Over the past few years, we have seen a shift toward practicality in fashion, and this is seen most acutely with footwear. Fashion brands have for several seasons been bringing us sturdy, responsible shoes—the kind of styles that you’d try to run away from when finding shoes at Clarks in year six. Think T-bar loafers, chunky lace-ups and—what we’re talking about today—fisherman sandals.
Our current weather is very much the ‘British Summer’ with a wet washout one day and humid, soaring temperatures the next. One moment you require air to your toes and then the mercury drops a few notches and you need a little more coverage. That’s why the controversial topic (mostly to my own family) of the old socks-and-sandals debate is still going strong and I’m here to challenge and conquer it.
Francesca keeps it easy-breezy with denim city shorts and a vest for warmer days.
Brittany wears hers with a classic white cotton midi dress.
The Row and Gabriela Hearst are adored for their discreet take on luxury fashion, and although both tend to shy away from anything too flashy or trend-driven, they have a habit of dictating the silhouettes that we’ll be gravitating towards. Both brands created beautiful caged leather sandals in both ivory and black, making humble fisherman sandals the most sought-after sandals back in 2021, and their impact continues to this day. Like Tevas, their appeal is that they are practical walking shoes and will go with almost any summer outfit.
Both designer styles have been yo-yoing in and out of stock for the past few years. However, the silhouette has finally reached the high street in far greater volumes than when the sandal trend first came around. There are fantastic versions at the likes of Zara and M&S, as well as independent brands such as Grenson and Russell & Bromley. Although cheaper options do abound, I would recommend looking out for real leather as they’ll last longer. Keep scrolling to shop our edit of the best pairs at every price point.
All of the aforementioned styles are (how would you say…) breathable and well ventilated, which leads the way for hosiery to step forward and connect the seasons with ease and style. Layering can still work, even with open-toes! Scroll down for some great examples of socks ‘n’ sandal styling.
Hailey Bieber nails the slick city look with white and off-white pairings, all punctuated with black accessories and gold hardware.
As much as it pains me to discuss tights at this time of year, this is the UK after all so those days may be closer than we like to admit. I love this charcoal grey with mid-denier legs!
Hailey’s look is perfect for warm days and cooler nights with rolled-top socks and her go-to black fishermans.
Ahead of the fisherman sandal shopping below, these Prada get the school playground upgrade with smart pulled up socks.
I love the rolled down socks and loose-fitting knits of this look. Knitwear heaven!
The Row’s original sellout sandals are back but I imagine they won’t be around for long.
I was hunting for my perfect yet affordable pair of fishermans with a closed heel for a while – until I found this pair. I can personally vouch that they are comfortable and durable. They are also available in taupe.
I love the traditional proportions of this pair and the darker shade of tan leather. Very much the sort of pair worn when we were kids.
The Row has also introduced a slimmer-soled option in black and white.
A modern design with a flat and slightly raised sole for ultra comfort and clean lines.
A rich tan leather with a flat sole for the perfect balance between modern and classic.
I love that these don’t have a strap running from the ankle down to the cage for less interference.
Khaki suede will pair nicely with some white tailored shorts.
These are the most demure fisherman sandals we could find, and they now come in neutral tan, gold and black too.
If you’re looking for something with a unique spin, these fit the bill.
Hereu is the accessories brand I can’t get enough of right now.
A patent finish adds a little something extra to the mix.
Dear-Frances does it again with the perfectly simple yet beautiful sandals.
I love the contrast stitching and these nod to the sell-out Proenza cross sandals everyone wanted.
Church’s are beautifully and skillfully made and I love the chunkier sole of this pair.
It’s giving Barbie.
These scream comfy and would look great with a white dress.
If you liked the Queenie pair earlier but you’re keen on a slimmer sole then opt for these firey ones from with that worn in look.
You can’t beat a classic
I love the slimmer proportions and closed toe of this pair from all-rounder La Redoute and some thin ribbed socks would look great with these!
Very simple with a contrasting stitch, just like your dad used to wear.
So cute!
These Arket chunkier socks have several shades available and would look great with the modern and clean sandals from The Row, slightly ruched down on the ankle.
I can’t get enough of a good fine rib sock and this multi pack from much loved RAEY tick all of my boxes. Worn slightly ruched down on the ankle looks great with the chunkier fisherman styles.
Available in 8 shades, these ribbed socks are a great length and super soft. I love the idea of these brown ones with black or cream leather fishermans.
