Women’s Summer Sandals 2026: How to Choose the Perfect Pair for Comfort and Style

Summer is just around the corner, and that means one thing: it’s time to bring out your sandals. Or maybe even get a new pair? Because honestly – nothing feels as good as the first warm day when you can finally wear your sandals again. And in 2026, there’s plenty of beautiful options to choose from.

Whether you’re looking for a pair for everyday use, for that one beach vacation, or just something chic for a summer evening drink – the choice of women’s summer sandals is huge this year. But how do you choose the perfect pair? I’ll tell you in this guide.

Why sandals in 2026 are a must-have

Let me be honest: in recent years I’ve bought quite a few sandals that looked amazing but caused painful blisters after a day of walking. I’m done with that. In 2026, sandals are all about the combination of comfort and style – and that’s actually the best trend there is.

The big brands and small boutiques agree this year: comfortable summer shoes for women don’t have to look less beautiful. On the contrary. The most beautiful sandals this season are also the most wearable. Thick soles, wide straps, ergonomic footbeds – it’s all part of the trend now.

And you can see that in the prices too. Nowadays, you can get a pair of sandals that look great and are comfortable all day long for from €39.95. Not bad, right?

The main sandal trends for women summer 2026

1. Floral details and botanical prints

Flowers are everywhere this year – on clothing, on bags, and of course on shoes too. Sandals with subtle floral decorations are one of the biggest hits of the season. Think small flowers along the straps, or a larger flower as a statement on the toe of the shoe.

The great thing about sandals with floral decorations is how versatile they are. They go just as well with a white linen dress as with jeans and a breezy blouse. In the Pantinoshop sandal collection, you’ll find beautiful examples in this style, like the Floral Chic Sandals (from €39.95) that I’ve admired for a while now.

2. Orthopedic sandals - finally beautiful too

This might be the best development in recent years. Orthopedic sandals used to have a rather old-fashioned image. But in 2026? A completely different story. The new generation of orthopedic women's shoes combines an ergonomic footbed with a design that is truly worth it.

For people who spend a lot of time on their feet - or just know they don’t want to complain about sore feet after a day of walking - these are the sandals to watch. The Anima Orthopedic Sandals (from €44.95) are a good example: they offer excellent support but still look very neat.

What should you look for in orthopedic sandals? Definitely look for a footbed that’s slightly hollowed out at the heel, light arch support, and straps you can fasten securely (so the shoe doesn’t slip while you walk). All these features together provide the extra comfort you need on warm summer days.

3. Bohemian and woven designs

Braided and woven sandals are completely back this year. There’s something about that artisanal, handmade look that’s simply timeless - and it fits perfectly with the relaxed summer style of 2026. Whether you’re going on a city trip or spending a week at the beach, bohemian sandals suit both.

In women’s shoes, this is one of the best-selling categories this season, and for good reason. The braided material lets your foot breathe well (great in the heat), and the design looks a bit more special than a standard flat sandal.

4. City fashion sandals for the urban woman

Not everyone is going on a beach or mountain vacation this year. For those heading into the city - or just going to the office on a warm Friday - city fashion sandals are the perfect choice. A bit dressier than flat flip-flops, but less formal than heels. They effortlessly pair with trousers, skirts, or a casual dress.

The strength of a good city sandal lies in its versatility. Choose a neutral color (black, beige, cognac) and you can literally pair them all summer long with almost everything in your wardrobe. Check out the women’s fashion collection for more inspiration on how to style your sandals.

How do you choose the right sandal for your foot type?

This is something I never really considered before - and that's exactly why I bought so many sandals that ultimately didn’t fit as I hoped. Your foot type has a big impact on which sandal suits you best.

Wide feet

Do you have wide feet? The biggest pitfall is buying sandals that pinch on the sides. Choose models with wide straps or adjustable closures. Many orthopedic sandals are an excellent choice in this respect because they are designed with more space and variable fit.

Flat foot

If you have flat feet, you benefit from sandals with built-in arch support. Without that support, you might experience knee or back pain after a day of walking – something you definitely don’t want in summer. Look for terms like "ergonomic footbed" or "arch support" in the product description.

Narrow feet

Narrow feet easily slip out of sandals with fixed straps. Choose models with adjustable buckles or Velcro so you can really customize the sandal to your foot. Sandals with multiple straps generally offer a better fit for narrow feet than simple slide types.

Sandal styles for every occasion

For vacation: beach-proof and lightweight

On vacation, you want sandals that are easy to slip on and off, can handle a bit of sand and water, and aren’t too heavy in your suitcase. Flat sandals with an open design and a thin sole are ideal for this. Also consider the sun – leather sandals can get very hot after a day at the beach, while synthetic materials often handle moisture better.

