I Tested 7 Designer Sandals to Determine Which Pairs Are Truly Worth the Investment.

      Summer is finally here! This means it's time to transition from chunky boots and trainers to lighter footwear like lovely ballet flats and open-toe sandals. In fact, sandals are the first summer item I invest in each year, as they can be worn even during these transitional months. Although there's still a bit of a spring chill in the air, wearing sandals on sunny days feels like a nice way to welcome the new season, especially paired with jeans and a jacket. It refreshes those tired outfit combinations instantly.

      I must admit, I've long been loyal to Birkenstock Arizona sandals—they've never disappointed me—but this year, I want my summer outfits to appear more polished and sophisticated. So, I've saved up to invest in a beautiful luxury pair that I can dress up or down throughout the summer. To help with my decision, I recently ordered a selection of top designer sandals to try on and evaluate.

      I wanted to find sandals that offer more than just good looks. I'm not one to reserve my investment pieces for special occasions; they must be practical for my lifestyle, whether I'm running errands in London, exploring a city over the weekend, or strolling through a charming Greek village on vacation. Comfort is essential, as blisters and sore heels are not acceptable. I also considered factors like wearability, versatility, and durability—criteria that distinguish smart investments from foolish ones.

      While I wasn’t able to wear these sandals outside to return any that didn't fit well, I did try them on extensively in front of my mirror with various outfits, ranging from jeans to dresses. I walked around my home and up and down stairs to determine which sandals stayed securely on, which straps dug in, and which felt like soft pillows on my feet. I tried on cult pairs from The Row, timeless designs from Saint Laurent, stylish French options, and modern classics. There are sandals suitable for weddings, poolside, dinners, work, and some versatile enough for all occasions. Throughout this process, I made voice notes to remember every detail for my feedback to you.

      Fortunately, the Who What Wear editors aren’t ones to keep insights to ourselves, and with my twelve years of experience in the fashion industry as an editor and stylist, I hold very high standards when reviewing products. So, if you're contemplating investing in a beautiful pair of designer sandals this summer or simply curious about which pair I ultimately chose (no judgment here!), keep reading for my reviews of seven of the best luxury sandals to invest in for 2025.

      1. **Saint Laurent Tribute Woven Suede Slides**

       - **My Review:** As expected from a Saint Laurent sandal, these felt truly luxurious. I immediately felt more elegant slipping into these. The interwoven tribute style, introduced in 2009, has achieved icon status and remains relevant. The classic style paired with a suede finish keeps them in line with the current trends for 2025. I tried them with a simple black Dôen dress, and they also complemented cropped jeans, t-shirt, and blazer perfectly. They are ideal for a polished look at work or important meetings and are dressy enough for evenings too. If ruggedness is a priority, consider the leather version, which would be just as stylish and more durable against unexpected summer rain. They may suit narrower feet better due to the strap placement close to the widest part of the foot. I usually wear between a size 36 and 37—here I wore 37 (UK 4), and there was still room at the heel, so I might try a half size down for the perfect fit.

       - **Best Designer Sandals For:** Thin feet, and achieving an elegant look.

       - **Shop Saint Laurent's Tribute Woven Suede Slides:**

       - SAINT LAURENT Tribute Woven Suede Slides

      2. **The Row Dune Flip Flops**

       - **My Review:** Paying £670 for a pair of flip flops might raise eyebrows, but this is to be expected from The Row. Compared to their previous sandals that exceed £1,000, these rubber and cotton options are a "steal." If you want a sandal that signifies you're fashion-forward, these are perfect (flip flops are the go-to choice for fashion insiders this summer). Only the most stylish friends will be able to distinguish these from ordinary black rubber flip flops, which is part of The Row's charm—embodying quiet luxury without logos. Since their launch, they've been seen on celebrities like Hailey Bieber and the Olsen twins, setting the stage for sandal superstardom in 2025. They were comfortable, and while I’d need to see how the soft straps feel between the toes over time, I can imagine them molding to my feet nicely. They are versatile enough to wear with tailored trousers or denim shorts and instantly elevate any outfit. They feel suitable for city life, though the rubber base may limit their durability for repeated wear. I took a size 36