The Summer Sandal Guide: Every Heel Height, Every Occasion
The sandal is summer's most important investment piece — you'll wear them more than any single dress, with more outfits than any bag. The question isn't whether to buy sandals. It's which sandal for which life. We've mapped it out by heel height and occasion so you can build your rotation with intention.
Flat Sandals: The Ones That Go With Everything
The Riverside Open-Toe Criss-Cross Strap Ankle Flat Sandals in brown are a study in simplicity done right. Multiple narrow straps in a criss-cross pattern across the forefoot, a wraparound ankle strap, clean buckle — nothing extra. At $29.95, it's the sandal you grab for every errand, every brunch, every last-minute beach run.
For a cleaner, single-strap aesthetic, the Brea Stitched Single Strap Flat Slingback ($39.95) delivers that wide-band moment dominating every street style feed right now. The stitched edge detailing elevates it past basic, and it comes in pink, white, brown, and black. The Silverlake Adjustable Buckle Strap Flat Slide ($39.95) is the easy slip-on version — wide front strap, large buckle, done.
Flat Sandal Styling Note: The Vista Wide Band Platform Slide ($34.95) adds a subtle platform for extra visual lift without any real heel height — a great middle ground if you want length without commitment.
Wedge Sandals: Summer's Most Underrated Upgrade
Wedges are the sandal category that rewards you most. You get height, comfort, and effortless elevation — and unlike a heel, you can actually walk to your destination. The Coronado Open-Toe Single Band Slingback Low Wedge ($34.95) is the entry point: clean, minimal, nine colorways.
Ready to commit to the full espadrille moment? The Sausalito Open-Toe Espadrille Wedge Buckle Strap Sandal ($49.95) is the ideal summer sandal. Woven jute sole, wide front strap, side buckle — it hits every espadrille checkbox while keeping the silhouette clean.
The Lakewood Open-Toe Buckle Ankle Strap Platform Wedge ($39.95) brings platform energy with cut-out detailing across the wide strap for a more editorial look. The Los Feliz Closed-Toe Buckle Ankle Strap Platform Wedge ($49.95) is the closed-toe version — ideal for any event where you want coverage with height. And the Two-Strap Espadrille Wedge Ankle Bow Sandal ($49.95) with its lace-patterned straps is the pair that makes people ask where you got your shoes.
Heeled Sandals: For When You Mean Business (or Cocktails)
The Tiburon Open-Toe Crossover Strap Block Heel Sandal ($69.95) in pink is the shoe that makes any dress feel more intentional. Block heels are the smart choice — all the height, none of the instability. The Irvine Open-Toe Block Heel Slingback Sandals ($49.95) offer a more streamlined silhouette with a single wide textured strap and a low block heel with contrast accent.
The Corona Layered Multi-Strap Adjustable Flat Sandals ($59.95) are for when you want maximum visual impact: multiple crossing straps and a sculptural presence that reads dressed-up even without heel height.
At the top of the range, the Tomales Pointed-Toe Croc-Embossed Slingback Block Heel Pumps ($59.95) and the Encinitas Criss-Cross Strap Wood Platform Clog Heels ($89.95) are the season's two best investment shoes.
The Three-Pair Rotation Rule: Build your summer sandal rotation around three heel heights: one flat (Riverside at $29.95 or Brea at $39.95), one wedge (Sausalito at $49.95), and one heel (Tiburon at $69.95). Under $160 total. That's California efficiency.