For a day in the city: stylish and practical

For a day of shopping or a summer lunch with friends, you want sandals that look good but are also comfortable enough for a few hours of walking. A light wedge heel (2-4 cm) gives you a little extra height without becoming tiring. Or choose flat sandals with more detail – floral prints, braided straps, or a nice buckle.

Also check out the accessories collection for matching bags and jewelry to complete your summer look.

For a night out: elegant and special

Evening sandals can be a bit more special. Think metallic accents, a higher wedge heel, or sandals with more details and decorations. They should still be comfortable enough to get through the evening but can definitely make a statement.

In the bestsellers collection you’ll find the most popular styles that other shoppers have already picked out for you – handy if you don’t know where to start.

Material guide: what suits warm weather best?

The material of your sandals largely determines how comfortable they are on warm days. A few things to keep in mind:

Faux leather: Easy to clean and water-resistant. Can get a bit warm in extreme heat, but fine for most summer days. Often also more affordable than real leather.

Textile and woven materials: Breathable, lightweight, and have a casual look. Woven sandals are pleasantly cool to wear in summer. Downside: harder to clean if they get dirty.

Rubber and EVA soles: A good sole is just as important as the straps. Rubber and EVA are light, provide cushioning, and are slip-resistant on wet surfaces. Ideal for summer.

Cork: Cork soles mold to your foot over time. They are lightweight, have a beautiful natural look, and are comfortable to wear in the heat. Require a bit more maintenance than rubber, but definitely worth it.

Sizes and fit: how to get the right size at home

Buying sandals online can be nerve-wracking if you’re not sure about the size. A few tips I’ve learned:

Measure your foot at the warmest time of the day – your feet swell slightly in the heat. If you’re buying sandals for the summer, measure in the afternoon or at the end of the day. You can place a piece of paper on the floor, trace the outline of your foot, then measure the length.

Unsure between two sizes? With sandals, it’s usually better to go half a size up. Your feet need some room to move, especially in warm weather. A sandal that pinches at the start of the day will become unbearable by the end of the day.

Also pay attention to the width of the straps in relation to your foot. Wide straps provide more support but can look a bit awkward on narrow feet. Narrow straps look more stylish but are less suitable if you prioritize comfort.

Styling tips: how to wear your sandals this season

Sandals are more versatile than you think. A few ideas to get you started:

With a midi skirt: The combination of a flowing midi skirt and flat sandals is the ultimate summer look of 2026. Choose sandals in a neutral color if your skirt already has a busy print, or go for a special sandal if your skirt is plain.

With wide pants: Flat sandals under wide linen pants – or even culottes – is casual chic at its best. Very easy to combine and perfect for warm office Fridays.

With a short dress: A short summer dress and sandals always go well together. Add a belt from the accessories collection and you have a complete summer look.

With jeans: Don’t forget that sandals can also be worn with jeans. Choose a slightly dressier sandal (city fashion style) rather than a too casual model, and you get a mix of casual and polished that works perfectly for a summer day in the city.

Maintenance: how to make your sandals last longer

Good sandals last for years if you maintain them well. A few simple tips:

Always air out your sandals after wearing them for a day before putting them in the closet. Especially in warm weather, sandals absorb moisture, and storing them immediately can lead to unpleasant odors.

Clean faux leather best with a damp cloth. Do not use harsh cleaning agents - they can damage the material. For braided sandals, you can use a soft brush to loosen dirt.

Want to give your sandals a new life? Sole repair is surprisingly affordable and can extend the life of a beloved sandal by years. The cobbler will also check if any other small repairs are needed.

Where to buy the most beautiful summer sandals for women 2026?

The Pantinoshop sandal collection has something beautiful for every type of woman. From orthopedic models for maximum comfort (like the Anima sandals, starting at €44.95) to chic floral decorations for a fashion-conscious look (starting at €39.95). The collection is regularly updated, so there is always something new to discover.

Also check out the complete women's shoes collection and the broader shoes collection if you are looking for other summer shoes besides sandals. And don’t forget to take a look at the women's fashion collection for outfit inspiration to go with your new sandals.

Finally

The perfect summer sandal really exists - you just have to find it. Whether you go for comfort, style, or preferably both at the same time: in 2026, there is a pair of sandals for every woman that perfectly matches her taste and needs. Take the time to see what suits your foot type, which material you prefer, and for which occasions you will wear the sandals.

And once you step into them - that first warm day with your new sandals on - you immediately know the choice was worth it. Have a great summer!

Lisa van den Berg writes about fashion and lifestyle for Pantinoshop.nl