These Are the Only Shoes You’ll Ever Need in Your

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A Dressy Sandal

Tony Bianco Caprice Heel

A Dressy Sandal

Tony Bianco Caprice Heel

Every closet needs at least one pair of do-it-all sandals. These strappy black heels from Tony Bianco are elegant enough to always be event-ready, yet classic enough to pair with everyday denim.

Sizes: 5-10

Colors: Black, White, Acid Green, Skin Capretto, Acid Pink

Material: Leather upper

A Jelly

Melissa The Real Jelly Kim

A Jelly

Melissa The Real Jelly Kim

These aren’t the same jelly sandals you wore to run through the backyard sprinkler during your childhood heyday. They’ve been reinvented and reimagined in the form of this dainty, Barbie-esque slip-on.

Sizes: 5-10

Colors: 6 options

Material: Melflex

An Espadrille Wedge

Castaner Carina Ankle Tie Espadrille Wedge Sandals

An Espadrille Wedge

Castaner Carina Ankle Tie Espadrille Wedge Sandals

Beachside boardwalks and espadrilles belong together. These wedges (beloved by Kate Middleton) provide just the right amount of height without sacrificing comfort.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Azul Marin, Black, Ivory, Sand

Material: Fabric upper, leather lining

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A Low Block-Heel Sandal

& Other Stories Strappy Knotted Leather Sandals

A Low Block-Heel Sandal

& Other Stories Strappy Knotted Leather Sandals

If stilettos frighten you as much as they do me, take my word for it: A sturdy block-heeled sandal will save you needless ankle pain. This metallic pink pair looks luxe yet casual.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Beige, Silver, Cream, Pink

Material: Leather, rubber upper

A Cushy Loafer

Will’s Vegan Store Ribbon Loafers

A Cushy Loafer

Will’s Vegan Store Ribbon Loafers

Unfortunately, not all summer days can be spent on the beach. Whether dressed up with a skirt or down with a pair of cutoff shorts à la Hailey Bieber, these vegan loafers are reliably versatile, supportive, and chic. Bonus: you can wear them well through the fall and winter months, too.

Sizes: 5-10

Colors: Black

Material: Plant-sourced vegan leather

A Flat Mule

Vivaia Yaffa Pointed-Toe Knot Sandals

A Flat Mule

Vivaia Yaffa Pointed-Toe Knot Sandals

If you tend to suffer from shoe-inflicted heel abrasions, these flat mules are the ideal alternative. Backless but close-toed, they’re a business-casual favorite for warmer months.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: 6 options

Material: Elastic knit made from plastic bottles, rubber

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A Colorful Pump

Jimmy Choo Love 100 Patent Pumps

A Colorful Pump

Jimmy Choo Love 100 Patent Pumps

Summer is usually open-toe season, but there are always a few occasions that warrant covering up. Zhuzh up your favorite pair of pumps with an adventurous hue for the season.

Sizes: 4-13

Colors: Green

Material: Leather

A Pool Slide

Hush Puppies Women’s Sunshine Slide Sandal

A Pool Slide

Hush Puppies Women’s Sunshine Slide Sandal

These chunky padded slides are luxuriously plush, but fret not: they’re tough enough to take on sand, saltwater, and chlorine without complaint.

Sizes: 6-12

Colors: Very Berry, Maui Blue, Tiger Orange, Black, Vanilla Cream

Material: Synthetic, polyurethane

A Gladiator Sandal

Inc International Concepts Jerzi Rope Lace-Up Sandals

A Gladiator Sandal

Inc International Concepts Jerzi Rope Lace-Up Sandals

Now 49% Off

The gladiator sandal is back for summer 2023. In this case, with a lace-up feature and minimal pearl-bobble detail.

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Natural Rope

Material: Fabric upper, manmade sole

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A Slingback Sandal

Reformation Eleonora Slingback Block Heel Sandal

A Slingback Sandal

Reformation Eleonora Slingback Block Heel Sandal

Jazz up a day-to-night look with these ’70s-inspired slingbacks from Reformation. Just a heads up: these do run small and slightly narrow.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Black, Gold, Metallic, Pearl Snake, White

Material: Recouro-regenerated leather, EVA padding

A Platform Sandal

Matisse Solar Platform Sandals

A Platform Sandal

Matisse Solar Platform Sandals

A stable style reminiscent of a ’90s Olsen twin, these pastel platforms are meant to merge “contemporary design with casual LA style.”

