17 Sandal Trends for 2027, From Sculptural Wedges to Jelly Shoes

Summer shoes are taking on more personality in 2027. The shift shows up in both shape and decoration: familiar styles like thong sandals and mules get updated heels, while flowers, gems, charms and vivid colors turn simple shoes into outfit features.

There’s room for an easy everyday pair and a more expressive one. Fisherman sandals, kitten-heel mules and low heeled thongs are among the more straightforward options. Sculptural heels, oversized bows and fluffy pom-poms ask for a bit more commitment. Either way, a considered sandal can refresh basics without requiring a whole new wardrobe.

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Shapes that update familiar outfits

Heeled thong sandals

The thong sandal keeps its casual roots, but the 2027 versions look more polished: think narrow straps, glossy materials, kitten heels and short wedges. A low black pair can bring a little lift to straight-leg jeans and a white tee. Satin versions work with a tailored midi skirt and a relaxed button-down, where the plain toe strap tempers the smarter clothes.

Toe shape changes the feel. A square front reads sharper; a rounded sole has a softer, more nostalgic look. Lower heels preserve the relaxed appeal and are easier to work into everyday outfits than very high, narrow heels.

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Sculptural wedges

Wedges return in a less towering form. Rather than relying on a tall cork platform, newer designs use compact heels with curved, rounded, concave or metallic shapes. Some seem carved out beneath the foot; others flow in one smooth line from sole to heel.

A black wedge thong paired with wide-leg linen trousers is a low-fuss way to try the shape: it adds height without making the clothes feel formal. Cork or woven versions sit naturally with tiered dresses, matching shorts and vacation outfits. If the heel is metallic or covered in crystals, keep the rest of the look simple. An unusual gold wedge can carry a long black dress on its own.

Razor-thin straps

Delicate straps offer a quieter counterpoint to the season’s decorated shoes. Black, chocolate brown, silver and skin-close shades are especially versatile. For dinner, try a slim pair with a slip dress and small shoulder bag; flat sandals work with loose trousers and a fitted knit tank.

A toe strap and an ankle strap create a clean outline. Several straps running across the foot can look busier and may feel less comfortable over a long stretch of walking. This pared-back option also gives printed or brightly colored clothes room to stand out.

Kitten-heel mules

A kitten-heel mule bridges the gap between a slide and a dress sandal. It slips on quickly, adds modest height and can work with more than occasionwear. Wear a burgundy or black pair with cropped trousers, a silky blouse and a roomy shoulder bag. On a day off, a square-toe version looks relaxed with jeans and a fitted cardigan.

A skirt with a side slit shows the shoe without calling for a high heel. Curved uppers and cutouts give the style a fresh outline, while flowers, bows and unusual heels add more decoration. Check that the band holds your foot comfortably: a mule that slips with each step can make an evening out feel long.

Gladiator and multi-strap sandals

Straps are returning in tangled, crossing and ankle-tie arrangements. The easiest versions stop at the ankle instead of climbing the calf. Flat black sandals can ground denim shorts and an oversized white shirt; metallic pairs bring a brighter note to a simple mini dress.

For a subtler take, look for several narrow straps that curve across the foot without long ties. They suggest a layered gladiator look while staying easier to style. Since the straps already draw attention to the feet and ankles, a clean hemline and simple clothes help keep the whole outfit balanced.

Decorative details make the shoe the focus

Petal and flower sandals

Rather than relying on a small floral print, these sandals build the flower into the shoe itself. Uppers fold around the toes like petals, sculpted blooms sit on the front, or small flowers decorate narrow straps. Yellow stands out against navy tailoring; sage offers a softer alternative to beige.

Delicate flower mules can suit a spring brunch with a white poplin dress and colorful bag. More dramatic petal shapes need little competition: try a solid midi dress or a matching trouser set. The effect ranges from a hint of a bloom to a full-on floral statement.

Charm and jewelry-draped sandals

Chains, beads, keys and mismatched metal pieces bring the look of wearable jewelry to sandal straps. A black or tan pair can add movement and shine to a plain slip dress, monochrome knit set, or cropped jeans and a bodysuit. Skip extra embellishment elsewhere if you want the shoe’s details to register.

Layering colorful tights under open sandals is a more adventurous styling idea, but it can extend the use of warm-weather shoes into cooler spring days. Notice where the charms hang: details on the outside of each shoe are less likely to tap together as you walk.

Gem sandals

Stones turn a minimal sandal into a focal point. Some designs scatter large, colorful gems along slim straps; others cover a mule in jewel-like decoration. Mismatched stones make the look playful and intentionally excessive, while a simpler strap with a single prominent gem is easier to wear often.

