Best summer sandals and footwear to buy in 2023
We’ve hunted down the perfect summer sandals that go with absolutely everything, all without breaking the bank.
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Sandals are one of those summer wardrobe staples you just can’t go without.
The right pair will be breathable on muggy days, versatile enough to take you from day to night and, most importantly, comfortable enough to stand in for hours at a time.
This season there’s plenty of choice when it comes to what sandals to buy — from delicate strappy styles to Y2K platform styles, breezy slides and even Crocs.
Related: Best women's walking shoes
Here to help you make sense of it all we’ve rounded up the best of each category here so you can shop with ease.
Read on for our guide to the best sandals you can buy right now including the once ugly but super comfortable Teva sandals that over 83 million TikTokers are loving.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
OUR TOP PICKS
In this article
BEST SUMMER 2023 SANDALS: EDITOR’S PICKS
Birkenstock Madrid Birko-Flor Regular Slides, $89 (down from $146) at OZSALE
What You Need To Know
If you’re looking for a pair of sandals you can chuck on for the beach and absolutely everything in between this summer then look no further than the Birkenstock Madrid.
This slide is built for comfort with a natural cork sole and a leather-look upper with a suede lining that’s tear-resistant and comfortable on your skin.
We love the metallic silver colourway for adding that little bit of something extra to just a regular pair of slides. Plus, by being made from a high quality synthetic material, they’re super easy to clean which is something we can all appreciate.
Ace Slide, $229.95 at Rollie Nation
What You Need To Know
Sandal season is well and truly here. If you didn’t know, chunky platform sandals are the move this summer and we’re loving the Ace Slide by Rollie Nation in particular.
Australian-designed, these sandals feature tumbled leather straps with adjustable buckles, a 5.3cm platform outsole, EVA rubber foam outsole, natural rubber midsole and anti-slip tread.
Made to be lightweight and durable, they’re as versatile as they are comfy – plus they’re easy to dress up with a beautiful maxi dress or down with denim shorts and plain tee.
One five-star reviewer said “I love these!!! Great summer slides.”
Another commented on a TikTok video saying: “These shoes are the best. Sooo comfortable, just love mine.”
You can also grab them in silver/black, gold/black and all black.
Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed Clog, $264.86 at Revolve
What You Need To Know
These once daggy shoes have been all over TikTok for months now as the “dream shoe”. The hashtag #bostonclogs has been viewed over 176 million times on the platform, with videos praising the fact the slides can be worn “with anything” and are “the best thing I bought this year”.
The Boston clog has plenty of celebrity fans including Kaia Gerber and Kendall Jenner. They also come in a bunch of fabrics and colours, from taupe to green to black.
Womens Chain Cage Slide – London – Black, $15 at Target
What You Should Know:
If you’re after a sandal that you can wear out to dinner, this pick from Target might be the way to go.
Featuring a trendy square toe and a leather-look cut out strap, the standout feature of these shoes has to be the chunky gold chain link detailing. It adds the perfect touch of luxury and really is the point of difference between these and a more average looking pair.
The slides also features a padded footbed for extra comfort so you can wear them all day and night. The world is your oyster once you pop these bad boys on.
BEST SANDAL SLIDES
Slides are the best summer sandals for quickly getting out the door, or for activities where you’ll want to slip your shoes off and on with ease, like picnics and beach days. My advice? Pick non-leather if you want a pair that will get you through pool sessions and other water-adjacent activities, but leather slides will definitely last you longer and feel more comfortable if you’re more of a city person, or looking for sandals that don’t head to the beach with you.
Alias Mae Paris, $139.96 (down from $199.95) at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
Alias Mae is an Australian footwear brand with serious street cred thanks to its Scandi-inspired shoes. By far their most popular style are these Paris slides, with celebrity fans like Nadia Bartel and Kendall Jenner.
They also have a following among fashionistas on TikTok and Instagram, with shoppers who own a pair saying they are the ultimate “it girl" sandal that feels like “pillows to walk on”.
These slides are stylish while still delivering serious comfort thanks to their moulded black footbed and rounded open toe design — think of them as a boujee alternative to Birkenstocks.
