I Don't Want to Be Negative, But These 7 Sandal Trends Need to Disappear—Here Are 7 Alternatives I'm Considering Instead.

      As a fashion editor based in NYC with an extensive wardrobe and a small apartment, I must evaluate what's already in my closet when I consider new purchases. Space is limited, so I continuously reassess my collection at the same pace that I acquire new items. With summer approaching and plans for new sandals in mind, I'm preparing to make some tough decisions regarding my current footwear. I’m meticulously examining the emerging sandal trends for 2025 and selecting a few styles I want to incorporate. However, this means I’ll need to part ways with some old sandals, as I wear my sandals heavily from May to September and cannot justify keeping anything I'm not completely enthusiastic about. Essentially, if it's not an absolute yes, it's a no.

      With that said, here are the sandal trends I'm passing on, along with the styles I'm excited to wear instead.

      **Skipping: Tall Platforms**

      I’ve never really loved platforms, even during their peak popularity. As a New Yorker, it’s essential for me to be able to walk comfortably in my summer sandals, so I’m bidding farewell to tall platforms and instead focusing on ‘90s-inspired kitten-heel sandals. I plan to style these like Hailey Bieber, pairing them with trousers and trench coats in spring, and then with all my dresses and skirts during the summer.

      **TOTEME**

      Leather Flip Flops

      **Reformation**

      Sophie Heeled Sandal

      **Open Edit**

      Tori Kitten Heel Sandal

      **Skipping: PVC Sandals**

      When The Row launched its widely acclaimed Mara flats last summer, it sparked a revival of jelly sandals, transforming them from childhood favorites into a more modern and sophisticated option. The summer of 2025 introduces beloved styles from Chloé, Christopher Esber, and Ancient Greek Sandals that are further fueling this trend. I plan to add a pair to my lineup, and while I love my MNZ Olympia Wedges, I’m letting go of almost all other PVC sandals in favor of these playful jelly options.

      **Tory Burch**

      Mellow Mary Jane Jelly Flats

      **Old Navy**

      Jelly Lattice Ballet Flats

      **Vince**

      Barcelona Jelly Flats

      **Free People**

      Marlow Jelly Flats

      **Skipping: Rope and Velcro Sandals**

      Given my preference for a more elevated and elegant aesthetic, I’m avoiding sandals that are overly sporty, like those with rope or Velcro. Instead, I’m opting for sandals adorned with hardware that provide a more unique, jewelry-inspired style.

      **Reformation**

      Cindy Flat Sandal

      **LOEFFLER RANDALL**

      Lara Embellished Leather Sandals

      **ZARA**

      Flat Strappy Sandals With Metal Embellishment

      **BCBGeneration**

      Kline Sandal

      **Skipping: Fisherman Sandals**

      I know fisherman sandals are currently popular, but I’ve never been particularly fond of them. If I decide to experiment with a different style, I'm leaning towards some stylish peep-toe sandals that align with trendy designs from Alaïa and Miu Miu at the moment.

      **Miu Miu**

      Ruches Slingback Sandals

      **Reformation**

      Drew Kitten Heeled Sandal

      **Massimo Dutti**

      Asymmetric Ballet Flats

      **Reformation**

      Winnie Peep Toe Heeled Mule

      **ZARA**

      Leather Kitten Heel Sandals

      Suede has infiltrated nearly every aspect of my wardrobe—jackets, bags, loafers—and now it’s making its way into my sandals as well. Suede sandals exude luxury, and I’m excited to embrace this look this summer, which means parting with my metallic sandals that no longer feel as refined to me.

      **Miu Miu**

      Suede Logo Slide Clogs

      **Reformation**

      Jessie Thong Sandal

      **Steve Madden**

      Tracie Kitten Heel Flip Flop

      **Shopbop**

      A.emery Jalen Sandals

      **Skipping: Thick Espadrilles**

      This season, I've returned to a preference for simplicity in sandals, focusing on classic flip-flops styled in innovative ways. While I’ll still wear them at the beach with swimsuits, I’m also excited to pair flip-flops with outfits where they might not traditionally fit for a playful contrast.

      **The Row**

      Dune Classic Sandal

      **Free People**

      Around Town Flip Flops

      **A.EMERY**

      Kinto Leather Flip Flops

      **Gap**

      Vegan Leather Flip Flop Sandals

      **Free People**

      Sona Thong Sandals

      **Havaianas**

      Slim Square Logo Flip Flop