13 Summer Sandals For Every Occasion

Whether you're a die-hard Birkenstock fan or you spend warm weather exclusively in slinky kitten mules, you know the transformative power of the best sandals. They're the accessory that ties a summer outfit together in one step.

There are dozens of 2023 shoe trends that remix, update, or invigorate sandal styles, but only a few get daily placement in BAZAAR editors' wardrobes when it's 70-plus degrees outside. To get your shoe collection ready for the work days, beach days, and regular summer days in between, BAZAAR editors reviewed the best sandals of 2023. Our list is well-rounded and wear-tested, covering everything from the leather slides one fashion editor wears on vacations to the luxury fisherman sandal that won over another. Then there are kitten-heels and strappy sandals for dressing up your daily outfits, plus a single pair of Birkenstock slides with endorsements from two separate editors. Through it all, our picks address the defining trifecta of the best sandals: they're comfortable, long-lasting, and versatile.

Shop the 13 best summer sandals according to BAZAAR editors below, then wear them for the rest of summer.

Related article: Wedge Sandals Are Back: The 20 Comfiest Pairs To Wear This Summer

Shop the Best Sandals of 2023

BEST RAFFIA SANDAL

Jenni Kayne Raffia Crossover Sandal

"These straw sandals would make me feel like I'm taking a leisurely walk to a private beach on Nantucket, even though my summer reality is my same-old routine in the city. The crossover straps and little straw details around the soles are so perfect for the season." –Halie LeSavage, fashion commerce editor

Sizes: 35–41

What reviewers are saying: "I don’t know what I did before these! They’re so comfy and chic. Highly recommend."

BEST STRAPPY FLAT SANDAL

Aeyde Ella Creamy Nappa Sandal

"Aeyde's Ella sandal is my spring and summer wardrobe MVP. This barely-there sandal works with everything from sundresses to cropped jeans or wide-leg poplin trousers. I have them in black and just bought a second pair in creamy nappa." —Alison Cohn, deputy fashion news editor

Sizes: 36–42

BEST SLIDE SANDALS

Birkenstock Arizona Essentials Sandals

"Everyone and their mom has this rubber-fied version of Birkenstock’s most classic silhouette for a reason. Not only are they waterproof, but they’re also so light it feels like you’re walking on marshmallows." —Ariana Marsh, senior features editor

Sizes: 4–12.5

What reviewers are saying: "What's not to love about Birks? I am slowly trying to replace all of my shoes with Birks. I have too many feet issues to list so I need the best support I can get."

BEST SANDAL-BOOT HYBRID

Miu Miu Lambskin Thong Knee Boots

"There is just something so delightfully weird about these Miu Miu thong knee boots. I love to play with proportion with my looks, and in the warm weather, I think there's nothing sexier than a pair of shorts and a tall boot. The only issue is that knee highs are extremely uncomfortable and sweaty when the temperature gets above sixty. These boots—essentially a thong for your toes—are the perfect solution. You get the height of the boot with the breezy open toe of a classic flip-flop in the freakiest, most delightful way possible." —Tara Gonzalez, senior fashion editor

Sizes: 6–8.5

BEST EVENING SANDALS

Nomasei Venus Sandals

"I recently got very into Nomasei and they really have the most comfortable sandals. If I’m going to the beach, I love a flat, easy, neutral style; and if I’m going to a summer party, I like something dressier, but still comfortable, to make things fun—like these!" —Rosa Sanchez, senior news editor

Sizes: 35–42

BEST ESPADRILLES

Castañer Carina Canvas Ankle-Tie Espadrilles

"I’m simple about my outfits in the summer—it’s mini tank dress season—and this espadrille is all I need to tie that look together. The tying is done largely thanks to its lovely little ankle wraps, which add a soft touch and make me feel bonita." —Sabrina Park, editorial and social media assistant

Sizes: 5B–10B

What reviewers are saying: "Just received mine and I love them! High quality craftsmanship and beautiful design!"

BEST PVC SANDAL

Larroudé Vivi Lucite Mule

"I was in search of a PVC sandal that was also comfortable (critical aspect when searching for a shoe and being a New York City resident), and this Larroudé pair checks both boxes. Not only does the low heel make it easy to walk in, but the vinyl doesn’t dig into the tops of my feet. Plus, the neutral colour palette means these sandals play well with any colour in my closet. My favourite way to wear them is with a beige linen blazer or short to match the tan leather in the shoe." —Katie Intner, assistant beauty editor

Sizes: 5–11

What reviewers are saying: "Darling, and they go with EVERYTHING!"

BEST MINIMALIST SANDAL

Emme Parsons Hope Sandal

"These are the perfect minimalist sandal—spare and elegant enough to wear with a slip dress, but they can also dress up a T-shirt and jeans." —Leah Chernikoff, executive editor

Sizes: 35–42

BEST FISHERMAN SANDALS

Anthropologie Fisherman Sport Sandals

"I did not think I'd ever buy fisherman sandals but, alas, I succumbed—and I have no regrets! This version is extremely well made and durable for coming in under $150. I love wearing mine with linen trousers and breezy sundresses for conquering my warm weather errands." —Bianca Betancourt, culture editor

Sizes: 36–41

What reviewers are saying: "These are so comfortable, flattering, and versatile. I was worried at first about blisters but haven’t had any. They do stretch, so if they are a little tight when you first put them on, don’t panic! I am an 8.5 and ordered a 39. I want them in every colour."

BEST KITTEN HEEL FLIP FLOPS

Totême The Flip Flop Heel Back

"Comfort and style don’t have to be mutually exclusive if you find a reliable pair of kitten heels. In particular, the sophisticated look of these Totême heeled thong sandals, which come with padded insoles, make it the perfect finishing touch to any breezy summer outfit." —Chelsey Sanchez, associate editor
Sizes: 35–42

What reviewers are saying: "Fits great and so cute. I usually wear a 10.5 and the 10 fit me."

BEST PLATFORM FLIP-FLOP

Steve Madden Getable Platform Flip Flop

"I'm all in on platform sandals for summer, which is why I snagged this versatile pair in black from Steve Madden. Not only do they match everything in my wardrobe, but they're also extremely comfortable and a bit more elevated than a traditional flip-flop, making them perfect for every day wear." —Tiffany Dodson, associate beauty commerce editor

What reviewers are saying: "Pretty good neutral sandal. They are better than a beach flip flop and can be 'dressed up' if needed."

BEST ANKLE WRAP SANDALS

K.Jacques Abako Sandal

"I love how effortless the K.Jacques sandals are. They're timeless, classic, and easy to pack—and will forever be in my summer wardrobe." —Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen, senior fashion and accessories editor

Sizes: 35–42

BEST LUXURY SLIDE SANDALS

Hermès Extra Sandal

"I’m obsessed with this sandal from Hermès. It's elevated but casual, and so perfect for summer. It comes in an array of colours, but I love the black, personally." —Alicia Banilivy, fashion and retail credits editor

Sizes: 35–37

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For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.