Everyone needs at least one pair of black sandals in their summer wardrobe. Going with everything from floaty summer dresses to a linen co-ord, they'll easily become your most worn shoes from April through to September – and maybe beyond too, depending on the style you go for. A chic black strappy kitten heel design will work for any evening occasion year-round.
But there's no reason to limit yourself. This szn, we're spoilt for choice when it comes to the number of sandal trends around. The humble flip-flop has had a major resurgence to become *the* shoe of the summer in wedge, leather and even studded iterations. Rope sandals and toe loop styles offer extra interest, but you can't go wrong with a classic double-strap slip-on for understated elegance and maximum comfort.
With so many black sandal trends to choose from, we've narrowed it down for you with our curated edit of the best to shop on the high street right now.
Fashion flip-flops
ASOS DESIGN Fenna Premium Leather Flip Flop
When it comes to easy summer style, you can't go wrong with a flip-flop. Classic rubber styles from the likes of Havaianas still hold a place in our hearts, working just as well poolside on beach holidays as they do pounding city streets in July. And when it comes to all-day comfort, you can't beat Archies, thanks to their built-in arch support. However, if you're after a more formal feel, look for leather styles or a slightly thicker flatform sole, like this ASOS Design pair that provide more structure to an overall ensemble.
Granny sandals
M&S Leather Woven Flat Slingback Sandals
Admittedly, orthopaedic sandals sound far from chic, but their signature design details – think thick straps in soft leather, big buckles, and solid soles – have been incorporated into open-toe silhouettes, often with a vintage-inspired aesthetic, that somehow make them look and feel the height of style. And given granny sandals were spotted on the spring/summer 2026 runways, we're fully leaning into the sensible trend with this M&S style. After all, Grandma knows best.
Toe loop sandals
Linzi Latch Black Toe Ring Flat Sandals
Want to introduce a fresh silhouette into your sandal rotation? We've been seeing toe loop sandals on all the coolest fashion girlies. Take your pick from pared-back, barely there styles to eye-catching adornments decorating multiple straps wrapping across your foot. This Linzi design feels minimal while still packing a bit of bling, but whatever you opt for, this sandal trend places your feet front and centre. We better book in for that pedicure stat...
Jelly sandals
If you need a shoe that can withstand all the elements this season has to offer – sandy beaches, park lawns, cobblestone streets – look no further than a jelly sandal. Yep, the nostalgic footwear of your youth (if you grew up in the ‘90s or ‘00s that is) is back on our fashion radar. The chicest jelly silhouette is undeniably a caged ballet flat style, adding a fun feel to denim Bermuda shorts and floaty midi skirts alike. You can't go wrong with Juju Jellies affordable option.
Wedge heels
Next Black Forever Comfort® Toepost Slingback Wedges
We really are in an era where comfort and practicality reigns, but we're not totally abandoning all sartorial efforts, either. Enter, the wedge heel, to perfectly satisfy both needs. Easier on the balls of your feet than a stilletto or even a block heel, the modern wedge sandal possesses a sleek polish that feels fashion-forward and even a little bit edgy. Take this Next pair, which will provide the perfect finishing touch peeking out beneath balloon leg trouser hems.
Gladiator sandals
Monsoon Greta Suede Gladiator Sandals
Blame it on the boho revival, but gladiator sandals are yet another comeback style cropping up this season. Zendaya just wore a pair during The Odyssey press tour which all but confirms their status as a must-have trend right now. Sticking to a black hue makes this look feel more wearable, as does avoiding any statement studs in favour of ankle wrap straps that still deliver the right aesthetic, just in a more subtle form.
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
