The Essential List 11. My Favorite Summer Sandals
Two pairs I’ve had for seven(!) years, my summer “sneakers”, and why I love yellow sandals.
Happy Solstice! Today is the first day of summer and I could. not. be. more. excited. Summer arrives late here in Seattle, but when it comes, it’s glorious. (Seriously, if you ever plan to visit Seattle, come between July 4th and Labor Day—perfection.)
Summer clothing is my jam. I often read people complaining about it and I don’t really understand. I love cotton and linen, crisp whites and pops of color, flowing dresses and easy skirts, button downs and swimsuits as tops, fun accessories and open-toed sandals. To me, throwing on sandals and an easy dress, walking out the door and never thinking about layers is the ultimate luxury.
I’ve hardly bought any new clothing this year (I can read lists and lists of winter items and easily pass), however, when summer nears and the Mediterranean-styled imagery starts overflowing onto every website, email, and newsletter—I want it all! My wishlists are exploding! But this is not a newsletter about wishlists.
The one area I find myself less tempted is the sandal department because I feel like I’ve built up a collection of sandals over the years that meet most of my needs. I’m rarely left wishing for something else when I get dressed or pack for a trip. I’ve had a couple of these sandals for seven(!) years (I had them the year I got married, which is why I can remember the number so specifically), and others I’ve bought multiple times or in different iterations. Here are my essential summer sandals:
Birkenstock EVA Arizona and Leather Arizona When Birkenstocks became a thing that people started wearing in New York City, I was not a fan. I judged everyone as fashion victims for wearing the ugly, hippie, granola shoes just because they were suddenly “cool”. But, as is often the case, when a lot of people like something it’s usually because the thing is actually really good. My first foray into Birkenstocks was as a summer rain solution. I kept getting trapped around the city during sudden downpours in non-water friendly shoes (eg. espadrilles—nightmare!) and needed something light and waterproof I could carry around for backup at all times. So, I caved and bought the EVA Birkenstock (rubber version) and then, of course, I was hooked. Soon after, I also bought the black on black on black leather Arizona. I’ve had them for years and wear them with everything (even with socks in spring and fall—full circle granola, fashion victim).
Ancient Greek Sandals Eleftheria They are my go-to sandal when I want something a bit more dressy or elevated and they’re also comfortable enough for walking around during the day (I’ve had these since 2017 and they’re still kicking). I’ve bought other sandals over the years, but these are the ones I always reach for and always pack. I love the lines and braided detail. They make a ton of different versions of this style including heels, jellies, zig zag and more, but these are my tried and true.
Teva Midform Sandal aka, my summer sneakers. Until last summer, I was a total Tevas hater. Then, I lost my EVA Birkenstocks while on vacation and needed a replacement. I stopped in a surf shop and these green Tevas caught my eyes. Had I not been in vacation mode I probably wouldn’t have bought them, but they looked fun and I fell in love with them—they’re SO comfortable. The midform (platform) version looks less nerdy/functional and they’re the perfect shoe for a beach trip when you need something active, but can’t bear the though of putting socks and real sneakers on. They’re great for bike riding, rocky beaches, and also just walking around all day. I’ll wear them at home for mornings spent at the park and farmers market that involve lots of walking and chasing kids. I have my eye on the white for this summer. If Lily Collins can trudge around Paris in ugly hiking sneakers, I can spend my summer in ugly sandals (although I don’t even find them that ugly anymore, tbh).
Espadrilles My yellow espadrilles are another pair of shoes that I realized that I’ve owned for seven years while making this list. A colorful espadrille screams summer and is the perfect way to make a simple outfit more fun. I love yellow, but I don’t like to wear yellow clothing—I’ve tried and it doesn’t ever look good. So, my solution is to wear yellow on my feet (as far away from my face as possible—bags are another good option). I bought mine at a small shop in Cape Town, but Castañer has a yellow pair I have my eye on for when mine need to be replaced. I love a classic, canvas espadrille with a closed toe and ankle wrap. I’ve owned pairs from Soludos in the past, and love this flat, red and white stripe version. I also have heeled versions in black and white that are always great options for beach weddings or any event involving sand or grass.
Havaianas Slim Flip Flops If I’m near a beach or pool and my shoes are going to get wet or trashed, this is what I’m wearing. They are also the easiest thing to pack because they take up zero space and the simple black version goes with everything. I appreciate that flip flops have come back into style, but, personally, I will not be spending more than $30 on them.
Real Greek Sandals If you find yourself in Greece, buy some real greek sandals. I always grab a pair or two—they’re affordable, sold everywhere in many different styles, and will always remind you of your trip. If you don’t find yourself in Greece, there are places to find them online, but it’s more fun to pick them out in person ;)
Do you have your own essential summer sandals? I’d love to hear! Share in a comment below or hit reply to send me a note.
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Thank you! That means a lot coming from you 😘 I remember before buying the Eleftheria I couldn’t get them out of my head - they really are so good! I always feel weird sharing photos, but I had to prove my claims! 😜
I’m obsessed with my chacos. They are not chic by any manner but they work really well to slip on and off and have been great for light hiking on trips and beach wear. I’m thinking of switching to a pair of black strappy tevas for more daytime style with practical elements. Otherwise I just ordered a pair of Amanu sandals that have become my summer sandal.