Let the shoes bring the color and detail. With an uncomplicated outfit, even a bold gem-covered pair can feel like a deliberate finishing touch rather than one more competing element.

Bow sandals

Bows come in different scales, from small accents on toe straps to oversized loops covering much of the foot. Pearl-covered styles suit bridal events and spring parties; a leather bow mule is a more casual match for a midi skirt and fitted tank.

A streamlined sandal with one well-placed bow often feels fresher than a design crowded with several details. Black bows on mesh or satin offer a darker, more dramatic take for anyone who wants the shape without a sweet finish.

Pom-pom and fluffy sandals

Fuzzy straps, feather-like layers, gradient fluff and oversized pom-poms make these shoes hard to miss. Some designs combine the texture with a curved metallic wedge, stacking two statement features at once.

A white shirtdress or solid matching set leaves room for the shoes to take the lead. Keep jewelry simple, and add a fuzzy bag only if you want the texture to run through the whole outfit. These are more suited to parties, vacations and photos than a long day of errands or a conservative workplace.

Color, shine and print

Mirror metallics

Reflective silver and gold aren’t reserved for dressy events. They now pair easily with denim, linen and everyday summer clothes. Silver can brighten faded jeans and a white or gray tank; gold sits well with cream linen, chocolate brown or a colorful dinner outfit.

Wide straps show off more of the shine, while slim ones give a subtler flash. If mirror-like finishes feel too bold, brushed metallic leather offers a softer sheen while keeping the distinctive color.

Animal prints

Zebra, tiger and Dalmatian-inspired patterns appear on thong sandals, while leopard and snake prints add variety to heels. A printed shoe can do the work of an accessory: try zebra thongs with jeans and a white tee, leopard kitten heels with a plain midi dress, or snake print with denim, burgundy or chocolate brown.

Wear the print as you might a neutral, and avoid matching it with another animal pattern for most everyday looks. Slim thongs keep the pattern restrained; a wide slide or wedge puts more of it on show.

Saturated color

Cobalt, orange, yellow and glossy burgundy give black and tan some competition. Cobalt can stand out against white denim and a pale blue shirt; orange satin heels bring warmth to cream or soft pink. A vivid pair with a white dress or neutral set adds color without making the rest of the outfit harder to coordinate.

Sage is a quieter option for anyone who wants something less expected than beige without a high-impact shade. The useful choice depends on how often you want the sandals to become the main feature.

Practical pairs for warmer days

Jelly sandals

Jelly shoes continue beyond their nostalgic beginnings, now appearing in translucent colors and glossy finishes as well as woven fisherman shapes. The options include ballet flats, chunky slides and minimalist thongs, so the material doesn’t dictate one particular silhouette.

They bring a playful note to simple summer clothes. Try them with elevated basics when you want the shoe to feel lighthearted without adding more color or decoration elsewhere.

Fisherman sandals

The woven, closed-toe shape offers more coverage than a slide while leaving space for air to circulate. That mix makes fisherman sandals one of the more practical choices for a full day on your feet, especially if you prefer not to show your toes.

For work, pair them with ankle-length trousers and a striped knit. On the weekend, try a cotton mini dress, crew socks and a crossbody bag. Chunky black leather can balance a floaty midi skirt; brown leather gives the outfit a softer, slightly retro feel.

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Sneaker-hybrid sandals

Cushioned soles, sporty panels, laces and technical-looking straps bring sneaker details into open shoes. These styles are geared toward travel, errands and long walks. A chunky pair works with a nylon midi skirt and fitted tank, or with track pants and a lightweight button-down. Crew socks can help the look make sense on cooler days.

Gray, cream and black are straightforward to combine with everyday clothes; colorful soles make the shoe more playful. A slim crossbody or belt bag suits the casual shape. Comfort may be the draw, but the rest of the outfit can still feel considered rather than like gym wear.

Sporty rope sandals

Rounded cords, bungee-style loops and chunky rubber soles give rope sandals an outdoorsy, technical appearance. Some designs cross bright cords over the foot; others use minimal black or neutral straps. They bring a sportier edge to track pants, oversized shorts and relaxed summer basics without relying on the familiar leather hiking-sandal look.

The 2027 lineup doesn’t ask anyone to wear every trend. Start with the shape that fits your routine, then decide whether color or decoration adds something you’ll enjoy wearing. A dependable fisherman sandal or slim thong can handle repeat use; a fluffy, gem-covered or sculptural pair can bring a little occasion to an otherwise simple outfit.

Want more trends? Stay on top of all the latest trends for 2027 with my trend reports that will help you be in the know about what’s in and what’s out this season.