
It is a truth universally acknowledged that fashion people rely heavily on great footwear to make an outfit. And yes, that applies in summer too. Nailing down a perfect (read: comfortable, versatile and chic) pair of sandals to wear on repeat during the warmer months is a non-negotiable if you’re planning on looking like you’ve got your sh*t together during hot weather.
It’s for this reason that I often advocate for investing a little more in your sandal game, if it’s within your means. A pair of luxury sandals can elevate the simplest summer outfits, like relaxed linen separates and throw on beach dresses, into elegant evening outfits and meeting-ready looks. The hardest part is knowing which styles to invest in—so I’m here to report on the most popular luxury sandals of summer 2026, the ones that I’m seeing smart, stylish people wearing on repeat right now.
Leading the charge are minimalist favourites that strike the perfect balance between effortless cool and polished elegance. Think The Row’s cult flip-flops, Ancient Greek Sandals’ nostalgic jelly styles and A.Emery’s Kinto thong sandals (as worn by Hailey Bieber on an LA errands run just this week—case in point); alongside enduring timeless heroes such as Saint Laurent’s Tribute sandals, and new icons from Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel. Keep scrolling to see and shop the nine luxury sandals fashion insiders are reaching for first this summer.
1. A.Emery Kinto Leather Flip-Flops
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A.EMERY
Kinto Leather Flip Flops
I have these myself (pictured above) and wear them on repeat—they’re so comfy!
A.EMERY
Kinto Leather Flip Flops
There’s lots of tonal shades to suit your exact preference.
A.Emery
Kinto Leather Thong Sandals
The cream version is heavenly.
A.EMERY
Kinto Leather Flip Flops
You can’t go wrong with classic black.
2. Ancient Greek Sandals Saionara Jellies
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Ancient Greek Sandals
Saionara Jelly Clear Red
A pop of red is very cool this summer.
Ancient Greek Sandals
Saionara Jelly Clear
Minimalists will love the clear version.
Ancient Greek Sandals
Saionara Jelly Clear Blue
I keep seeing this blue pair around and I’m into them.
3. The Row Flip Flops
(Image credit: @monikh)
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The Row’s flip flops are a minimalist’s dream, and incredibly hard to get hold of. This new version for 2026 has just a few sizes left already.
The Row
Beach Flip Flop Sport 2
I love the sporty feel to these.
I personally love this pair that Monikh has (above). The burgundy feels incredibly chic to me.
4. Khaite Strappy Sandals
(Image credit: @deborabrosa)
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KHAITE
Loop Leather Sandals
Khaite is becoming well known for nailing the perfect strappy summer sandal. The Loop is so elegant.
KHAITE
Loop Snake-Effect Leather Sandals
I dieee for the snake print ones.
KHAITE
Loop Suede Sandals
Imagine these with a slip dress.
KHAITE
Loulou Leather Sandals
The Loulou is one of their flat styles that I love.
5. Le Monde Beryl Beaded Thong Sandals
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Le Monde Béryl
Beaded Thong / Ice Blue Satin
These will instantly make summer basics feel cool.
Le Monde Béryl
Beaded Thong/ Black Satin
I love the earthy tones here.
Selfridges
Beaded Suede Sandals
Butter yellow still has me in a chokehold as a non-boring twist on a neutral.
6. Saint Laurent Tribute Mules
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YSL
Tribute Mules in Smooth Leather
These sandals are iconic, they’ll never not be chic.
YSL
Tribute Mules in Smooth Leather
The chocolate feels particularly perfect for this summer, though.
SAINT LAURENT
Tribute Woven Suede Slides
My favourite pair are the suede.
7. K Jacques St Tropez Leather Sandals
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K JACQUES ST TROPEZ
Abako Leather Sandals
K Jacques is the old money sandal brand to know—and the one only stylish insiders are clued up on.
K JACQUES ST TROPEZ
Abako Leather Sandals
K JACQUES ST TROPEZ
Loki Leather Thong Sandals
Perfect for event season.
8. Chanel Mules
(Image credit: @fakerstrom)
(Image credit: @fakerstrom)
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A modern icon from the one and only Matthieu Blazy’s latest Chanel collection. If you don’t buy them, I will.
Chanel
Lambskin Mules, Price on Application
Drop into your local Chanel store to ask about availability of these.
9. A.Emery Jalen Sandals
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A.EMERY
Jalen Slim Leather Flats
The slim style feel a little less chunky, if that’s your vibe.
A.EMERY
Jalen Woven Leather Sandals
The new woven iteration are irresistible.