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Lilac, White, Orange

Material: Vinyl, polyurethane

A White Sneaker

Keds Champion Originals Sneaker

A White Sneaker

Keds Champion Originals Sneaker

Now 31% Off

Chances are you already have a beloved pair of white sneakers on your shoe rack, but if you’re looking to invest in a crisp new pair for summer, the classic Keds never get old.

Sizes: 5-13

Colors: 6 options

Material: Canvas, twill

Widths: Small, Medium, Wide, Extra Wide

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A Lifestyle Sneaker

Vans Old Skool Stackform Sneaker

A Lifestyle Sneaker

Vans Old Skool Stackform Sneaker

These chunky Vans go beyond the revival of skater style—match them with a white summer sundress or a pair of cutoff denim shorts.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Black, Blue, Lilac, Green, Picnic Pink

Material: Leather/textile upper, synthetic materials

A Thong Sandal

Gucci Marmont Logo-Embellished Leather Sandals

A Thong Sandal

Gucci Marmont Logo-Embellished Leather Sandals

Credit: Gucci

The tried-and-true flip-flop is a staple sure to transcend trends. Elevate yours with a Gucci logo in gold.

Sizes: 4-12

Colors: Black, White

Material: Calf leather

A Heeled Mule

Dolce Vita Penny Sandal

A Heeled Mule

Dolce Vita Penny Sandal

Now 36% Off

Stay in a seaside state of mind with these woven, beach-inspired sandals. The lightly cushioned footbed and slip-on style make them an easy accessory to sweeten up any summertime look.

Sizes: 6-10

Colors: Beige, Pink

Material: Woven raffia, synthetic

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A Durable Sandal

Birkenstock Arizona Essential

A Durable Sandal

Birkenstock Arizona Essential

There’s a reason why they’re the unofficial shoe of the summer: Birkenstocks have been battle-tested by a very ardent fan base. This waterproof pair has the ability to survive sun and splash.

Sizes: 4-12.5

Colors: 11 options

Material: EVA

Widths: Regular/Wide, Medium/Narrow

A High-Heel Sandal

Kahmune Lesley Sandal

A High-Heel Sandal

Kahmune Lesley Sandal

Whether for weddings, boardrooms, or cocktail parties, a dependable pair of high-heeled sandals should take precedence in any capsule wardrobe.

Sizes: 4-13

Colors: 10 options

Material: Calfskin

A Closed-Toe Flat

Nisolo Huarache Flat

A Closed-Toe Flat

Nisolo Huarache Flat

The woven pattern on these closed-toe flats screams summer vacation, even if you have to wear them to work.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: 6 options

Material: Leather

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An All-Terrain Sandal

Teva Midform Universal Canvas Sandal

An All-Terrain Sandal

Teva Midform Universal Canvas Sandal

Credit: Teva

An absolute must-purchase for the adventurous among us. If your summer takes you anywhere near a hiking trail, you’ll want these soft but super-strong Tevas to transport you to the next peak.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Birch, Olive, Ginger

Material: Canvas, EVA

A Slip-On Sneaker

Rothy’s The Original Slip On Sneaker

A Slip-On Sneaker

Rothy’s The Original Slip On Sneaker

The simple joy of a good slip-on? Zero effort and maximum comfort, with the benefits of a sneaker and the style of a loafer. Plus, Rothy’s is quickly becoming a brand known for impactful sustainability—their shoes are actually knit from plastic bottles (and these are even machine washable). Comfort, convenience, and eco-consciousness.

Sizes: 5-13

Colors: 13 options

Material: Single-use plastic bottles

Culture Writer

Lauren Puckett-Pope is a staff culture writer at ELLE, where she primarily covers film, television and books. She was previously an associate editor at ELLE. 

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