ArchiesArch support flip-flopsfrom £35£35 at Archies£35 at Amazon

Archies arch support flip-flops

If, like me, you find flat shoes are the enemy, those classic flat-soled flip-flops are off the cards for anything beyond a quick seaside stroll. However, Archies – as the name suggests – makes flip-flops with proper arch support, something you’d normally only get from a chunkier shoe. They’re easy to style since they’re so minimal, and the range of colours means there’s something for everyone. The hot pink pair is a personal favourite. Inspired by the early 00s trend, these can be styled with jeans for a laidback – the Row-approved – summer outfit.

ArchiesArch support flip-flopsfrom £35£35 at Archies£35 at Amazon

TevaMidform infinity sandalfrom £65£65 at Teva£74 at Free People

Teva midform infinity sandals

Teva is known for making practical, sport-inspired sandals. The midform soles add a slight platform with built-in support, making them ideal for long days on your feet. The elastic lacing keeps them secure without them digging in or causing friction.

TevaMidform infinity sandalfrom £65£65 at Teva£74 at Free People

John Lewis x Rejina PyoFlatform sandals£69.30£69.30 at John Lewis

John Lewis x Rejina Pyo flatform sandals

Comfortable but fashion forward, these shoes from the John Lewis x Rejina Pyo collaboration have a soft, clean look that channels the designer’s minimalist aesthetic. The flatform soles add subtle height without compromising stability, while the cushioned base makes them easy to wear. I like how the mesh upper keeps things light and breathable too.

John Lewis x Rejina PyoFlatform sandals£69.30£69.30 at John Lewis

CrocsGetaway platform flip-flopsfrom £39.99£39.99 at M&S£44.99 at Crocs

Crocs platform flip-flops

After high-profile collaborations with designers such as Simone Rocha and Balenciaga, Crocs have become an unlikely fashion-world favourite. That said, their practicality is still a big selling point. These platform flip-flops are lightweight, waterproof and easy to clean, while the thicker straps offer a more secure fit than your average pair.

CrocsGetaway platform flip-flopsfrom £39.99£39.99 at M&S£44.99 at Crocs

HavaianasSquare-toe flip-flopsfrom £30£30 at Asos£30 at Havianas

Havianas square-toe flip-flops

If you find most flip-flops rub, snap or just feel flimsy, Havaianas are a good option. I’ve had my pair for years and go back to them every summer. I love this chocolate brown pair with square toes, for added interest on an otherwise classic shape.

HavaianasSquare-toe flip-flopsfrom £30£30 at Asos£30 at Havianas

LululemonRestfeel woven slides£68£68 at Lululemon

Lululemon Restfeel woven slides

These woven slides are a great alternative if you don’t like a toe-post style. The waterproof design makes them ideal for poolside or beach days, and they’re an easy-to-wear, subtle pop of colour.

LululemonRestfeel woven slides£68£68 at Lululemon

M&SLeather woven flat slingback sandals£40£40 at M&S

M&S leather woven flat slingback sandals

In classic black leather, these sandals are more polished than flip-flops but far lighter than traditional shoes – perfect for warmer office days. The layered woven straps add both coverage and stability, and are finished with smart gold buckles.

M&SLeather woven flat slingback sandals£40£40 at M&S

Cos Crossover leather sandals£109£109 at Cos

Cos crossover leather sandals

This crossover style is a smart choice. With open backs and peep toes, they’re neutral enough to work with most officewear. Also, if worn with trousers, these sandals almost pass as a closed shoe while still allowing extra airflow.

Cos Crossover leather sandals£109£109 at Cos

BirkenstockArizona rivet mules from £135£135 at Daniel Footwear£135 at Office

Birkenstock Arizona rivet mules

If you live in Birkenstocks during the day, this gold-studded version of the Arizona should fit the bill – a little more dressed up without the signature cork sole.

BirkenstockArizona rivet mules from £135£135 at Daniel Footwear£135 at Office

AlohasDawn sandals£170£170 at Alohas

Alohas Dawn sandals

A little more directional, this pair is crafted from red leather with an elegant toe-ring design. I also like the sculptural wavy sole. These feel minimal enough to style easily but have the right amount of design interest to elevate a summer dress.

AlohasDawn sandals£170£170 at Alohas

AldoRiva heeled sandals£63.20£63.20 at Aldo

Aldo Riva heeled sandals

With extreme versions seen on the runway at Matthieu Blazy’s recent Chanel Cruise show, barely there sandals are a big trend this summer. You’ll be glad to hear that, unlike Blazy’s, this metallic-gold leather pair does come with full soles.

AldoRiva heeled sandals£63.20£63.20 at Aldo

Dr MartensGryphon Atlas leather gladiator sandalsfrom £99.99£99.99 at Schuh£130 at Dr Martens

Dr Martens Gryphon sandals

Dr Martens sandals have been increasingly popular over the past few summers. Whether I’m strolling down the high street or I’m in my local pub’s beer garden, I almost always see someone wearing a pair. The hard-wearing soles are brilliantly durable but do need a breaking-in period, so it’s worth having plasters on hand for the first few wears.

Dr MartensGryphon Atlas leather gladiator sandalsfrom £99.99£99.99 at Schuh£130 at Dr Martens

HollisterRaffia platform sandals£39.95£39.95 at Hollister

Hollister raffia platform sandals

This pair takes a bold shape and softens it with natural raffia. It’s chunky but not clunky; more Mediterranean getaway than heavy-duty platforms.