What You Need To Know
We’re guessing you never expected to see a pair of Crocs on a wrap of the best sandals, but these trusty shoes have seen a surge of popularity coincide with their 20th anniversary.
They’re not only on trend because they’re so customisable, but also seriously comfortable and made from a breathable material that’s lightweight and flexible.
These Crocs are one of the brand’s best selling styles, offering a cool platform and coming in a variety of both wearable and fun colours.
Five-star reviewers have described them as the “most amazing shoe”, with another customer commenting “wasn’t expecting to be as obsessed with them as I am”.
Nine West Giselle, $127.96 (down from $159.95) at Nine West
Tried and Tested by Edwina Carr Barraclough, Senior Manager of Ecommerce Content and Strategy
These Nine West Giselle slides are a dead ringer dupe for those $1155 Hermes slides you’re seeing every influencer worth their sponsored posts wearing.
I have been testing a pair out and I’m obsessed. They are the perfect goes-with-everything option.
As a hybrid worker on a budget I can no longer afford to fork out for items that can’t be worn in the office and casually so this option was a no-brainer. The sole is beautifully cushioned so they’re very comfy, too.
Eastwood Slides, $127 (down from $159) at Sol Sana
Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Deputy Editor
I bought these slides almost two years ago and I still find myself reaching for them over and over again, especially now that the weather is heating up! They’re not only super comfortable – I could literally walk all day in these – but the silver metal detailing and buckles adds a cool edge to the slides that make them unique and dress them up. Whenever I wear them, I’m always asked where I got them from – there’s no higher compliment!
Hush Puppies Paradise, $99.95 at Hush Puppies
What You Need To Know
Tan sandals are a great summer investment as they literally go with everything. These Hush Puppies slides are made from smooth leather with a synthetic lining that includes the brand’s ComfyCush footbed to give your heels more support.
BEST CHUNKY SANDALS
Tony Bianco Hiranni Vanilla Sheep Nappa 3.5cm Sandals, $159.95 at Tony Bianco
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, Editor
These chunky quilted sandals have been popular for a few seasons now and are showing no signs of slowing down.
A (much) cheaper dupe of Chanel’s famed $2740 Dad Sandals these are a great investment if you want sandals with a trendy edge that are comfy to wear walking.
Made from leather with adjustable velcro straps, these sandals have a 3.5cm heel and rounded toe.
I bought my pair of the Tony Bianco sandals two years ago and they’re still my favourites today.
I love these sandals because not only are they comfortable but they’re just so versatile.
A perfect dupe for Chanel’s much more expensive version, they are a chic summer option for the office paired with wide legged pants or a slip skirt, plus they look cute with a dress.
Dr Martens Womens Blaire Brando Sandals, $188.99 (down from $269.99) at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
Dr Martens’ Blaire sandal range is one of those shoe styles that are eternally cool. Not only do they never go out of fashion, but they’re also seriously comfortable — once you break them in.
A shoe with a cult following, fans of the Blaire sandal rebuffed claims in one viral TikTok video that they were the “most uncomfortable sandals I’ve ever worn”.
“Mine have been the most comfy from day one,” one person wrote.
“Mine hurt at first,” another commented. “Worth it, love them.”
“Two years later and the most comfy things I’ve owned,” another shopper said.
If you want a pair of sandals that are just as comfy and durable as Dr Martens’ boots then these are the ticket.
With a 5.5cm platform and rippled tread for extra grip while walking, the sandals have a buckle ankle strap and three straps across the foot upper for extra comfort.
Sandler Wave Tan Sandals, $69.97 (down from $99.95) at Myer
What You Need To Know
A gentle ease-in to the chunky sandal trend, the ridged platform base and thick rope edging modernise this classic strappy style. Not a fan of tan? This style also comes in black, nude and cream.
BEST COMFY SANDALS
Let’s face it, sometimes the most important thing about your shoes are how comfortable they feel. Here’s our picks for the best comfy sandals you can buy right now.
