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With summer officially in full swing, not only are we in need of the perfect summer sandal, but a statement shoe style that works just as well for our morning commute as for the activities that follow. And here at Vogue, footwear plays a big part in crafting our warm weather wardrobes. One does not want to be confined to a cubicle, constrained in stuffy, dark-hued, teetering pumps. (Call them foot anvils!) For those with less laissez-faire dress codes, though, it isn’t always permissible to strut into an office wearing a pair of casual-but-chic rubber Havaianas sandals. One final point: what better way to anchor chic summer-in-the-city style than with fabulous pairs of summer work shoes?
Vogue Editors Summer Sandal Wish List:
- The Best Black Sandal: St. Agni fine strap leather slides, $235
- The Elegant Espadrille: Castañer Carina 80 canvas espadrilles, $150
- The Fisherman Sandal: Prada Sporty foam rubber sandals, $850
- The Fashion Flatform: Tory Burch Kira dual-band sandals, $278
- The Thong Sandal: Toteme leather thong sandals, $450
- The Raffia Sandal: ATP Atelier Astrid raffia toe-ring sandals, $250
- The Double-Buckle Sandal: Birkenstock Milano crocodile-effect sandals, $193
- The Sleek Slide Sandal: Ferragamo Alrai flat sandals, $750
- The Block Heel: Reformation Abeline block heeled sandals, $228
- The Metallic Mule: Saint Laurent Tribute metallic-leather sandals, $775
How to find the happy medium? Look to Vogue staffers, who all have very varying opinions on what they consider to be seriously stylish sandals. After much polling, simple, yet striking pairs of black sandals seem to be the most popular by far. (We’re still very much minimally minded over here.) In that category, thong sandals reminiscent of the ‘90s era are catching on. (They are sturdy and walkable, according to several colleagues.) Metallic gladiator styles are also high on our summer shopping lists, serving as the ultimate day-to-night footwear. Other pieces to consider include mules, both pointed-toe and open-toe, as well as the occasional chunky sandal, crochet, and raffia styles, and simple statement slides.
Below, a roundup of the best summer work shoes and sandals from those who study them closely.
Chioma Nnadi, editor of Vogue.com
I tend to start looking for summer sandals long before the weather gets warm—I know it sounds a bit absurd, but I often start looking in March or April. My feet are big and tricky to fit, so it’s a bit of a Cinderella quest to find the ones. Luckily I didn’t have to look too far this season. I found these comfy and chic sandals by Studio Amelia and have been wearing them non-stop.
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Lisa Aiken, executive fashion & beauty director, Vogue.com
Chic flip-flops is such a thing; case in point, St. Agni’s slick black leather sandals. They're the perfect finishing touch to an all-black, summer-in-the-city outfit.
Shop More Fashion Flip-Flops:
Alexis Bennett Parker, commerce writer
I’m a huge fan of strappy sandals. Jil Sander makes the perfect pair of heels to wear to work and beyond during the summer.
Shop More Strappy Heeled Sandals:
Arden Fanning, contributing beauty & wellness editor
We’ve all been influenced by Vogue alum Lauren Mechling’s @thecloglife, though my last spin was in Y2K-era Dr. Scholl’s that slipped off my XL feet. Swedish Hasbeens’ artisanally made Retro Sky High cuties (with ankle straps) that Free People is carrying will bring me back to comfy Clog World.
Shop More Summer Clogs:
Madeline Fass, fashion market editor
Some people don’t love a sandal for the office, but these mules from Bottega Veneta cover most of the foot, which is great if you're due for a pedicure.
Shop More Minimalist Mules:
Chloe Malle, contributing editor
I love these barely-there Emme Parsons sandals. They’re like a delicate bracelet on your foot, but you can stomp all over Midtown in them and still feel good by the end of the day!
Shop More Barely-There Sandals:
Ciarra Lorren Zatorski, associate fashion editor
Beyond the classic French market bag, the natural texture of Larroudé’s Ash sandal takes my summer raffia love story to new heights (quite literally)! Far from a quintessential summer slide, the platform style elevates any look from day to night without compromising comfort.
