Women's sandals: how to choose the right style for summer

Few gestures signal the arrival of summer more than unveiling your feet.
As the temperature rises, choosing lightweight, breathable footwear is a matter of style as well as practicality. Sandals perfectly fulfil this need.

From flats ideal for everyday wear to elegant options for special occasions, selecting the right footwear significantly enhances comfort and balance in daily life.

In this guide, you'll find practical tips for choosing summer sandals that effortlessly blend functionality with elegance.

Comfort first: comfortable sandals for everyday life

Comfort is essential to navigate bustling days filled with work, errands and travel. Comfortable sandals feature soft materials, flexible soles, cushioned insoles and designs that ensure a secure and stable fit.

The flat leather mules with bow are one of the best solutions for daily life. They offer a practical and lightweight fit thanks to the slip-on construction and soft leather upper. The essential line and leather sole make these shoes versatile and effortlessly stylish, suitable even for the office.

If you prefer natural materials and a more summery visual effect, choose the straw slide sandals with square toe:

the woven textile paper upper, goatskin lining and leather sole with non-slip insert make them light, fresh and stable, perfect for relaxed but refined looks.

Finally, if you’re aiming to strike a balance between practicality and femininity, the nude colour nappa mules with medium heel, featuring a contoured upper and kitten heel, are a perfect choice for adding a touch of sophistication and personality to work outfits while keeping you comfortable throughout the day.

Sandals for special occasions: how to get it right

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MARINA RINALDI SINGLE LAUNCH V2 DESKTOP 600x800 (1) Marina Rinaldi

If you’re going to be on your feet for hours, attending a ceremony or reception, it’s wise to go for shoes with a well-balanced mid-height heel, cushioned insoles, and a supportive design that offers good arch support. Avoid extreme heights or overly rigid footwear. In any case, there's nothing to prevent you from changing shoes during the event: opting for a more structured style for the ceremony and a more comfortable, flexible pair for the reception or last dance.

Low sandals: the ideal style for busy days

In the warmer months, low sandals offer a practical blend of stability and lightweight comfort. The flat sole evenly distributes weight, reducing foot fatigue and making them perfect for long days.

The breathable materials and sleek lines make them versatile, suitable for a range of occasions, from casual work settings and holidays to more refined evening ensembles. The black mules in crocodile-print leather are amongst the most interesting styles on offer. With a loafer-like design and pointed toe, they offer a bold, minimal style, perfect for wearing with tailored trousers or midi skirts.

Foot shape matters: how to choose the right sandal

In addition to style and purpose, one often-overlooked aspect when selecting sandals is the shape of the foot. Knowing your foot shape helps you select styles that not only fit perfectly, but also elevate the elegance of your stride.

If you have a Greek foot, where the second toe is longer than the big toe, you’ll find tapered or V-neck models more flattering, as they follow the foot’s natural contour. The slingback pumps in platinum leather, with an asymmetrical opening and low heel, are perfect for achieving this effect.

A Roman foot, where the first three toes are nearly equal in length and the sole is broader, calls for more squared toes and enveloping uppers. In this instance, the aim is to strike a harmonious balance between elegance and comfort.

For those with an Egyptian foot, characterised by a longer big toe and tapering toes, styles that follow the natural shape of the foot are recommended, avoiding overly rigid lines. The mirror-effect high-heeled sandals respond well to these needs, with a design that slims and enhances the foot’s profile.

If you have wide feet or a high instep, opt for mules with wide straps, flexible materials, and a comfortable, non-restrictive design. If instead you have thin feet or a pronounced arch you will benefit from well-structured models with ankle straps or elasticated inserts, such as the animal print satin slingback, also available in a natural leather court shoe variant.