HollisterRaffia platform sandals£39.95£39.95 at Hollister

KeenUneek sneakerfrom £110£110 at Asos£110 at Keen

Keen Uneek sneakers

If you’re familiar with gorpcore, you’ve probably seen a pair like this before. Sitting somewhere between sneakers and sandals, this hybrid style from Keen leans into the outdoors-meets-everyday aesthetic. Made using recycled PET plastic, the bungee drawstring fastenings make them easy to slip on and off, while the contoured soles keep things comfortable whether you’re actually on the trail or just dressing as if you could be.

KeenUneek sneakerfrom £110£110 at Asos£110 at Keen

VivobarefootSan-dal leather sandal£150£150 at Vivobarefoot

Vivobarefoot San-dal leather sandal

These sandals are designed to have thin, flexible leather soles that mould to your feet and the ground so you can feel as close to barefoot as possible. This might not be for everyone, particularly if you prefer more cushioned soles, but it’s great for those who love really lightweight shoes.

VivobarefootSan-dal leather sandal£150£150 at Vivobarefoot

FitFlopiQushion ergonomic flip-flopsfrom £20.61£30 at FitFlop£20.61 at Amazon

FitFlop iQushion ergonomic flip-flops

FitFlop’s speciality is ergonomic footwear in designs that don’t look overengineered. This pair has cushioned soles, built-in arch support, and what the brand calls rebound technology – essentially impact pillows that reduce pressure on your feet as you walk.

FitFlopiQushion ergonomic flip-flopsfrom £20.61£30 at FitFlop£20.61 at Amazon

AdidasAdilette Aqua slidesfrom £14.99£14.99 at Decathlon£20 at Next

Adidas Adilette Aqua slides

Fabrics such as leather, suede or anything too light in shade that could be easily marked are best avoided on the beach. You can’t go wrong with classic sporty slides instead. This navy and white pair is made from Eva, a soft foam-like material that’s fast drying – ideal if you’re in and out of the pool or sea.

AdidasAdilette Aqua slidesfrom £14.99£14.99 at Decathlon£20 at Next

AllSaintsDune slip-on logo slidersfrom £39£39 at AllSaints£79 at Next

AllSaints Dune slip-on logo sliders

These sliders are sleek and made from lightweight TPU, a recyclable alternative to rubber, that’s practical for water, salt and sand. The shark-tooth tread also gives the extra grip needed for a pool day. Less overtly sporty than your typical slides, they’re great if you favour a clean, fashion-led approach to summer dressing – and, if necessary, they’re smart enough to take you beyond the beach and out to dinner.

AllSaintsDune slip-on logo slidersfrom £39£39 at AllSaints£79 at Next

M&SSuede fisher sandals£45£45 at M&S

M&S fisher sandals

M&S’s take on the fisher style offers a smart middle ground for summer dressing. This semi-open-toe suede pair is easily worn with or without socks, so it could work for chillier early autumn days too. These would look great at the weekend with light-wash denim jeans.

M&SSuede fisher sandals£45£45 at M&S

GrensenQuinton sandals£195£195 at Grenson

Grensen Quinton sandals

This pair, from 160-year-old shoemaker Grenson, blends the shape of a leather shoe with the structure of sandals. For stricter dress codes, they wouldn’t look out of place with smart trousers – wear with black socks for extra coverage.

GrensenQuinton sandals£195£195 at Grenson

TomsSantiago leather mule sandalsfrom £65£65 at John Lewis£65 at Asos

Toms Santiago leather mule sandals

Inspired by classic smoking slippers, Santiago mules keep things clean and refined, with closed leather uppers and easy slip-on backs.

TomsSantiago leather mule sandalsfrom £65£65 at John Lewis£65 at Asos

Onitsuka TigerMexico 66 sabots£157£157 at Side Kicks

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 sabots

Reworking its bestselling Mexico 66 trainers, Onitsuka Tiger has tipped into holiday mode with a backless clog design. With beige woven uppers and green accents, this style feels relaxed but put together enough for an evening look.

Onitsuka TigerMexico 66 sabots£157£157 at Side Kicks

DuneIssac leather sandalsfrom £79£79 at Dune£79 at Asos

Dune Issac leather sandals

This is a pretty timeless design that should see you through several summers. The warm brown shade feels softer than black, making this pair an easy match for everything from tailored trousers to casual shorts.

DuneIssac leather sandalsfrom £79£79 at Dune£79 at Asos

The North FaceExplore Camp sandals£72£72 at Asos

The North Face Explore Camp sandals

This olive green pair is a sportier take on a chunky style. Set on sturdy but not overly chunky soles, they still align with the North Face’s signature outdoorsy style. With adjustable straps for comfort, they have hints of neon orange that add a welcome pop of colour.

The North FaceExplore Camp sandals£72£72 at Asos

VejaEtna suede sandals£105£105 at Veja

Veja Etna suede sandals

These sandals manage to feel both minimal and chunky at once. With adjustable straps and cushioned footbeds, they’re designed for comfort as much as style and, like all other pieces from the brand, are made with a focus on sustainable practices.

VejaEtna suede sandals£105£105 at Veja

UggOtzo slides£140£140 at Ugg

Ugg Otzo slides

If I told you to wear a pair of Uggs in blistering heat, you’d probably think I’d gone mad, but this warm-weather option by the California brand known for its cosy sheepskin boots is lightweight and supportive.

UggOtzo slides£140£140 at Ugg