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Fashion: Summer’s hottest sandal trends, from flatforms to strappy heels

Step out in style with these retro-inspired footwear buys, says Katie Wright...

Clarks Flatform Double Buckle Hot Pink Suede Sandals, £59, available from Freemans
Clarks Flatform Double Buckle Hot Pink Suede Sandals, £59, available from Freemans Clarks Flatform Double Buckle Hot Pink Suede Sandals, £59, available from Freemans

WARM weather is (finally) here, lockdown rules are easing, and opportunities for fun days out are opening up – all of which means a pair of stylish sandals should be top of your summer shopping list.

Whether you’re looking for comfy flats for mooching about on holiday, or glam heels for a special occasion, these are the summer sandal trends to know about this season…

Flatforms

Want the comfort of Crocs or Birkenstocks but with a trendy, fashion-forward edge? Flatforms are the answer.

With chunky, stacked soles and sturdy straps, these sporty sandals will become your daytime go-to at home or on hols.

Hush Cersie Cotton Poplin Midi Dress, £79; Eden Shoulder Bag, £59; Woodstock Sandals, £69, available from Hush
Hush Cersie Cotton Poplin Midi Dress, £79; Eden Shoulder Bag, £59; Woodstock Sandals, £69, available from Hush Hush Cersie Cotton Poplin Midi Dress, £79; Eden Shoulder Bag, £59; Woodstock Sandals, £69, available from Hush
Dune Kazzy Tan Padded Wedge Sandals, £85, available from Dune (clothing, stylist's own)
Dune Kazzy Tan Padded Wedge Sandals, £85, available from Dune (clothing, stylist's own) Dune Kazzy Tan Padded Wedge Sandals, £85, available from Dune (clothing, stylist's own)

Clogs

Models stomped down the spring/summer 21 catwalks in some seriously hefty clogs. Thankfully, the Dutch-inspired designs on the high street are of the slightly more delicate variety.

With mid-height heels, these Seventies-style sandals are perfect for teaming with baggy jeans, denim shorts or swishy midi skirts.

Oliver Bonas Sparkle Jacquard Spot Navy Blue Tiered Maxi Dress, £89.50; Kitty Clogs Studio Mid Dansare Golden Leather Sandals, £129, available from Oliver Bonas
Oliver Bonas Sparkle Jacquard Spot Navy Blue Tiered Maxi Dress, £89.50; Kitty Clogs Studio Mid Dansare Golden Leather Sandals, £129, available from Oliver Bonas Oliver Bonas Sparkle Jacquard Spot Navy Blue Tiered Maxi Dress, £89.50; Kitty Clogs Studio Mid Dansare Golden Leather Sandals, £129, available from Oliver Bonas
George at Asda Tan Padded Heeled Clogs, £18, available from George
George at Asda Tan Padded Heeled Clogs, £18, available from George George at Asda Tan Padded Heeled Clogs, £18, available from George

Nineties sandals

The 90s renaissance shows no sign of slowing down, with pretty kitten heels and sling-backs trotting down the runways at Prada, Lanvin and Rejina Pyo.

Mules are another major trend this season, but if spindly mini stilettos aren’t your thing, opt for a flared block heel.

Steve Madden Thai Sandals, £81, available from Revolve
Steve Madden Thai Sandals, £81, available from Revolve Steve Madden Thai Sandals, £81, available from Revolve
Office Makeover Knot Mules Coral, £40 (were £49), available from Office
Office Makeover Knot Mules Coral, £40 (were £49), available from Office Office Makeover Knot Mules Coral, £40 (were £49), available from Office

Strappy

Strap yourself in – literally – for another 90s-inspired trend. Perfect for parties, summer’s highest heels come with sexy spaghetti straps that wind around your ankles.

In shiny metallics and punchy brights, these glam stiletto sandals are made for going out-out.

Aldo Glaosa Orange, £70, available from Aldo
Aldo Glaosa Orange, £70, available from Aldo Aldo Glaosa Orange, £70, available from Aldo
River Island Gold Strappy Flared Heel Sandals, £50, available from River Island
River Island Gold Strappy Flared Heel Sandals, £50, available from River Island River Island Gold Strappy Flared Heel Sandals, £50, available from River Island