The Ultimate 2025 Summer Shoe Guide: Sandals, Heels, and More
I know everyone flips out for fall weather and boot season, but I’ll take summer kicks any day over knee-highs.
I live for shoes I can slip on as I’m running out the door — crisp, white Keds that I’ll muck up then toss in the wash. I yearn for leather flip-flops that evoke the Northern California sun and rubber platforms that add inches onto my aggressively average height. Canvas mom shoes, high-brow jelly sandals, and ritzy macrame flats? Yes, please. And what could be better than sporting Spanish espadrilles and British sneakers to celebrate America’s birthday?
Ahead are my picks for the trendiest shoes of summer 2025. Whether you need an everyday espadrille or a white wedding heel, I guarantee you’re about to find your new favorite shoe.
The Coolest: Classic Mesh Loafers, Rivieras
I hadn’t heard of Rivieras until a PR rep reached out with a pitch that included a picture of Leonardo DiCaprio wearing a pair. And if they’re good enough for a man 13 years older than me who exclusively dates women 13 years younger than me, who am I to turn them down?
I have the Classic Mesh version (comes in beige and black), but there are so many variations: canvas, suede, color-blocked, you get the picture. So far they’re comfortable, though they run a bit small so I’d recommend sizing up! Now where is my yacht?
Most Versatile: Tiare Strappy, Olukai
My friend gifted me a pair of these and they ended up being my most worn pair of sandals last year. They’re cushioned, flat (for chasing after kids), and the silver shade is ideal for dressing up or down.
Classic For a Reason: Slim Boat Shoes, Sperry
Back in my day, boat shoes were a subtle way of telling everyone in school that your parents had a boat. I did not have boat shoes. Now, they’re just a fashionable way to tell people that you’re a Cool Mom who goes near water sometimes. Sperry is the GOAT for boat shoes and though the Authentic Original is still the brand’s most popular, I prefer the sleek look of the Slim model, seen here.
Best Platform: Water Vista Higher, Reef
My laziest quality is that sometimes slides are too much work for me. I don’t want to have to flex my toes even in the slightest to go up or down stairs, alright? That’s why Reef’s Water Vista Higher sandals are an absolute MVP. They’re similar to slides, but they lock your feet in like little pigs in blankets. You will not believe how comfortable these are — and if they look too high, try the regular Water Vistas.
Best For Events: Ganita Knot-Front Sandal, Veronica Beard
In that phase of your life where everyone is getting married and you have a dozen bridal showers, bachelorette, and wedding weekends to attend? Buy this absolute workhorse of a sandal and be grateful you did. Because I splurged on them, I’ve worn them every chance I’ve gotten – I’m about to break them out of their mandated winter retirement — and they’re shockingly comfortable through hours of use.
The Yard Shoe: Arizona Slides, Birkenstock
A decade ago you wouldn’t have caught me dead in Birkenstocks. I’d sooner go barefoot on a city sidewalk. Two kids and a move to the PNW later, they’re the shoe I slide on the most when the rain is away. They fit like gloves, great for supervising the yard — our home is not as prison-esque as that may sound — and easy to clean. I’d like a pair for every door.
For the Kid-at-Heart: Rhys Jelly Sandal, Loeffler Randall
My trusty Loeffler Randall ballet flats have convinced me that the brand has the formula for flats dialed in. I would trust them with my toes any day, and I’m obsessed with these trendy ‘90s-inspired jelly shoes. I hope they start to make them in every color and maybe even give them scents, like Old Navy’s jellies for kids.
The Fancy Flat: Verona Macrame Ballet Flat, Larroudé
A hardworking flat deserves to be adored, and this option from Larroudé is the trendiest version there is right now. Made of macramed leather, these breezy babies will carry you all the way through summer — and into fall if you go with Burnt Umber. And if you’ve worn a Larroudé heel, even a 4-inch one, you’d know these shoes are designed for comfort. (Aren’t female founders great?)
A Poolside Pair: Carina Espadrilles, Castañer
Going on vacay? There’s no better shoe than the iconic Carina espadrille from Castañer to pack in your suitcase. The Spanish footwear brand popularized this particular wedge in the ‘70s, and they’re still kicking today with dozens of iterations in all heights and colors. I’m partial to the basic Carina model, which comes with a closed toe, feminine ankle ribbon, and 3.5 inches of wedge.
The Mom Shoe: Champion Slip On, Keds
Make all the fun you want, but I’ve run through about four pairs of these Keds over the years. They go with everything, they’re washable, and they couldn’t be easier to toss on when you’re headed out the door. I’d recommend both canva and leather, but I do prefer the canvas because they’re easier to clean.
The Summer Sneaker: Vegan Classics Women's Coaster Strap, Gola
As detailed in my review of Atoms sneakers, I hate tying shoelaces. The obvious solution? VELCRO! These everyday sneakers from British brand Gola are ideal for lazy b*tches like me, who never truly moved past toddlerhood. (They do have shoes with laces, if you’re into that sort of thing.) Anyway, I love these for summer because they come in a variety of fun colors, including this red, white, and blue version that’s begging to be taken to your local Fourth of July parade. (Take that, Brits!)
The Iconic Flip-Flop: Luxury Leather Single Layer Sandals, Rainbow
What’s that, kids of today? You really want to bring back the 2000s? Look no further than this absolute staple of high school circa 2005: the Rainbow sandal. If Sperrys said your family had a lakehouse, Rainbows said you played water polo and didn’t wash your hair. These are still some of the most durable, well-made flip-flops in existence.