Summer Sandal Trends 2025: What's In and What's Finally Out
Sandal season is officially here, and if your shoe rack is looking a little cluttered with styles from past summers, now is the perfect time for a refresh. Whether you're dressing for weekend brunches, beach getaways, or warm evening outings, choosing the right sandal can either elevate your entire look or quietly date it. To cut through the noise, we spoke with stylists and designers to find out exactly which sandal trends are worth investing in this summer — and which ones deserve a permanent spot at the back of the closet.
Here's the definitive breakdown of the four sandal trends that are in and the four that are firmly on their way out for summer 2025.
The 4 Sandal Trends That Are In This Summer
1. Suede Sandals
Texture is having a major moment in footwear, and suede sandals are leading the charge. Stylists are consistently reaching for suede styles because of the way the material instantly adds warmth, depth, and a luxe quality to an outfit without requiring much effort. Whether it's a strappy suede mule, a flat suede toe-post, or an ankle-wrapped style in earthy tan or cognac tones, this material reads as both elevated and effortless.
The versatility of suede sandals also makes them a smart investment. They transition seamlessly from casual daytime looks — think linen trousers and a breezy top — to more polished evening ensembles. Designers have been incorporating suede into their summer footwear collections in a big way, and the trend shows no sign of slowing down mid-season. If you're adding just one new pair to your wardrobe this summer, stylists strongly suggest making it suede.
2. Sandals with Metal Accents
Metallics are back in a subtle, sophisticated way this summer. Rather than head-to-toe shine, the trend is leaning into sandals that feature metal hardware — think gold-toned toe rings, silver chain straps, buckle details, and metal-tipped heels. These accents give a sandal a sculptural, designer-inspired feel without the full commitment of an all-metallic shoe.
Stylists love this trend because metal-accented sandals add a finishing touch that feels intentional and fashion-forward. They pair beautifully with minimalist summer dressing — a slip dress, a monochrome set, or tailored shorts — letting the shoe do the talking. Both high-end labels and accessible brands have embraced this aesthetic, meaning it's easy to find a pair at every price point.
3. Architectural and Sculptural Heeled Sandals
For those who like to make a statement, architectural heeled sandals are having a standout summer. Designers have been experimenting with bold heel shapes — curved forms, stacked geometric heels, and molded structures — that transform a sandal into a wearable piece of art. This trend has been gaining momentum on runways and is now fully transitioning into real-world wardrobes.
Stylists note that an architectural heeled sandal can become the centerpiece of an otherwise simple outfit. Worn with a flowing midi skirt or wide-leg trousers, the shoe commands attention in the best way. This is a trend for the fashion-confident, but it's also incredibly fun and expressive.
4. Minimalist Strappy Flat Sandals
Clean lines, thin straps, and understated elegance — minimalist flat sandals are a perennial summer staple that stylists are doubling down on this year. The key is in the details: fine leather or vegan leather straps, a barely-there silhouette, and neutral tones like tan, black, and white that complement virtually everything in your wardrobe.
The minimalist strappy sandal appeals to stylists because it never fights with a look — it completes it. It's the kind of shoe that works with a floral maxi dress just as well as it does with denim cut-offs and a crisp white shirt. Simple, timeless, and always appropriate, this trend is one of the most reliable investments of the season.
The 4 Sandal Trends That Are Out This Summer
1. Chunky Espadrille Sandals
Espadrilles had a long and celebrated run, but according to multiple stylists and designers, the chunky espadrille sandal has officially peaked. The thick jute soles and platform silhouettes that were everywhere a few summers ago are starting to feel heavy — both literally and aesthetically. The overall look reads as dated, and the bulky proportions can overwhelm summer outfits rather than complement them.
If you love the espadrille concept, stylists suggest transitioning to slimmer, more refined versions, but the thick-soled statement style is one to leave behind this season.
2. Basic Rubber Flip-Flops
The humble rubber flip-flop has its place — namely, at the pool or beach as a purely functional item — but wearing them as a fashion statement is firmly out. Stylists are clear: basic rubber flip-flops, especially in thin drugstore styles, simply don't hold up when you're trying to put together a polished summer look.
The good news is that the spirit of the flip-flop lives on in elevated thong sandals with leather straps and refined construction, which deliver comfort without sacrificing style.
3. Over-the-Top Embellished Sandals
While metal accents are in, excessive embellishment — rhinestones, beaded overload, clunky charms — is trending out. Stylists are moving toward footwear that feels curated and intentional rather than maximalist for its own sake. A shoe dripping with ornament can easily overwhelm a look, and the fashion consensus this summer leans toward refinement over excess.
4. Foam and Chunky Sport Sandals
The foam clog-adjacent sport sandal trend, which exploded during the casual dressing era of the early 2020s, is winding down in terms of fashion relevance. While comfort remains a priority for many people — and there's nothing wrong with that — stylists note that the market has now evolved to offer sandals that are both comfortable and genuinely stylish. There's less need to sacrifice aesthetics for ease, which means the ultra-chunky foam sport sandal is losing its fashion credibility.
The Bottom Line
Summer sandal dressing in 2025 is all about refinement, texture, and intentional detail. The styles winning this season — suede, metal accents, architectural heels, and minimalist straps — all share a sense of considered elegance. Meanwhile, the trends falling out of favor tend to be either overly bulky or too casual to translate beyond their most functional settings.
The best approach is to invest in a versatile sandal or two that genuinely excites you and complements the wardrobe you already have. A well-chosen pair of sandals doesn't just complete an outfit — it elevates it. Use this guide as a starting point, and let the season's best foot be one you put forward with confidence.