If I’m hunting—or honestly just in need—of a new pair of sandals, slides, or thongs to finish off my wardrobe, I’m not after some fleeting trend. What I want is an investment piece: a sandal that lifts my look now but will also feel right at home in my rotation for years to come.
Right now, the sandal scene is buzzing with a few key trends—think barely-there straps, chunky platforms, and yes, the revival of the classic thong, thanks to style icons like Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and the Olsen twins putting them back in the spotlight.
The ELLE Edit Of The Best Sandal Brands:
- Best Minimalist Sandals: St. Agni
- Best Affordable Sandals: Billini
- Best Classic Sandals: A.Emery
- Best Luxury Sandals: Emme Parsons
But even with all these styles vying for attention, the best sandal brands still blend trend and timelessness in a way that feels effortless, not forced.
Luckily, a handful of brands have really nailed this—striking that perfect balance between style, comfort, and everyday wearability. Here are the ones I trust to see me through every summer—and long after the tan lines fade.
If there’s one brand that always nails the balance between on-trend and effortlessly wearable, it’s Billini. The Sydney-born label has become a staple in our wardrobes, serving up everything from minimalist slides to statement strappy sandals — each pair designed with that distinct Billini polish. Inspired by runway moments but made for real life, their deigns can take you from brunch to beach to rooftop drinks without missing a beat (or blowing your budget).
BILLINI
Stellan Sandal
BILLINI
Farasha Sandal
BILLINI
Orianna Sandal
BILLINI
Clea Sandal
St. Agni
Byron Bay-based label St. Agni’s footwear collection echoes the signature elevated minimalism of its ready-to-wear pieces. From barely-there leather thongs and strappy slides to statement-making platforms and directional mules, there’s a pair for every occasion. The colour palette skews monochrome with seasonal pops and prints making their mark.
ST.AGNI
Cross Detail Sandal
ST.AGNI
Paillette Slide
ST.AGNI
Tie Up Flat
ST.AGNI
Thong Slide
Australian label Tony Bianco continues to lead the charge in contemporary footwear with its distinct blend of modern edge and timeless appeal. Whether it’s a barely-there heel for evening or a minimalist flat for everyday, each pair feels intentionally refined—elevated by thoughtful details, modern silhouettes, and a considered neutral palette.
TONY BIANCO
Sahara Ecru Snake
TONY BIANCO
Monaco Choc Como
TONY BIANCO
Roma Black Suede
TONY BIANCO
Stella Black Como
Jo Mercer’s sandals speak to a refined sense of practicality, designed for women who want their footwear to work as hard as their wardrobe does. Favouring clean lines, quality craftsmanship and a softly muted palette, you’ll find everything from supportive flatforms to more fashion-forward styles.
JO MERCER
Reggie Flat Sandals
JO MERCER
Miro Flat Sandals
JO MERCER
Finn Flat Sandals
JO MERCER
Aven Flat Sandals
A.Emery
A.Emery’s founder Anna McLaren cut her teeth at The Row in New York—need we say more? The Melbourne brand has made its name with a cult collection of sleek styles, including elevated takes on classic thongs and moulded footbed silhouettes. We’re obsessing over suede pairs this season.
A.EMERY
Kinto Sandal
A.EMERY
Jalen Sandal
A.EMERY
Remly Leather Sandals
A.EMERY
Heidi Leather Sandal
From the get-go, Nelson Made has honoured ethical production, making shoes from recycled leather, chrome-free leather, organic linen and OEKO TEX-certified fabrics. They also work with in-house Melbourne-based shoemakers and a family-run manufacturing house in China. Simple, understated and absolutely essential for your warm-weather wardrobe, Nelson Made’s high-quality and sophisticated footwear makes the brand a front-runner in the shoe game.
NELSON MADE
Raul
NELSON MADE
Juliette Sandal 4.0
NELSON MADE
Juliette Sandal 4.0
NELSON MADE
Raul
Add a dose of Euro summer to your wardrobe with a pair of shoes from Ancient Greek Sandals. Known for their handmade styles finished with woven leather details, ankle-wrapping straps and subtle embellishments, the brand is a firm favourite.
ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS
Saionara
ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS
Vachetta
ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS
Eleftheria
ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS
Karina Sandals
Founded in 2011, Alias Mae has grown into a go-to for sandals—day or night. The Australian footwear brand prides itself on quality, crafting its pairs from leather and finishing them with trending details.
ALIAS MAE
Henna
ALIAS MAE
Parks
ALIAS MAE
Heanie
ALIAS MAE
Lola Sandals
Sydney-born brand Studio Amelia leans into luxe minimalism. Focusing on neutral hues and subtle lines, the label boasts a number of core styles in various colours to create pieces that will last you season after season.
STUDIO AMELIA
Cross Front Sandals
STUDIO AMELIA
Edith Flat
STUDIO AMELIA
Filament Squared Flat
STUDIO AMELIA
Gold Pillow Loop Sandals
Charles & Keith merges fashion-forward styles with comfort and wearability. It’s a go-to brand for affordable styles, offering effortless chic options that seamlessly transitions from work to play.
