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Must-Have Designer Sandals For Summer 2021 

By  Emily Konatella

LAST UPDATED - December 11, 2023

Now that summer weather has finally arrived, it's time to kick off your house slippers and slip on a pair of stylish sandals instead. So to help you find your new favorite pair of summer shoes, we've rounded up the best designer sandals of the season. Whether you're headed to the pool or a summer wedding, these versatile sandals are sure to compliment your outfit.

The summer 2021 season is all about versatile, functional styles elevated with oversized designer logos, luxe leather materials, and trend-setting rectangular toes when it comes to footwear. Major trends include platform sandals, kitten heels, athletic slide sandals, and 90s-inspired flip-flops and thongs.

While you may be tempted to stick to time-tested neutrals like black or brown, why not break out of your comfort zone with a bright-colored shoe in one of the season's trendiest shades. A sunny shade like lemon yellow, vibrant pink, sky blue, or cherry red will put a smile on your face every time you slip them on.

The Best Designer Sandals to Add to Your Summer 2021 Wardrobe

Gucci Mid-Heel Women's Sandal with Chain-Shaped Heel With Ankle Strap

Gucci Mid-Heel Women's Sandal with Chain-Shaped Heel

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A unique gold chain detail defines these Mid-Heel Women's Sandals with Chain-Shaped Heel from Gucci around the 1.4-inch block heel. The sandals have a leather sole, two-toned straps with an additional GG chain detail, and a buckled ankle strap to complement the statement gold chain. The sleek designer sandals are made in Italy using the highest-quality material and thoughtful craftsmanship. They're available in a sleek hibiscus red/pink or an elegant white/cream color combination.

Chanel Quilted Lambskin Mules

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Chanel's Quilted Lambskin Mules are one of the hottest— and the most versatile— sandals of the summer. The minimalist design offers a feminine, fashion-forward take on classic slide sandals. They're made of soft, supple lambskin boasting Chanel's signature quilting and double C logo and are available in three summer-ready shades: black, white, and lemon yellow.

Gucci Women's Sandal with Chain

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Gucci's Women's Sandal with Chain draws inspiration from their iconic Sylvie handbag. The chunky gold chain helps to elevate the otherwise simple two-strap, flat-soled silhouette. The cork midsole, smooth white leather straps with an ankle buckle fastening, and .6-inch heel bring just the right amount of cushion and support for traveling and all-day wear. Like all of Gucci's footwear, the sandals are made in Italy by skilled luxury shoemakers.

Fendi x Sarah Coleman FF Vertigo Slide Sandals

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If you love streetwear collabs, check out these grail-worthy sandals from Fendi. For the Fendi x Sarah Coleman FF Vertigo Slide Sandals, the Italian luxury house teamed up with New York-based artist Sarah Coleman, who distorted Fendi's double-F logo using photo apps. The slide sandals feature a ruched satin strap with toggle drawcord closure and a contoured footbed that maximizes comfort. While the candy-colored blue, pink, and orange sandals are certainly eye-catching, the brown and black FF printed colorway is the clear standout.

Hermes Oran Sandal

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While Hermes' Oran Sandal sticks with a more understated design, it still offers all the luxury of the French house's notorious Birkin bag and H-buckle belt. The minimalist sandal's upper is cut out in the shape of Hermes' namesake H logo. It's made of a supple calfskin upper with a natural leather sole that only gets more comfortable over time. With twenty-three color options to choose from, it's versatile enough to fit in any summer wardrobe.

Gucci Women's House Web Slide Sandal

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Looking for a non-leather designer sandal that you can sport at the pool or the beach? The Gucci House Web Slide Sandal offers a futuristic take on boring rubber athletic slides. The criss-cross straps feature red and green stripes to celebrate the Gucci house's equestrian roots. In addition to being stylish, molded rubber sole makes the flat sandal incredibly cushy and comfortable too.

