The best sandals you can buy in 2020 including pool slides, flip-flops, slider sandals, mules and more

SANDALS ARE a warm-weather staple, and this season, it feels like there are no limits when it comes to the range of styles and silhouettes on offer.

The best sandals for women can be worn with dresses or shorts, and will take you from the pool to a restaurant in comfort and style.

Recent years have seen a major trend of sporty sandals getting a fashion revamp.

From pool slides to trekking sandals to Birkenstocks, which are back in a big way this summer, comfort reigns supreme, without compromising fashion (provided you like the 'ugly sandal' look, of course).

Leather sandals are also popular, with slider styles, mules and strappy gladiator designs leading the charge.

Wedge sandals are another timeless choice, for day or night, while this season's must-have heeled silhouette features a square toe, slim heel and wraparound ties.

Whether you're heading to the paddling pool or are managing to get away somewhere special, flip-flops are another summer essential, as are espadrilles. Happy shoe shopping.

1. Best pool slides

1. Pool slider leopard, £29.95 at Happy Socks -
2. Fila Drifter slides, £18 at Diffusion -
3. Barbados Eva slides, £35 at Birkenstock -

4. Logo-strap slides with moulded footbed, £65 at Boss -

Pool slides are the summer sandal of choice - and not just on pool and beach days.

Choose from logo slides - you'll find a huge selection, from your favourite sporty brands like Fila and Adidas, as well as designer slides from Boss and Balenciaga.

Birkenstock's taken its famous cork-soled sandal and used it as the blueprint for a stylish pool slide in a range of colours.

For colourful feet, you'll also find a range of embellished pool slides. See Sophia Webster's Dina slides for a jewelled effect, or embrace colour and print with Happy Socks.

2. Best flip-flops

1. Millie Metallic-Stripe Canvas Sandals, £55 at FitFlop -

2. Luzzi Bow Detail Flip Flops, £45 at Ted Baker -
3. Havaianas Black Slim Floral Sandals, £26 at Schuh -
4. Diamante Toe-Post Sandals, £68 at Dune -

Flip-flops remain a staple summer sandal, for both casualwear and dressier occasions (check out Dune's embellished flip-flops to add instant glamour to any beach look).

Havaianas' signature styles now have gorgeous printed footbeds to put a smile on your face, while jelly flip-flops simultaneously harken back to childhood and add glamour to any summer outfit, thanks to their patent-effect, shiny finish.

For everyday flip-flops, FitFlop is the go to for comfort, especially if you're looking to add a bit of height.

3. Best mule sandals

1. Leather Crossover Sandal, £72 at Everlane -
2. Arabian Toe Post Sandals, £225 at Russell & Bromley -
3. New Look cross strap sliders, £9.99 at ASOS -
4. Quilted High Heel Mule, £32 at Missguided -

Mules are having a major moment, and you'll find them in a variety of flat styles, block heels (hello, return of the 90s!) and high-heeled shapes.

Just slip on and go.

4. Best heeled sandals

1. Square Toe Leather Heeled Sandals, £85 at & Other Stories -

2. Pitter Beige Leather Studded Block Heel Sandals, £129 at Daniel Footwear -
3. Mid heel leather strap sandal, £150 at Arket -

When it comes to heeled sandals, this season it's all about the square toe, the block heel and the multi-strap effect.

5. Best fuzzy sandals

1. Pas Une Marque Paris Faux Fur Slip On Slides, £68 at Wolf & Badger -
2. Emu Mayberry lambskin sandals, £49 at Peter Hahn -
3. Fluff Yeah logo slide, £100 at UGG -

UGG's fluffy sandals feel like you're walking on a cloud - and look fab on social media (and in person) - so they've been a winner long before the weather turned warm.

Faux fur slides and furry mules are also big, and manage to bridge that fine line between bedroom slippers and acceptable 'going out in public' footwear. You'll be living in them.

6. Best trekking sandals

1. Teva Original Universal sandals in 90s colour block, £40 at ASOS -
2. Arizona Love Women's Trekky Bandana Sandals, £115 at Coggles -
3. Quechua Women's Hiking Sandals, £19.99 at Decathlon -
4. Suicoke Depa Cab technical sandals, £106 at Matches -

Trekking-style sandals are having a major moment, and the looks has divided fashion fans.

Even if you don't love them from a fashion perspective, they're undoubtedly useful on woodland walks and weekend hikes.

Teva is still the go-to brand - and their original sandals have the textile upper and rubber sole people have been wearing since the 80s.

You can also find designer takes on the silhouette, as well as cheap and functional designs.

7. Best wedge sandals

1. Wide Fit Rose Gold Leather-Look Cork Wedges, £19.99 at New Look -
2. Topic espadrille wedges in white, £30 at ASOS -
3. Beige open toe wedge sandals, £35 at River Island -
4. Women’s Crocs Brooklyn High Wedge, £64.99 at Crocs -

Wedge sandals are a summer must-have, that look flattering with swimwear, daytime dresses and trousers (you can team them with pretty much anything, really).

Choose from cork, rubber and espadrille style wedges and embrace the height without losing comfort.

8. Best Birkenstocks 

1. Madrid Big Buckle sandals rose, £80 from Birkenstock -
2. Birkenstock white Arizona sandals, £60 from Schuh -
3. Madrid Big Buckle sandals, £80 from Birkenstock -
4. Gizeh Birko Flor sandals black, 60 from Birkenstock -
5. Gizeh Birko Flor Sandals gold, £60 from Birkenstock -

Birkenstocks are back in a big way - their appeal is enduring and evident, as soon as you slip your feet into them.

From thong styles to the signature double-strap design, you're sure to find a silhouette you love.

The best bit? They're the easiest sandals to style up or down.

9. Best espadrille sandals

1. South Beach flatform espadrilles, £22 at ASOS -
2. Carvela Comfort Sharon espadrilles, £99 at Kurt Geiger -
3. Steve Madden Skylight strappy espadrille wedges, £80 at ASOS -
4. Gucci Pilar GG quilted-leather espadrille slides, £400 at Matches -

Espadrilles are a timeless footwear investment, that have the added advantage of making you feel like you're in the south of France every time you slip them on.

From slider styles to wedges to flatform espadrilles, you'll also find them at every heel height.

10. Best gladiator sandals

1. Prada Gladiator sandals, £542 at Farfetch -
2. Fracap lace up gladiator sandals, £165 at Toast -

3. Black leather stud wide fit gladiator sandal, £45 at River Island -

4. ASRA Savannah gladiator sandals, £35 at ASOS -

Gladiator sandals have been going strong for years now, but this summer, they're even tougher, with chunky soles, thick straps and stud detailing.

We're not sure if they'll have you feeling like a Greek goddess or a Roman fighter - but they'll definitely provide an ideal finish to any summery outfit.

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Loved this guide to the best sandals? Check out our selection of the best cheap sandals for women.

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