Everyone needs at least one pair of black sandals in their summer wardrobe, IMO. Going with everything from floaty summer dresses to linen trousers, they'll easily become your most worn shoes from April through to September – and maybe beyond too, depending on the style you go for. Think a chic black strappy design 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 and is now available in heeled iterations, and it's hardly the only comeback style cropping up with both gladiators and wedges surging in popularity too. Of course, you still can't go wrong with a classic double-strap slip-on for understated elegance, not to mention 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
You can't beat a flip flop when it comes to easy summer style. Havaianas still hold a place in our hearts, working just as well poolside on beach holidays as they do pounding city streets in July. For a more formal feel, look for leather styles or a flatform sole. And of course, heeled flip flops are the answer to what to wear with wedding guest dresses this summer.
Toe ring sandals
Introducing a fresh silhouette into your sandal rotation, we've been seeing toe ring sandals on all the coolest fashion girlies. Take your pick from pared-back, barely there styles to eye-catching adornments. Either way, this sandal places your feet front and centre, so you'd better book in for that pedicure.
Strappy sandals
The easiest way to dress up denim shorts, strappy sandals have an element of elegance thanks to their delicate multi-strap design. If you're looking for a comfortable evening shoe, this is your go to. Again, you've got a choice in heel heights with this sandal style, so there really is a pair for everyone.
Stylish slides
Where's That From Alana chunky link detail strap sandal
We're not talking about the athletic slides your boyfriend/brother/dad wears around the pool on holiday. No, we're referring to a much more stylish iteration of a sandal that slips effortlessly on. Ideal if you're prone to rubbing or blisters from straps. Whether you opt for a mule slide, identifiable by its trademark thick strap covering most of the top of your foot, or a double strap situation punctuated with oversized gold buckles for a bit of bling, you'll reach for these babies almost daily while the warm weather's here.
Woven Raffia sandals
Blame it on the boho revival, but we've noticed an increase in natural fibre footwear from crochet sandals to raffia designs– and we're not mad about it. Yep, it's not just your basket bag that's woven this szn. While you might initially picture raffia sandals in neutral beige hues, black adds an extra dimension and feels even more wearable.
Flatforms
Want the boost of a few extra inches without the sore feet? Flatforms – sandals that feature a super chunky platform sole – deliver just that while still being a flat shoe. Available in a range of different upper and strap options, there's no reason you couldn't walk 500 miles in these, or at least get your 10,000 steps a day.
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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!