Christian Dior Dway Slide Sandals

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Don't be fooled by the simple silhouette of the Dway Slide Sandals from Christian Dior. They're still guaranteed to turn heads and stay on-trend for seasons to come, thanks to an embroidered 'CHRISTIAN DIOR' signature across the strap. The sleek sandals are made in Italy using a matte leather insole and a rubber sole engraved with Christian Dior's lucky star symbol.

Tory Burch Miller Sandal

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Looking for a sandal that can outlast short-lived seasonal trends? The Miller Sandal from Tory Burch boasts a timeless, sophisticated design that will never go out of style. The thong-style flat sandal features an oversized cut-out of the Tory Burch emblem. The leather upper and foam cushioned footbed come in a wide range of colors and prints, ranging from basic black to metallic silver. When purchasing, be sure to order at least 1/2 size up, as they're known to run small.

By Far Bibi Bow-Embellished Crinkled Glossed-Leather Sandals

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By Far's 90s and early 2000s-inspired sandals have gained a bit of a cult following on social media. And these Bibi Bow-Embellished Crinkled Glossed Leather Sandals are well worth the attention. Modeled after 1990s thong flip-flops, the kitten heel sandals are made from lightly crinkled glossed leather with a petite leather bow across the skinny toe strap. The versatile style can be dressed down with jeans, dressed up with a summery sundress, and even paired with a sleek suit in the office.

Bottega Veneta BV Lido Slide Sandals

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Bottega Veneta is undoubtedly one of the hottest brands in women's fashion right now. Their trend-setting BV Lido Slide Sandals, a high-heel slide with an exaggerated rectangle toe and thermo-sealed quilting, have been spotted on countless celebrities and style icons, including Rihanna, Beyonce, and Hailey Bieber. While there's a handful of rainbow-colored shades to choose from, you can't go wrong sticking with basic black or chocolate brown.

Salvatore Ferragamo Women's Espadrille Slide Sandals

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These chic Espadrille Slide Sandals from Salvatore Ferragamo would look equally as chic at the beach as they would on the streets. In true espadrille style, they boast a braided jute detail around the comfortable rubber sole. Their black leather upper features a grosgrain ribbon stripe with Ferragamo's signature Gancini bit hardware. The 0.75-inch platform adds just the right amount of height without making them feel too bulky.

Prada Logo Platform Slingback Sandal

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Chunky platform sandals—like these chic Logo Platform Slingback Sandals from Prada— are among the biggest women's shoe trends of the season. The padded lambskin straps and wide rectangle toe on these slingback thong sandals make them both fashion-forward and practical. Plus, the bold white Prada logo across the strap brings a modern, minimalist feel. They're made with a leather upper and lining with a 1 1/4-inch platform rubber sole.

Gucci Pilar Original GG Canvas Espadrille Slide Sandal

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Gucci's Pilar Original GG Canvas Espadrille Slide Sandal brings a luxury feel to classic bohemian espadrilles. The slides feature a traditional woven sole and a monogrammed canvas upper with leather trim. The addition of Gucci's archival double-G logo in sleek gold hardware ensures they'll be a staple in your wardrobe for years and years to come.

Golden Goose Poolstar Genuine Shearling Slide Sandal

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Not quite ready to ditch your slippers? These Golden Goose Poolstar Genuine Shearling Slide Sandals combine the comfort of your house shoes with the trend-setting look of your favorite summer footwear. They're sure to stand out from the sea of boring slide sandals thanks to their cotton-candy-colored lush shearling lining and glittering pink Golden Goose star on the pebbled leather upper. According to customer reviews, the Poolstar slides run small, so we recommend ordering the next size up.


About the author

Emily is a fashion consultant, designer and creative director with more than 15 years experience creating, designing and developing clothing & jewelry. From managing pageant shows to turning concepts into actual designs, she has experience with almost all fabric types and jewelry designs and is in touch with the latest fashion trends.

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