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The Best Strappy Sandals To See You Through Summer And Beyond
Why you need this naked shoe in your wardrobe, whatever the weather
We know what you’re thinking: you can’t remember a time when strappy sandals and barely-there heels weren’t on-trend. They’re of staple status, and basically the poster-shoe for quiet luxury in 2023. Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell lived in them during the Nineties, and SJP wore about 100 pairs As Carrie Bradshaw in Sex And The City.
But, in reality, the strappy sandal in its purest, most naked form – we’re talking barely-there straps and slender soles – lay dormant until The Row debuted its ‘Bare’ design back in 2018. Cue a million fashion week appearances. Not to mention the subsequent high street spin-offs, including #OldTopshop’s £39 ‘Strippy’ design that sold-out several times (and still makes a regular appearance in the ELLE office).
Five years on, this design has shapeshifted plenty. The result? Strappy sandals – which we insist can be worn day or night, whatever the weather – take on many a role in 2023. The most authentic styles are as steeped in Nineties nostalgia as the spaghetti strap on a bias-cut slip dress. They’re curved and classic, super feminine, and ideal for wedding guest looks. Summer iterations (ideal for boho looks and festival season) lean towards gladiator sandals with multiple straps, woven details, and winding ankle ties. The most contemporary incarnation however is harder; a work of sculptural genius (Neous’ placement of a single strap is pure magic), topped with a razor-sharp square toe and minimal hardware. We’d wear these babies to work, parties and beyond.
One thing we can assure you of, is that this shoe isn’t going anywhere fast – which is why it’s worth the investment. Choose your camp with ELLE’s edit of the best strappy sandals to buy now.
Iris & Ink is a great place to look for quality shoes that are actually affordable. We love the metallic silver finish and retro toe cage on this pair.
Whistles sandals are crafted in the perfection 'strappy' shape – which means they'll last for many a season to come. They're set on a sturdy three inch heel and fitted with velcro sling-backs, so they're more comfortable than they first appear.
Tony Bianco's sandal is crafted in such a simple shape, with an elegant almond toe and slender asymmetric straps, to make room for the hot fuchsia hue.
Mango has defined the naked sandal right here. With itsperfectly-placed barely-there straps, these black shoe are the definition of understated chic.
A more directional take on the classic heeled sandal for Spring/Summer 2023 is the tonal wedge. Reiss' tubular strappy style is crafted entirely from nude leather and finished with a square toe.
Neous was one of the first in a wave of independent luxury footwear labels, not to mention one of the first to bring strappy sandals out of their late '90s rut into a new era. This orange Nenque design is the definition of contemporary cool with its interlocking leather straps and curved heel.
London-based WAT The brand is a go-to for organic cotton loungewear, summery separates and, now, really great footwear. These strappy toe-ring sandals are ultra comfy (we should know, we've been wearing them all summer) thanks to their moulded footbed. Choose between black and tan, or buy both.
Toteme's strappy sandals are so the definition of understated chic. Clock the barely-there two-tone straps and the sharp square toe.
If you don't do stiletto heels, try a strappy block heeled sandals instead. You could walk a good few miles in Arket's black leather style – ideal for office commutes or summer weddings.
Amina Muaddi's upgraded the strappy sandal with her signature flared heel. Oh, and thrown in some Cadbury's purple satin and glittering diamanté embellishments.
Crafted from nude leather, Reformation's flat sandals have delicate straps designed to look like they're winding around your foot and toe. Ever conscious, the LA-based brand has saved 30% on CO2 emissions during this pair's production, and has even considered its afterlife, partnering with Looptworks on a recycling program.
Cult Gaia is subverting the classic strappy sandal with a mirrored reverse heel. We love this architectural detail combined with the bright, yellow-gold leather.
Dear Frances has just made strappy sandals you can wear all year round. Made from glossy patent-leather, they're set on an enclosed block heel and punctuated with buckles throughout. Choose between this pillar-box red, sage or black
You might know Vagabond for its chunky boots, but the Swedish brand also makes Mary Janes, loafers and summer sandals. This Luisa design is defined by its cross-over toe strap and sculptural heel – choose between gold, black, orange or this versatile cream shade.
AllSaints has done things a little differently, using a huarache weave to create a strappy sandal that's more boho than minimalist – perfect for teaming with the brand's summer dresses. The winding ankle ties and sharp square toe are nice finishing touches.
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