Teva Original Universal – Women’s, $110 at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
OK, we’re calling it — we think Teva’s Original Universal are going to be one of the sandals of the summer. Originally intended as a hiking sandal, they’ve made a resurgence on social media thanks to their Y2K feel, which also happens to be pretty damn comfortable. The #teva currently has over 83 million views on TikTok.
They have adjustable nylon straps, a contoured EVA footbed that moulds to your feet, and are made from recycled plastic bottles.
On TikTok, shoppers say Teva sandals are perfect for “hot girl walks”, with one even going so far as to say the brand makes the “most comfortable shoes you (will) own”. Right now the Original Universal in black are the most popular on THE ICONIC but you can also purchase different colours or a more chunky Teva style here.
Planet Shoes Devo Adjustable Comfort Leather Sandal, $97.96 (down from $139.95) at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
One of the brands that comes to the top of the list when it comes to offering comfortable wear is Planet Shoes. These sandals are not only lightweight but have features like double adjustable stay put straps, in-built padded arch support and a slip-resistant sole to keep you on your feet all day.
BEST STRAPPY SANDALS
Strappy sandals always look so lovely in summer, setting off a fake tan and allowing your feet maximum air on steamy days and nights. Tan strappy sandals are great go-to’s for anyone with a penchant for maxi dresses and flowy skirts, while black strappy sandals can often work well for the office.
Sol Sana Magnus Footbed Sandals, $159 at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
If you can’t tell, we really like Sol Sana sandals. This strappy style gets a big thumbs up from us for being its durable moulded sole, as well as being crafted from beautifully buttery leather. We also love the ankle strap for making it a touch more dressy than your regular slides.
Addison Flat Sandal, $129.95 at Seed Heritage
What You Need To Know
These gorgeous strappy sandals are sleek and minimalist while still being sturdy on your feet thanks to its buckle fastening around the ankle.
Made from 100 per cent leather with a flat sole, they’re also available in a pretty gold colourway.
Finola Tan Flats, $99.95 at Tony Bianco
What You Need To Know
The unique design of these strappy sandals may look odd when off. But when they’re on your feet, the back strap wraps around your ankle to offer extra support and give a beautiful, rope-like effect. Very Grecian.
BEST DRESSY SANDALS
Sometimes a special occasion calls for a heel or you may just like the idea of dressing your outfit up with a nice bit of height. I love a good block heel sandal with strappy detailing that’s comfy enough to dance in all night while still looking dressy.
Billini Balton, $89.95 at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
This shoe frequently tops the bestseller list at THE ICONIC and for good reason. The strappy sandal has a chic minimalist style that goes with everything, plus the block heel is low enough that you can wear them for hours on end.
Easy Steps Valetta Sandals in Navy Glove, $118.97 (down from $169.95) at Myer
What You Need To Know
These get a big tick from us because of their slanted block heel that’s easy to both walk and stand in for several hours.
Featuring a stylish T-strap design in leather they’re available in five colours but our favourite is this navy as it makes a great alternative to neutral black in the warmer months.
Novo Nia Heels, $69.95 at Novo
What You Need To Know
A good pair of slip-on mules will serve you well in the warmer months. They are the perfect block heel for when a dressy shoe is needed but are still casual enough to go with most of your wardrobe. These faux suede mules from Novo get big points for their strappy detailing.
WHAT SANDALS ARE TRENDY THIS SUMMER?
So far we're seeing many of the same sandal styles in vogue again this summer season, but with a lean towards more chunky styles. Late 1990s style platform thongs and mules are going to be super popular so investing in a pair for the warmer months is a great option. Otherwise you can’t go wrong with any sandals that are slip on.
WHAT’S THE BEST MATERIAL FOR SANDALS?
This will depend on both your needs and budget, so it’s best to start off by asking yourself two questions: What will I be wearing my sandals for and how much am I willing to spend? If you’re after sandals you can wear all day and walk in, then leather is the best option as it’s durable and comfortable. If you’re looking for sandals you can wear to the beach then a rubber or synthetic material would be best. If you’re on a budget there are some great imitation leather sandals that cost well under $100 and look almost identical to the real thing.
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