Best designer sandals (2026): buy these, skip those

Quick answer

Buy the Hermès Oran Sandal if you want one answer: h-cutout leather slide. Best for elegant evening: the Gianvito Rossi Ribbon Sandal 85. Best for technical luxury: the Hermès Chypre Sandal.

By Opulique Editorial Team Updated November 6, 2026 2 min read

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Our picks at a glance

Buy this first Hermès Oran Sandal Best for The iconic slide · Typically $760–$860
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Elegant evening Gianvito Rossi Ribbon Sandal 85 Best for Elegant evening · Typically $895–$995
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Technical luxury Hermès Chypre Sandal Best for Technical luxury · Typically $850–$1,000
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Value sandal Ancient Greek Sandals Desmos Best for Value sandal · Typically $230–$300
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Saint-Tropez classic K. Jacques Epicure Sandal Best for Saint-Tropez classic · Typically $260–$340
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Kitten heel Manolo Blahnik Chaos Sandal Best for Kitten heel · Typically $795–$895
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Lower Cleo René Caovilla Cleo 80 Sandal Best for Lower Cleo · Typically $1,250–$1,500
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Minimal The Row Ginza Sandal Best for Minimal · Typically $790–$950
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Kelly Hermès Kelly Sandal Best for Kelly · Typically $1,100–$1,300
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Gancini sandal Ferragamo Lia Sandal Best for Gancini sandal · Typically $700–$850
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Wedding sandal Aquazzura Very Bow Tie 105 Best for Wedding sandal · Typically $850–$950
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Glamour sandal Jimmy Choo Saeda 100 Best for Glamour sandal · Typically $850–$950
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Embroidered slide Dior Dway Slide Best for Embroidered slide · Typically $950–$1,100
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Chunky luxury Chanel Dad Sandal Best for Chunky luxury · Typically $1,100–$1,300
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Holiday sandal Loewe Paula’s Ibiza Comfort Sandal Best for Holiday sandal · Typically $550–$700
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Lace-up Aquazzura Amazon 105 Best for Lace-up · Typically $850–$950
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Square-toe statement Bottega Veneta Stretch Sandal Best for Square-toe statement · Typically $1,050–$1,200
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Studded flat Valentino Garavani Rockstud Flat Sandal Best for Studded flat · Typically $750–$850
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Red-sole sandal Christian Louboutin Miss Sabina Best for Red-sole sandal · Typically $795–$895
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Heeled Dway Dior Dway Heeled Mule Best for Heeled Dway · Typically $1,100–$1,300
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Paid link: buttons go to the retailer. Prices change often, so we link to the current price instead of listing one.

