Toes Out for 2025: Sandal Trends, According to Our Gen-Z & Millennial Editors
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Baring your toes in public can be a scary thing. Feet used to be an afterthought, but suddenly not only are they fetching attention, but they’re bringing in bank. Singer Lily Allen recently revealed that she makes more money selling feet pics than she does streaming to 8 million people on Spotify. I don’t necessarily promote profiting off of your toes (although you do you), but what I will endorse is showing off your fabulous feet in a pair of sandals.
Yes, it can be daunting, especially if you don’t have a fresh pedicure. But the sandals below are so strappy, so sleek, so sexy (alright, that’s enough alliteration from me today), they’ll be sure to sway (just kidding!) you. My favorite part about sandals is that they’re easy to slip on and yet they elevate a look immediately. They’re reminiscent of summertime, of trotting along the sidewalk, or running down the beach. I love them in the morning with jean shorts, and in the evening with a long flowy dress and straight-out-of-the-shower hair.
I also like that unlike heels, sandals are typically pretty comfortable and easy to walk in. This doesn’t mean they can’t be sexy though, which makes a great pair of sandals the perfect heels alternative for a fashionable and functional look.
And you don’t have to scale sandals up: I’ve seen them many-a-time paired with jeans and a T-shirt for the perfect casual day-to-day aesthetic. The long and the short (and the strappy) of it is this: sandals are in! Keep reading below to get an in-depth breakdown of sandal trends for 2025 from myself (a proud Gen-Zer) and our millennial Style & Beauty Editor, Robyn Merrett.
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Black Straps
Image Credit: Launchmetrics: Narvan, Emmy Kasbit, Hazi Haus.
“These are the LBD (Little Black Dress) of sandals. Sandals are typically thought to be spring-timey and hence I’m used to seeing them in pastels—so I think the darker, black look is chic and subversive. I feel like this minimalist look harkens back to the 90’s in a great way, and I love how stark and simple these are overall.” —Ivy Becker, StyleCaster Intern
Margaux NY The Wrap SandalAqua Vinni Slim Strap SandalsOn Sale 40% off -
Thongs
Image Credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight “Thong sandals are a closet staple. The ’90s style saw a resurgence thanks to the spring/summer 2024 runways of The Row, Tory Burch, and Proenza Schouler. The spring/summer 2025 runways of Miu Miu and Zimmerman proved the style is here to stay—but in an elevated way via funky details and statement heels. I love seeing trends maintain momentum with the help of subtle twists and updates. That’s how you know a style is worth purchasing/adding to your wardrobe. Thong sandals feel effortless but extremely chic. The look is great for vacation but also an easy summer day in New York City.” —Robyn Merrett, Style & Beauty Editor
Aerosoles Women’s Wedge Thong SandalReformation Sophie Heeled SandalCoperni Denim Open Thong SandalOn Sale 66% offTkees Solids Leather Flip Flops -
Ascending Straps
Image Credit: Launchmetrics: Label Edition, Isaac Silva, Scervino. “If the children’s story Jack and the Magic Beanstalk was a sandal (OK, this made more sense in my head), it would be these. The long, vine-like tendrils are impractical to the point of magical. I like the way they climb up the calf- they’re suggestive, show-stopping, and an exciting addition to any outfit.” —Ivy Becker, StyleCaster Intern
Kaanas Samoa Naked Thong SandalsAncient Greek Sandals String Flip FlopOn Sale 30% off -
Platforms
Image Credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight “There’s something so fun and flirty about a platform. The silhouette obviously adds height to an outfit and draws attention to the legs. We tend to always see platforms return to the forefront when the weather is right, so it comes as no surprise that the look dominated the spring/summer 2025 runways of labels like Chloé, Agl, and Jason Wu. Platforms are also great for those who want to appear taller, but hate walking in heels (like me). They provide a bit more support and are way easier to walk in.” —Robyn Merrett, Style & Beauty Editor
Kate Spade New York Rio 90MM Platform SandalsOn Sale 44% offLarroude Women’s Miso Platform SandalsMichael Kors Darrington Crackled Leather Platform SandalOn Sale 25% offCastañer Agnes Raffia & Leather Platform SandalsOn Sale 60% off -
Barely-There Straps
Image Credit: Launchmetrics: Escorpion, Katea, Manuri. “The straps on these sandals look like the strings of a violin, or pieces of floss. It’s as if you took a single string of angel hair pasta and made it into a shoe. I love love love how thin and tiny and dainty these are. They feed in well to the whole coquette-im-just-a-girl thing that’s been popular for a while now.” —Ivy Becker, StyleCaster Intern
Pedro Gwyneth Strappy FlatsSchutz Lottie SandalTkees Lilu PigmentsOn Sale 75% off -
Slip On
Image Credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight “The less effort, the chicer the look. That’s my mantra for warm weather, and slip-on sandals are the easiest way to emulate that. The styles on the spring/summer 2025 runways of Ulla Johnson, Casadei, and Alia Bastamam were the perfect step up from a slide. Calm but chic. You don’t have to worry about straps or laces, but you still have a bit of pizazz thanks to details like texture and color. Slip-on sandals are great for beach days but also quick lunch dates or coffee runs. Pair with a flowy dress or jeans and a T-shirt and you’re ready to slay.” —Robyn Merrett, Style & Beauty Editor
Sam Edelman Evette Flat SandalOn Sale 54% offStuart Weitzman Meadow Floral Lacquered Leather SandalsStaud Brigitte MulesOn Sale 30% offStaud Cyprus Slide Sandals
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