The 11 Best Types of Sandals for Women

Every year, when we finally get the chance to swap our high-waisted jeans for shorts and sweater dresses for sundresses, we take it enthusiastically — and continue to do so until we're fully shivering in the fall. The transition translates to our footwear, too; as soon as the weather forecasts warm up, we're ready to incorporate sandals into our look. 

Slides, wedges, flip flops — we're big fans of them all. And of course, at InStyle, we like to stay on top of all the latest trends, updating our collection each season. However, similarly to how there are only so many garments you find yourself reaching for in your closet (elements that make up your true capsule wardrobe),  there are only so many sandals that we find ourselves reaching for day after day. Some are fit for fancy occasions while others are more casual, but all of them serve a specific purpose and won't be going out of style anytime soon.

Ahead, check out the 11 types of sandals that are definitely worth having (and keeping!) in your closet.

Heeled Mules

Personal style advisor for MiKADO Personal Styling, Jordan Stolch is all for this easy-to-wear stiletto alternative. According to Stolch, mules are must-haves in your footwear rotation this season because of their stellar versatility. 

“You can wear them with absolutely everything that’s already hanging in your closet while looking effortlessly chic in the process,” Stolch tells InStyle. “Jeans, trousers, dresses, and even shorts, make for the perfect pairing with this staple shoe. And if that’s not enough, they’re super comfortable to walk in!” 

Round Heel

If you’re not a fan of a skinny stiletto, try a round heel on for size. Even in neutral colorways like a tan, off-white, or black, personal stylist, Abby Young says these sandals are a “fun substitution for traditional heels.” Plus, they provide more support for your foot.

Micro-Heel

For a smidge of lift when you don’t want to commit to an inches-high heel, fashion stylist and style expert Naina Singla recommends opting for a micro heel. “It's the perfect way to create a polished and feminine look, while also maintaining comfort,” she tells InStyle. 

Slides

These shoes are quick to throw on, whether you're walking the dog or heading to the grocery store, but at the same time, look cute with sundresses, shorts, and airy linen pants alike. Plenty of fashion houses sell pairs with their logos, but you can always find affordable options, too.

Neutral

These are your everyday sandals — they're flat, simple (nothing too over-the-top here!), include a sling-back strap so they stay put, and seemingly pair well with every outfit. You think you wear them way too much, but they're your old reliables and you're definitely getting your money's worth.

Flip Flops

A colorful pair of flip-flops will pop against your breezy summer outfit, and heeled pairs are loved by celebrities and influencers alike. The trusty dollar pairs from Old Navy are always a win in our book, but designer flip-flops are a thing now, too.

Chunky

'90s-inspired sandals are everywhere in 2023, including Birkenstocks and Birkenstock-inspired styles. They're not for everyone, but we can't help but love the contrast they have against feminine pieces, such as satin midi skirts and puff-sleeve tops. They're casual yet statement-making, all at the same time.

Block Heel

This is the sandal you'll be happy to own for those summer weddings and date nights. You'll still get the height you crave, but a thicker heel provides more support and is easier to wear throughout the night. Plus, there are so many embellished options out there if you crave a little sparkle.

Wedges

We've learned a lot of fashion lessons from Kate Middleton, but perhaps one of the most important? Wedges never go out of style. She — along with ladies like Jennifer Aniston and Emily Ratajkowski — has been wearing them for years, proving this style looks great with everything from white pants to wrap dresses. 

Strappy

We've covered casual, comfortable, and timeless, but sometimes, our outfit calls for sexy — and that's where lace-up shoes come in. There's no doubt that heeled strappy sandals help take a slinky, sleeveless look to a whole new level, while a flat pair is attention-grabbing, even when styled with denim cutoffs.

Textured

This summer, expect to see fun textures like embellishments and raffia make its way into footwear. Raffia is a straw-like fiber traditionally sourced from dried palm trees, and its plant-derived material is a big plus for the sustainable shopper. Raffia sandals are perfect for spring and summer because of their tropical vibe, and Singla tells InStyle this type of sandal works well “with suits, trousers, and dresses.” 

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qrrSrbClnV6YvK57xZqqoaGfo3y1xc%2BeqmanlmLAorrDmqOs