Comparison table

Feature	Buy this firstHermès Oran Sandal	Elegant eveningGianvito Rossi Ribbon Sandal 85	Technical luxuryHermès Chypre Sandal	Value sandalAncient Greek Sandals Desmos	Saint-Tropez classicK. Jacques Epicure Sandal	Kitten heelManolo Blahnik Chaos Sandal	Lower CleoRené Caovilla Cleo 80 Sandal	MinimalThe Row Ginza Sandal	KellyHermès Kelly Sandal	Gancini sandalFerragamo Lia Sandal	Wedding sandalAquazzura Very Bow Tie 105	Glamour sandalJimmy Choo Saeda 100	Embroidered slideDior Dway Slide	Chunky luxuryChanel Dad Sandal	Holiday sandalLoewe Paula’s Ibiza Comfort Sandal	Lace-upAquazzura Amazon 105	Square-toe statementBottega Veneta Stretch Sandal	Studded flatValentino Garavani Rockstud Flat Sandal	Red-sole sandalChristian Louboutin Miss Sabina	Heeled DwayDior Dway Heeled Mule
Verdict	Buy	Buy	Buy	Buy	Buy	Buy	Buy	Buy	Buy	Buy	Consider	Consider	Consider	Consider	Consider	Consider	Consider	Consider	Consider	Consider
Typical price	$760–$860	$895–$995	$850–$1,000	$230–$300	$260–$340	$795–$895	$1,250–$1,500	$790–$950	$1,100–$1,300	$700–$850	$850–$950	$850–$950	$950–$1,100	$1,100–$1,300	$550–$700	$850–$950	$1,050–$1,200	$750–$850	$795–$895	$1,100–$1,300
Best for	The iconic slide	Elegant evening	Technical luxury	Value sandal	Saint-Tropez classic	Kitten heel	Lower Cleo	Minimal	Kelly	Gancini sandal	Wedding sandal	Glamour sandal	Embroidered slide	Chunky luxury	Holiday sandal	Lace-up	Square-toe statement	Studded flat	Red-sole sandal	Heeled Dway
Key feature	H-cutout leather slide	Ribbon ankle sandal on block heel	Velcro sport sandal	Handmade leather strap sandal	Handmade thong sandal	Low-heel cross-strap sandal	Cleo 80	Minimal flat sandal	Kelly lock sandal	Block-heel sandal	Bow-tie ankle sandal	Crystal-strap sandal	Embroidered cotton slide	Quilted velcro dad sandal	Leather sandal with rope details	Lace-up sandal	Square-toe heeled sandal	Flat sandal with studs	Wrap sandal	Heeled mule
Material	Box calf	Satin	Calfskin	Vachetta leather	Leather	Leather	Satin with crystals	Leather	Calfskin	Calfskin	Suede	Satin with crystals	Embroidered cotton	Lambskin	Leather	Suede	Lambskin	Calfskin	Leather	Embroidered cotton
Sole	Leather	Leather	Rubber	Leather	Leather	Leather	Leather	Leather	Leather	Leather	Leather	Leather	Leather	Rubber	Rubber	Leather	Leather	Leather	Red lacquered leather	Leather
Fit	True to size	True to size	True to size	True to size	True to size	True to size	True to size	True to size	True to size	True to size	True to size	True to size	True to size	True to size	True to size	True to size	True to size	True to size	True to size	True to size
Made in	Italy	Italy	Italy	Greece	France	Italy	Italy	Italy	Italy	Italy	Italy	Italy	Italy	Italy	Spain	Italy	Italy	Italy	Italy	Italy
Where to buy	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link

Hermès · Designer sandals

Hermès Oran Sandal

H-cutout leather slide.

Buy it if: you want the most iconic summer slide.
Skip it if: you want arch support.

Pros

Iconic
Comfortable
Lasts

Cons

Hard to buy
Flat

Key specifications

Material: Box calf
Sole: Leather
Fit: True to size
Made in: Italy

Read the full review

Gianvito Rossi · Designer sandals

Gianvito Rossi Ribbon Sandal 85

Ribbon ankle sandal on block heel.

Buy it if: you want a comfortable evening sandal.
Skip it if: you want flat.

Pros

Comfortable
Elegant

Cons

Ribbon wears

Key specifications

Material: Satin
Sole: Leather
Fit: True to size
Made in: Italy

Read the full review

Hermès · Designer sandals

Hermès Chypre Sandal

Velcro sport sandal.

Buy it if: you want comfort Hermès.
Skip it if: you want elegant.

Pros

Comfortable

Cons

Boutique-only

Key specifications

Material: Calfskin
Sole: Rubber
Fit: True to size
Made in: Italy

Read the full review

Ancient Greek Sandals · Designer sandals

Ancient Greek Sandals Desmos

Handmade leather strap sandal.

Buy it if: you want handmade leather at a fair price.
Skip it if: you want luxury branding.

Pros

Handmade
Fair price
Comfortable

Cons

Small brand

Key specifications

Material: Vachetta leather
Sole: Leather
Fit: True to size
Made in: Greece

Read the full review

K. Jacques · Designer sandals

K. Jacques Epicure Sandal

Handmade thong sandal.

Buy it if: you want authentic Riviera style.
Skip it if: you want luxury branding.

