From jelly shoes to fisherman sandals, these are the runway-approved styles you should be shopping.
Open-toe season is officially here, and it’s bringing a wave of fresh trends with it. Whether you’re heading out for a beach getaway, dressing up for a summer rooftop soirée, or planning city strolls under the sun, spring/summer 2025 offers up the most exciting—and wearable—sandal options in years. Designers have reimagined classic silhouettes and introduced some unexpected twists, giving you plenty of reasons to upgrade your shoe wardrobe. From bold colors to nostalgic revivals, these are the four standout sandal trends you’ll see absolutely everywhere this season.
1. Fisherman Sandals: From Coastal to Cosmopolitan
Once a functional choice for sailors and summer campers, fisherman sandals have emerged as one of the season’s most polished and versatile styles. On the runways of Michael Kors and Simone Rocha, they were reworked in glossy leather, translucent rubber, and even floral embellishments.
What makes them such a hit? It’s all about the structure—thick woven straps and a closed-toe silhouette that offers comfort without sacrificing sophistication. Wear them with tailored linen trousers for a sharp office look, or style them with a floaty sundress for a laid-back weekend vibe. For a trend-forward twist, try pairing them with ankle socks in unexpected hues like mustard or mint green.
2. Dark Cherry Hues: The New Neutral
If there’s one color taking over this season, it’s dark cherry—a deep, delicious red that toes the line between bold and classic. Spotted on runways at Hermès, Jason Wu, and Bottega Veneta, this color is making its way onto everything from strappy stilettos to chunky-soled slides.
Why the obsession? It works with everything. Dark cherry pairs effortlessly with summer whites, sandy neutrals, and even metallics. It’s a color that adds drama without shouting, elegance without effort. Whether you’re slipping into burgundy kitten heels or sporty sandals with cherry-toned accents, this shade is the unexpected hero of the season—and one that’s set to stick around well into fall.
3. Animal Print Everything: Wild and Wonderful
In 2025, animal print is less trend, more movement. From Duran Lantink’s bold zebra sandals to Vivienne Westwood‘s punk-meets-safari hybrids, designers leaned into unapologetic prints this season—and the results are anything but tame.
Expect to see sandals wrapped in python textures, leopard spots, and even cowhide-inspired patterns. But this year’s take on animal print comes with a modern twist. Think color—pastel cheetah, icy blue zebra, and metallic snakeskin are breathing new life into the old-school motif. These sandals are made to be noticed, so don’t be afraid to pair them with monochrome outfits or clashing prints. In 2025, the more playful, the better.
4. Thong Sandals: Minimalism Reimagined
Flip-flops have grown up. No longer just for the beach, thong sandals are having a sophisticated renaissance thanks to designers like Alaïa, Sportmax, and The Row. This season’s versions include elegant square-toed leather styles, minimalist heels with toe loops, and even avant-garde reinterpretations like thong-strap Mary Janes.
What’s truly exciting? The variety. From flat, barely-there leather sandals ideal for vacation days, to refined heeled versions that easily carry you into cocktail hour, the thong sandal is all about subtle confidence. And for those feeling bold, Christian Dior and Etro offered knee-high thong boots—yes, boots—that somehow made baring your toes in any season feel completely logical.
