Every Fashion Girl Is Buying This Sandal (And It’s Super Comfortable)

Every weekend through the end of summer is jam-packed with weddings, picnics, and parties, which means you have plenty of occasions where you need to put your best foot forward. But, if the shoes you bought at the start of the season are starting to feel tired, there's good news. According to a few of the fashion industry's coolest emerging shoe designers, the best sandal options of summer are still to be tested.

Since open-toe season started, strappy sandals, sporty tourist styles, and heeled flip-flops (yes, really) have dominated the conversation. But for the remainder of the year, there are a few other styles to consider trying too. Drawing on the ‘80s and ‘90s influences that have dominated summer fashion across the board, these styles reimagine the classics in fresh, new ways. Though categorically, sandals tend to skew a bit casual, the designs highlighted below are ideal for transitional dressing. They can be casually paired with denim shorts and a tee, or spruced up with a floaty floral dress — it's all up to you.

Ahead, the designers behind four of the industry’s most-loved labels shed light on the sandals they think should be on your radar now. Sure, summer is speeding by, but if you invest now, you'll wear these styles for months — and years — to come.

Annamaria and Margherita Brivio, Paris Texas

Italian shoe brand Paris Texas was founded by sisters Annamaria and Margherita Brivio in 2015, and garnered much buzz around its knee-high croc boot. But, the label is also bringing the signature combination of Parisian sophistication and Texan fun to warm-weather footwear. For summer, the sisters are drawn to sleek silhouettes but in unexpected, bold colors. “Right now, the trend I love is wedges," says Annamaria Brivio. "I wear them every day and just change the color.” She also notes that the popularity of the brand's mules as a comfortable yet cool option. “Wear them with everything. A playsuit, mini skirt ... any summer outfit.”

Jane Frances, Dear Frances

To combat high temps and humidity, Jane Frances, designer of Dear Frances, is opting for a minimalist approach through the end of summer. “I'm so glad that we're embracing barely-there straps this season," Frances tells TZR. "Not only are they on trend, but will also keep us cool.” Frances notes that she's especially drawn to earth tones and styles made of natural materials like linen and wood.

To finish off a vacation ensemble, Frances recommends looking for a shoe with croc detailing or a curved wooden heel like the brand’s Luna Sandal. If heels aren’t your taste, Frances recommends a contoured slide. “They’re an eternal favorite of mine, so comfortable, and an easy way to ground summer dresses.”

Laura Villasenin, Miista

“We're in high summer, so the shoes that we buy now will be the last pairs we'll wear before jumping into the new season,” explains Laura Villasenin, founder and designer of Miista. “Having that in mind, I'm looking for shoes that can blend easily with the fun, colorful outfits I'm planning to wear, but are interesting enough for everyday.”

After the success of Miista’s woven Taiisa and Noa heels during spring, natural and handwoven pieces are a mainstay in Villasenin’s summer sandal collection. “Wovens are still one of the strongest trends and they will not fade away. They provide comfort during hot summer days, especially when the temperature can be pretty hard on feet,” she notes.

Aurora James, Brother Vellies

“I have three distinct trends I’m very into now,” says Brother Vellies’ Founder and Creative Director Aurora James. “I love our Dora sport sandals. They are super comfortable, but elevated enough to still wear with a beautiful dress. They’re best with a floral or dramatically flouncy dress, but I also love them with a bike short and a pretty blouse."

Her second choice is the brand's strappy, minimalist Dandrige sandal. "The wood heel makes it special," she explains. "Minimalist Gwyneth Paltrow ‘90s vibes, but with a slight upgrade." Thirdly, James recommends an easy — yet statement making — slip on. The brand’s Lamu slide sandals were the shoe du jour on James’ latest trip to New Orleans, with friends Elaine Welteroth, Cleo Wade, and Rupi Kaur. “Some shoes are like cheat shoes," she says. "You put them on and they just make your whole outfit.”