Behold: The Only Shoes You’ll Ever Need in Your Summer Wardrobe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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