Shop More Raffia-Adorned Platform Sandals:
Clarissa Schmidt, commerce producer
Haven’t you heard? The thong sandal is back! I love this sleek black pair from Pelle Moda. From the office to dinner dates to long strolls in the city, they’re my most comfortable, stylish shoes to wear all season long.
Shop More Thong Sandals:
Eliseé Browchuck, production & marketing manager, Vogue100
'Tis the season to swap my tired office pumps for fresh summer flats. From espadrilles to slides, I tend to gravitate toward neutral textures, but raffia is my go-to. Celine’s Lympia flat sandal is ideal for days that start in the office and end with an alfresco Aperol spritz at Le Dive.
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Julie Tong, commerce director
These Prada fisherman sandals are my go-to in the summer for all occasions: work, play, travel, and beyond. I love that they’re durable enough to withstand the city’s tough terrain, but chic enough to pair with everything from a midiskirt to trousers and dresses. They might just be the most complimented footwear I’ve owned.
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Katie Henwood, associate director of audience development
These Tory Burch fisherman espadrilles perfectly blend two of summer’s biggest trends, and are just as chic in the office as they are poolside or at the farmer’s market. The platform elevates any outfit (literally!) and the neutral color fits in seamlessly with my minimalist wardrobe. You’ll find me living in these all season long.
Shop More Espadrilles:
Kylee McGuigan, associate commerce producer
I’ve been waiting all season to break out my sandals, and I can’t resist a strappy pair with a block heel to wear into the office every day. This pair from Dolce Vita is perfect for a day-to-night look too, as they're comfortable and incredibly chic. Plus, they’re available in various colors, so I might need to invest in more than just one.
Shop More Block-Heeled Sandals:
Laia Garcia-Furtado, senior fashion news editor, Vogue Runway
I was on the lookout for a pair of summer sandals that I could wear to the office and would also offer some sort of foot support (I love to wear little flats that offer only a thin layer between my feet and the ground which is very chic but not the most ergonomic!). I didn’t think twice when I came across these Birkenstocks—the back strap makes them more of a "proper shoe," and the green stamped leather and gold metal buckles truly elevate the classic style. Plus, they look good with everything.
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Laura Jackson, commerce writer
Well after spring, the metallic momentum continues–and I am here for it. These strappy, gladiator sandals from Porte & Paire pack the perfect punch and are a great balance between work shoes and going-out shoes. I’m wearing mine with sweet midiskirts, lived-in denim, and even with cover-ups and swimwear.
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Lauren Sanchez, contributing editor
I never thought I’d say this…but I’ve become a recent Crocs convert. Durable, these things can comfortably take you anywhere from the mean streets to the office floor–plus you can add cutesy charms to add some pizazz.
Shop More Chunky Sandals:
Lilah Ramzi, commerce & parties editor
Call me old-fashioned (actually, I’d prefer it!), but I’m in the camp that believes sandals aren’t so great for the office—something about the nakedness of it all. Come the dog days of summer, though, I’ll find some reprieve in what I like to call, a closed-toe sandal—a shoe with braiding, straps, or open-weave that allows for breathability but a bit of coverage. This slide by Le Monde Beryl is incredibly casual but maintains that polish I like and want for an office setting!
Shop More Slipper Mules:
Mai Morsch, editor
If I’m wearing sandals to the office, I love this pair from Margaux. They are comfortable, polished, and go with just about any look!
Shop More Best Black Sandals:
Miriam Nehring, senior editor, Vogue Germany
When it comes to summer essentials, nothing beats a timeless sandal that effortlessly combines style and comfort. Toteme, the renowned fashion brand, has created a must-have piece that encapsulates the essence of chic simplicity. With its minimalistic silhouette and neutral color palette, these sandals compliment any outfit, whether it’s a casual daytime look or a sophisticated evening ensemble.
Shop More Crochet-Adorned Sandals:
Michelle Cho, senior manager, analytics
This slingback pump has the perfect amount of height, without compromising comfort during my morning trek to the train. I love the metallic silver color and how it peeps through long wide-legged jeans or trousers. When I’m wearing a more "plain" or colorless outfit, this shoe definitely spruces it up!