This Season’s Statement Sandals
When it comes to shoes that genuinely change how you feel the moment you step into them, nothing comes close to the right pair of heels. And this season, the heeled sandal a warm-weather visual statement. From unapologetic metallics to stripped-back modern silhouettes and all-out platform nostalgia, designers are bringing forward a new era of power in every inch.
Sculptural, Sophisticated, and Built for a Close-Up
There’s a fine art to designing heels that hold their shape and mystique from every angle. Gianvito Rossi’s 85 Leather Sandals are a masterclass in clean, uninterrupted lines. Cut in Italy from supple leather, the almond-shaped footbed and mid-height stiletto lend just enough height to keep them elegant without veering into impracticality. Every inch feels intentional, from the exposed sole to the subtly curved straps.
Gianvito Rossi
85 Black Leather Sandals – £690
Manolo Blahnik’s Leva 105 Leather Sandals are a more statuesque interpretation. With architectural cross-over straps and a high 105mm heel, they toe the line between refinement and control. There’s a slight lift to the arch that feels almost balletic — classic Manolo, always hinting at movement even when still.
Manolo Blahnik
Leva 105 Sky Blue Leather Sandals – £715
The Chromed, Mirrored, and Irresistibly Flashy Finish
Amina Muaddi remains queen of the futuristic stiletto, and her Lori Metallic Leather Sandals are pure party energy. Set on her signature martini-flared heel, this pair gleams with a mirrored gold finish that catches light with every step. There’s a surrealist edge to their proportions — a reminder that these are less about wearability and more about intent.
Amina Muaddi
Lori Metallic Gold Leather Sandals – £755
The Maya Mirrored Leather Sandals take a more angular turn. The upper’s sharp cuts mirror the hard shine of the silver finish, delivering a mood that feels more techno-luxe than disco queen.
Amina Muaddi
Maya Silver Mirrored Leather Sandals – £720
Gucci’s Lady Horsebit Platform Sandals in metallic crinkled leather bring in a touch of ‘70s glam-rock theatre. The iconic horsebit detail grounds them in house heritage, while the exaggerated platform and glossy finish make no apologies.
Gucci
Lady Horsebit Crinkled Silver Leather Platform Sandals – £840
Statement Height With a Playful Kick
If the re-emergence of high-gloss platforms proves anything, it’s that fashion is again embracing maximalism. Aquazzura’s Sunseeker Plateau 140 Leather Sandals are unapologetically bold. Perched on a towering 140mm heel, they’re surprisingly stable thanks to the wide front platform — and they wear like an ode to the Italian Riviera in the ‘90s.
Aquazzura
Sunseeker Plateau 140 Tan Leather Platform Sandals – £775
Saint Laurent’s Jodie Patent Leather Platform Sandals echo the same nostalgia with a sharper edge. The high-gloss black patent and angular platform construction nod to the house’s rock-inflected roots, while the open toe makes them surprisingly versatile across seasons.
Saint Laurent
Jodie Black Patent Leather Platform Sandals – £880
Straps, Laces, and Barely-There Sandals
Minimalist in theory but complex in execution, the barely-there heel has evolved beyond its late-2010s heyday. Jimmy Choo’s Azia 95 Patent Leather Sandals prove that clean lines can still hold drama. Their sleek three-strap design and gleaming finish bring a sense of polish to even the most laid-back outfit.
Jimmy Choo
Azia 95 Black Patent Leather Sandals – £675
Amina Muaddi’s Bruna 95 Patent Leather Sandals channel a similar sentiment with a slightly more sculptural silhouette. The crossover vamp and signature heel make them feel almost futuristic, yet grounded in Muaddi’s well-established vocabulary.
Amina Muaddi
Bruna 95 Black Patent Leather Sandals – £785
For something softer, Magda Butrym’s Appliquéd Lace-Up Satin Sandals wrap the foot in black satin ties and feature her signature floral appliqué, blurring the line between footwear and jewellery. There’s a sense of intimacy in the way these fasten — less power heel, more romantic gesture.
Magda Butrym
Appliquéd Black Lace-Up Satin Sandals – £810
Kitten Heels and Sleek Staples
There’s been a quiet resurgence in the kitten heel, but not as we’ve known it. Sam Edelman’s Cressa Leather Kitten Heel Sandals are streamlined and pared-back, with just a whisper of a heel. Their barely-there shape and white leather finish feel like the shoe version of a white linen shirt — fresh, unfussy, and always relevant.
Sam Edelman
Cressa Leather Kitten Heel White Sandals – £140
Christian Louboutin’s Miss Sabina 85 Sandals, in glossy black patent, offer a little more punch. That signature red sole paired with the 85mm heel delivers just enough flash to make them viable for both boardroom and bar.
Christian Louboutin
Miss Sabina 85 Black Patent Leather Sandals – £735
Kurt Geiger’s Sutton Faux Leather Heeled Sandals, meanwhile, are as minimalist as it gets. Bone-coloured, wide-strapped, and versatile, they’re the kind of piece that pulls its weight without shouting.
Kurt Geiger
Sutton Faux Bone Leather Heeled Sandals – £99
Soft Metallics for Subtle Drama
Sometimes, the most effective statement comes in soft metallics. Jimmy Choo’s Azie 85 Leather Sandals, in soft gold, tick that rare box of being both special and everyday-wearable. The refined silhouette and wearable heel height make them a strong choice for summer weddings or nights out that start early and end late.
Jimmy Choo
Azie 85 Soft Gold Leather Heeled Sandals – £695
Jimmy Choo’s Leo 100 Heeled Sandals, in Latte, skew slightly more editorial with their asymmetric strap and sleek ankle wrap — the kind of sandal that elevates (in the true sense) a wide-leg trouser look.
Jimmy Choo
Leo 100 Latte Leather Heeled Sandals – £650
Styling Tips – How to Wear This Season’s Statement Sandals
1. Let the shoes speak With heels this striking, simplicity elsewhere is your friend. Opt for crisp tailoring, bias-cut dresses, or soft linen co-ords in neutral or pastel tones to keep the focus firmly on your feet.
2. Don’t be afraid of contrast Pair metallics or patent leathers with matte textures – think raw silks, cotton poplin, or even distressed denim. It’s the tension that makes it modern.
3. Pay attention to proportion Platform heels demand a hemline with presence – mini or maxi, nothing in between. Meanwhile, minimalist stilettos work beautifully with midi skirts or cropped trousers.
4. Treat your pedicure like jewellery Your toes are on show – go bold. Rich burgundy, fresh white, or high-gloss nude lacquer can elevate the entire look (without overshadowing your heels).
5. Daytime heels are back Don’t reserve them for evening. Style a mid-heel sandal with relaxed tailoring or a cotton shirt dress and oversized tote. It’s the easiest way to sharpen a summer look without trying too hard.
