Sandals are a summer wardrobe favourite for a reason. They’re usually easy to slip into or strap on, so ideal for warm weather when you’re more regularly barefoot. They’re quick-drying, so a natural choice for the beach or a pool. And finally, they pair well with summer clothes like sundresses, shorts and linen pants, in a way that boots or trainers often don’t.
So, which womenswear or dedicated footwear brands offer some of the best sandals? “The best” being the comfiest, the most stylish and the longest-lasting. We’re highlighting our editor-approved sandals favourites from local and international names here.
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From a Byron-based label that started with accessories and shoes, and has since expanded into ready-to-wear that’s been worn by Kendall Jenner, Jennifer Lawrence and Gigi Hadid, to a global brand started in the 1700s, but still a celebrity and fashion editor’s favourite today, this is exactly where we’re shopping for sandals this summer.
Nelson Made
Nelson Made is a Melbourne-based brand, founded by Kiwi Jamie Nelson in 2018, so the newest on this list. All pieces are made in small quantities, using low-impact materials, including recycled rubber for soles. The brand’s range includes flats, heels and sandals, all in timeless styles.
NELSON MADE
Otto Sandal
NELSON MADE
Rhys Sandal
NELSON MADE
Lincoln Sandal
NELSON MADE
Anti Sandal
Birkenstock
Birkenstock is the most established brand on this list, launched in 1774 in Germany, and the gold standard for supportive footwear still today. Gigi Hadid, Kaia Gerber and Margot Robbie have all been spotted in popular style Birkenstock Arizona sandals in recent years.
BIRKENSTOCK
Arizona Suede Leather Sandals
BIRKENSTOCK
Arizona Chunky Sandals
BIRKENSTOCK
Madrid Rubber Narrow Slides
BIRKENSTOCK
Unisex Gizeh Birko-Flor Regular Sandals
Christopher Esber
Though Christopher Esber launched in 2010, the eponymous label only started offering shoes in 2019. Their shoe range includes mesh flats, strappy leather heels and jelly flip flops, similar to those you might find from The Row.
CHRISTOPHER ESBER
Jo Flip Flop
CHRISTOPHER ESBER
Frida Pierced Flip Flop
CHRISTOPHER ESBER
Billi T-Bar Flat
CHRISTOPHER ESBER
Doma Stoned Flat Sandals
Camilla and Marc
Camilla and Marc was started by brother-sister duo Camilla Freeman-Topper and Marc Freeman in 2003, but it wasn’t until late 2014 that it launched footwear. Their shoe range currently includes heels, flats, boots and sandals.
CAMILLA AND MARC
Romy Hiking Sandal
CAMILLA AND MARC
Herman Snake Sandal
CAMILLA AND MARC
Erin Sandals
CAMILLA AND MARC
Zita Sandal
Betts
Founded in Perth in 1892, Betts (formerly Betts & Betts) is one of Australia’s longest-running footwear brands. It began as a small boot repair shop and to this day is still family-owned. The brand offers classic and trendy shoe styles at ultra-affordable prices.
BETTS
Reflection Leather Casual Slides
BETTS
Rio Jelly Flat Thong Sandals
BETTS
Myth Crossover Strap Footbed Sandals
BETTS
Valley Platform Casual Sandals
A.Emery
Though A.Emery is now well-known for its ready-to-wear pieces (its elastic-waist Myrna Pants are often sold out), when Anna McLaren launched the brand in 2017, it only sold sandals. The shoes are minimalist, made with high-quality leather and in timeless designs.
A.EMERY
Nanaka Sandal
A.EMERY
Dula Leather Sandals
A.EMERY
Kinto Sandal
A.EMERY
Morgan Metallic Leather Flip Flops
Tony Bianco
Eponymous brand Tony Bianco was founded in Melbourne, Australia in 1972. Today, the brand sells a wide range of shoes at mid-range prices, which you can buy from one of its 10 boutiques across Australia or online or in-store at one of its many retrailers.
TONY BIANCO
Isabel Black Magic
TONY BIANCO
Jasper Sandals
TONY BIANCO
Roma Wheat Suede
TONY BIANCO
Rouge Sandals
Alias Mae
Alias Mae’s founder Tom Kirkhope worked as the range builder for shoe brand Siren for six years before deciding to launch his own brand in 2011. He said in an interview once that he likes to travel and get inspiration from cities like London and Paris before builds new ranges. The brand’s known for offering trendy styles at affordable prices.
ALIAS MAE
Tula Flats
ALIAS MAE
Heanie Sandal
ALIAS MAE
Tuumi Sandal
ALIAS MAE
Parks Sandal
Elka Collective
Melbourne-based Elka Collective was created in 2015 by designer Courtney Price. Their shoes include sandals, heels, flats and boots in mostly black and white. Online, the brand’s stocked on its own website and at David Jones.
ELKA COLLECTIVE
Como Sandal Espresso
ELKA COLLECTIVE
Remy Slide
ELKA COLLECTIVE
Nera Thong
ELKA COLLECTIVE
Nelly Sandal
St. Agni
Byron-based St. Agni launched with accessories and footwear in 2014, but has since expanded into ready-to-wear and swim, worn by Kendall Jenner, Emma Stone and Gigi Hadid. The brand is by husband-and-wife team Lara and Matt Fells and adopts a ‘less is more’ ethos for its designs and range.
ST. AGNI
Utility Slide
ST. AGNI
Jelly Flip Flops
ST. AGNI
Tie-Up Flat
ST. AGNI
Nelly Sandal
Since your feet expand strike the ground differently in sandals than in closed shoes, there are a few features to look out for when choosing your “best” sandal: midsole stability, anatomical contouring, three-point adjustment, outsole traction and proper sizing. Many don’t know that sandals often require different sizing than sneakers. There should be about one centimetre of space between your longest toe and the front edge of the sandal. If your toes hang over the edge, you risk injury. But if there’s too much space, the arch support will hit your foot in the wrong place, causing more pain than comfort.
When prioritising arch support in a walking sandal, look for an anatomically contoured footbed that mirrors the natural curve of a human foot rather than lying flat. A high-quality supportive sandal will feature a firm midsole that resists twisting, ensuring the arch doesn’t collapse under your body weight during the gait cycle. Ideally, the material should be firm enough to maintain its shape over time—such as high-density polyurethane or moulded cork—rather than a soft memory foam that provides an initial “cloud-like” feel but offers very little structural integrity for long-distance stability.
The ‘best’ travel sandal strikes a balance between durability and aesthetic versatility, letting you seamlessly go from a morning walk to a casual dinner. For a trip involving various terrain, prioritise a pair with a robust, slip-resistant outsole and a secure multi-point strap system that keeps your foot locked in place on uneven cobblestones or dirt paths. \\Ultimately, the best choice features a neutral design that works with different outfits while offering the anatomical arch support necessary to prevent foot fatigue during long days of exploration.
Choosing the best walking sandal depends on the type of strolling you intend to do it. Will you be walking in a city, or trekking through nature? And will you be going at it all day, or just for an hour or two. If you’re navigating urban environments, you’ll want to find sandals that focus on shock absorption, while if you’re trekking through nature, you’ll want to prioritise traction and stability.
Finally, you’ll want to think about moisture. Synesthetic webbing is ideal for walking in an area where it might rain or for slipping into after you’ve had a dip because it dries quickly and won’t stretch out. For city travel in dry heat, high-quality leather or suede offers better breathability and will eventually mold to the unique shape of your foot for a custom-feeling fit.