CHARLES & KEITH
Macra Easley T-Bar Sandals
CHARLES & KEITH
Metallic Thong Sandal
CHARLES & KEITH
Fannie Interwoven Cut-Out Slides
CHARLES & KEITH
Ivette Woven Slide Sandals
Although initially deemed controversial, the ‘heeled thong’ trend isn’t going anywhere any time soon, especially those by cool-girl favourite Totême. Sleek enough to be dressy, understated enough to be casual, it’s the best iteration we’ve seen of the look so far.
TOTEME
Croc-Effect Flip Flops
TOTEME
Leather Sandals
TOTEME
Embossed Leather Sandals
TOTEME
Braided-Leather Bandeau Slides
Founded in 2015, the name Aeydē was derived from Edith, co-creator Constantin Langholz-Baikousis’ inspiring grandmother. Each pair is made in a family-run factory in Italy and finished with a hand-sewn stitch as a mark of quality. Their signature red heel tips are made to remind the wearer to be adventurous and seek self-discovery.
AEYDE
Ella Leather Sandals
AEYDE
Nettie Sandals
AEYDE
Nala Leather Sandals
AEYDE
Anna Snake-Effect Slides
LA-based label Emme Parsons distills luxury into its simplest form. Known for barely-there silhouettes and impeccable craftsmanship, each sandal feels quietly sophisticated—the kind you can wear anywhere, yet never feel underdressed.
EMME PARSONS
Ernest
EMME PARSONS
Meta
EMME PARSONS
Cecilia Flat
EMME PARSONS
String
Jimmy Choo effortlessly blends glamour with modern elegance. Their sandals are iconic for sleek lines, luxe materials, and just the right amount of sparkle—making them the ultimate go-to for elevating any outfit, day or night.
JIMMY CHOO
Ariane Flat
JIMMY CHOO
Gwyn Flat
JIMMY CHOO
Ayla Flat
JIMMY CHOO
Chara Flat
Christopher Esber redefines modern luxury with a cool, understated edge. His viral coloured jelly thong has become a cult favourite, perfectly capturing the label’s playful yet refined approach to design.
CHRISTOPHER ESBER
Jo Flip Flop
CHRISTOPHER ESBER
Billi T-Bar Flat
CHRISTOPHER ESBER
Doma Stoned Flat
CHRISTOPHER ESBER
Jo Crystal Flip Flop
H&M nails the art of accessible style with sandals that blend on-trend designs and everyday ease. From simple slides to seasonal statement pieces, their collection offers wallet-friendly options that keep your look current without breaking the bank.
H&M
Leather Sandals
H&M
Suede Sandals
H&M
Studded Sandals
H&M
Braided Sandals
COS champions clean, architectural design with sandals that embody effortless sophistication. Their pared-back silhouettes and quality materials create timeless pieces that slip seamlessly from season to season—understated luxury at its best.
COS
Jelly Fisherman Sandals
COS
Leather Flip Flops
COS
Crossover Strap Kitten Heel Sandal
COS
Crossover Leather Slingback Sandals
Manolo Blahnik’s sandals are the epitome of timeless elegance, marrying exquisite craftsmanship with iconic, feminine silhouettes. With delicate straps and artful details, each pair feels like a work of wearable art—designed to elevate any look with effortless grace.
MANOLO BLAHNIK
Haribalmu 10 Cutout Leather Slides
MANOLO BLAHNIK
Hata Leather Slingback Sandals
MANOLO BLAHNIK
Bizaba Embellished Suede Thong Sandals
MANOLO BLAHNIK
Fiosa Metallic Leather Sandals
Known for their architectural shapes and luxe materials, every pair of Khaite sandals makes a subtle statement—offering modern minimalism with just the right touch of edge. Effortlessly cool, endlessly wearable, these sandals are well worth the investment.
KHAITE
Boden Sandal
KHAITE
Loop Flat Sandal With Beads
KHAITE
Loop nake Effect Leather Sandals
KHAITE
Aimee Leather Sandals
Havaianas have long been the go-to for laid-back, reliable thongs—now riding high on the current thong sandal trend thanks to forever icons like Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and the Olsen twins. Effortlessly cool and comfortable, these wear-everywhere sandals have stepped firmly into the style spotlight.
HAVAIANAS
Slim Square Toe Thongs
HAVAIANAS
Top Thongs Colour
HAVAIANAS
Slim Metallic Thongs
HAVAIANAS
Slim Thongs
Minimalist styles with ’90s details are topping our wishlist this summer – think thong silhouettes and subtle wedges. But comfortable slides and platforms that you can wear all day are forever favourites. Look for leather styles and vegan alternatives to match with your wardrobe.
Sandals that have padded or moulded footbeds are the best choice for long days. Block or wedge heels can give subtle height without causing too much discomfort. Choose pairs with adjustable straps if your feet are prone to swelling in warmer weather as this will give you an opportunity to loosen for a better fit.
