, they’re waterproof and ideal for poolside summer days.

Pros

• Waterproof material
• Jelly-like rubber upper promises comfort and style

Cons

• Rubber may trap heat on warmer days