Sandals Sandals Sandals

I am very happy to report that sandal season has officially arrived, (more or less). After months of closed-toe shoes, I have a fresh pedicure and I am ready. If you are still looking for something a bit more transitional, you can revisit the flats edit here.

This is this season’s sandal edit, and one of my favorite topics to dig into. I am always paying attention to what is happening in the shoe market, I can’t help it. Which brands are actually investing in fit, comfort, construction, quality, and materials? And just as importantly, who is doing all of that while still getting the design right?

Finding the ideal city sandal, one that can handle a full day of walking, let’s say at least 10,000 steps, and still look chic, is harder than it should be. With so many options out there, I have made it my job to try on as many as possible and filter them through a very real-life lens:

• A versatile design that works from playground to cocktails

• A footbed that is genuinely comfortable, relative to the look

• Straps that do not rub, pinch, or blister

A quick note on fit: my feet run slightly wide, so I will call that out wherever relevant based on what I have tried or worn myself.

I also revisited last year’s edit, and a few styles made the cut again. There are a couple I am considering repurchasing in another color, because they’ve really held up in both comfort and durability.

Flip Flops

Somehow, flip flops always feel like the answer when you don’t know what shoes to wear. They just work, and instantly make any outfit feel more effortless. With shorts, pants, jeans, skirts, dresses...you name it. Fortunately, there are more good options than ever, from casual and sporty pairs to those that feel genuinely polished and elegant. (But I’ve never been one to be squeamish about wearing flip flops in the city).

I love these leather flip flops with an elegant square toe. They strike that balance between cool, effortless, and refined in a way that is hard to find. The upper is soft, and the leather footbed feels as elevated as it looks.

I would not count on these for a full 10,000-step day. They feel better suited to something closer to 7,000 steps before your feet start to notice. They run TTS.

I have also been very curious about this pair if you are looking for a flip flop with a bit more cushion and support. They finally started making some chic-ish styles!

I have had my eye on this pair since last year, when I spotted them on Melanie Masarin who swore she could comfortably walk all day in them. I already own a few styles from the brand and consistently give their footwear high marks for comfort. The footbeds are more cushioned than you would expect, especially given how sleek the designs look.

One of the biggest draws is that many styles come in both narrow and wide widths. I always opt for the wide when it is available, and my feet definitely appreciate the extra room. These run true to size.

I like to keep a strong rotation of brown, tan, and chocolate sandals for maximum outfit flexibility. Brown paired with white feels especially fresh, and just a touch more relaxed than black. These are the perfect shade of chocolate and pair effortlessly with just about anything. I love how simple these toe loop slides look. They have a subtly padded, well-shaped footbed that adds a bit of extra comfort. They are made from soft Italian nappa lambskin, which really comes through in the feel. When you want something with a little added interest that still feels unfussy, these are a great option.

I have a pair of strappy sandals that are on this same exact footbed from last year and when they released these flip flops (use JOYCE15) in these spectacular color combinations, I was sold. I have found these to run a little small, so I go up a full size. They remind me a bit of the hard to come by flip flops from Auralee. I saw them in Tokyo and decided on the all-white. The sizing was a bit strange and in Japan, you have to wear a stocking to try on all shoes, including flip flops. So alas, when I got home and put them on my bare feet, I realized I should have taken a size up. If anyone is interested in these, please let me know (they would fit a women’s 8 perfectly).

Tokyo Mini-Guide

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Apr 17

Hi, I’m back from our family’s 6-night trip to Tokyo and wanted to pull together a little guide. It’s mostly the neighborhoods we explored, where we shopped and ate, with a few sights mixed in.

White Sandals

I will always love white. A crisp white T-shirt, white pants, or shorts just feels like summer to me, and a white leather sandal only makes it better.

These criss-cross sandals are a bit of a splurge and remind me of my favorite rubber Flojos from childhood. (Did anyone else love these???)

If you are looking for something more accessible, these toe loop sandals are a great option under $100. I also love the simplicity of this pair also for $100, and these for a slightly broader toe shape with a beautiful twisted T-bar.

Fisherman sandals feel classic and timeless, and I especially love how modern and elegant they look in white leather. This pair reads a bit more transitional, while these studded sandals are notably cushioned and built to handle a full 15,000-step day.

Python Print

I have these studded sandals in brown from last year, and they were my splurge pair of the season. They are crafted from a single piece of calf leather that wraps around the foot, which is about as comfortable as a structured sandal can get. With no internal seams, they mold nicely to the foot, and the snaps allow for a more adjustable fit. The python print adds a subtle hit of pattern to an otherwise neutral base, and I love the combination with the studs for a statement finish. They fit true to size.

I also have these slides in brown from last year and can confidently say they are among the most comfortable sandals I own, built for full days of walking and city pavement. They feature a cushy molded footbed and a supportive rubber outsole that absorbs impact. The straps are cut just right, and the small buckle adds adjustability, which I have definitely appreciated as my feet swell throughout the day. These also run true to size.

I love these double-buckled sandals from Jamie Haller, and they come in a beautiful range of colors. They are also made with a single piece of leather on the inside, so they wrap smoothly around the foot and require no break-in period. Both buckles are fully functional, which makes the fit feel considered and adjustable. I also take my true size in these.

Slides

This deep chocolate suede slide has a lower profile than your typical molded footbed sandal. They are definitely an investment, but if you are looking for something simple, chic, and reliably comfortable, it is hard to go wrong here. Take your true size.

I also came across these equally beautiful leather slides (use JOYCE15) and have a feeling they will be even more comfortable than they look. I trust the made-in-Italy quality across the board. They run TTS.

Jelly Sandals

Tessa Tran, Chan Luu’s creative director, was wearing these to dinner one night and convinced me to order a pair. She also saved me from a return by suggesting I size up, since they run a bit small. Note: these are not built for a full day of walking, I wear these when I’m looking for a hit of shine and color, but if you’re looking for something more comfortable, may I suggest these. I have two pairs of them and really love the flattering square toe shape. They also come in a slightly thicker sole option if you want a bit more lift.

If you want something a little more playful, I am very into these rhinestone jelly flip flops, which sit on a classic foam flip flop footbed.

For this letter, I’ve created an expanded guide for paid subscribers. It includes 20 additional styles across comfort sole sandals, flip flops, fun colors and textures, actually comfortable kitten heels, and my favorite jelly styles. Everything has been vetted so you do not have to spend hours searching for the right sandals.