Pros

Handmade
Comfortable
Fair price

Cons

Small brand

Key specifications

Material: Leather
Sole: Leather
Fit: True to size
Made in: France

Read the full review

Manolo Blahnik · Designer sandals

Manolo Blahnik Chaos Sandal

Low-heel cross-strap sandal.

Buy it if: you want an elegant, walkable sandal.
Skip it if: you want flat.

Pros

Comfortable
Elegant

Cons

Pricey

Key specifications

Material: Leather
Sole: Leather
Fit: True to size
Made in: Italy

Read the full review

René Caovilla · Designer sandals

René Caovilla Cleo 80 Sandal

Cleo 80.

Buy it if: you want wearable sparkle.
Skip it if: you want daily.

Pros

Wearable

Cons

Pricey

Key specifications

Material: Satin with crystals
Sole: Leather
Fit: True to size
Made in: Italy

Read the full review

The Row · Designer sandals

The Row Ginza Sandal

Minimal flat sandal.

Buy it if: you want minimal.
Skip it if: you want support.

Pros

Logo-free

Cons

Pricey

Key specifications

Material: Leather
Sole: Leather
Fit: True to size
Made in: Italy

Read the full review

Hermès · Designer sandals

Hermès Kelly Sandal

Kelly lock sandal.

Buy it if: you want Hermès.
Skip it if: you want online.

Pros

Iconic

Cons

Boutique

Key specifications

Material: Calfskin
Sole: Leather
Fit: True to size
Made in: Italy

Read the full review

Ferragamo · Designer sandals

Ferragamo Lia Sandal

Block-heel sandal.

Buy it if: you want value.
Skip it if: you want statement.

Pros

Comfortable

Cons

Plain

Key specifications

Material: Calfskin
Sole: Leather
Fit: True to size
Made in: Italy

Read the full review

Aquazzura · Designer sandals

Aquazzura Very Bow Tie 105

Bow-tie ankle sandal.

Buy it if: you want a romantic heel.
Skip it if: you want walkable.

Pros

Pretty
Comfortable for height

Cons

High
Bow ties

Key specifications

Material: Suede
Sole: Leather
Fit: True to size
Made in: Italy

Read the full review

Jimmy Choo · Designer sandals

Jimmy Choo Saeda 100

Crystal-strap sandal.

Buy it if: you want sparkle.
Skip it if: you want walkable.

Pros

Glamorous

Cons

High
Fragile

Key specifications

Material: Satin with crystals
Sole: Leather
Fit: True to size
Made in: Italy

Read the full review

Dior · Designer sandals

Dior Dway Slide

Embroidered cotton slide.

Buy it if: you want Dior summer style.
Skip it if: you want tough.

Pros

Pretty
Comfortable

Cons

Embroidery wears
Pricey

Key specifications

Material: Embroidered cotton
Sole: Leather
Fit: True to size
Made in: Italy

Read the full review

Chanel · Designer sandals

Chanel Dad Sandal

Quilted velcro dad sandal.

Buy it if: you want comfort with Chanel.
Skip it if: you want elegant.

Pros

Comfortable
Strong resale

Cons

Chunky
Pricey

Key specifications

Material: Lambskin
Sole: Rubber
Fit: True to size
Made in: Italy

Read the full review

Loewe · Designer sandals

Loewe Paula’s Ibiza Comfort Sandal

Leather sandal with rope details.

Buy it if: you want vacation style.
Skip it if: you want formal.

Pros

Comfortable
Distinctive

Cons

Casual

Key specifications

Material: Leather
Sole: Rubber
Fit: True to size
Made in: Spain

Read the full review

Aquazzura · Designer sandals

Aquazzura Amazon 105

Lace-up sandal.

Buy it if: you want drama.
Skip it if: you want easy.

Pros

Dramatic

Cons

High

Key specifications

Material: Suede
Sole: Leather
Fit: True to size
Made in: Italy

Read the full review

Bottega Veneta · Designer sandals

Bottega Veneta Stretch Sandal

Square-toe heeled sandal.

Buy it if: you want a modern statement.
Skip it if: you want timeless.

Pros

Distinctive
Comfortable heel

Cons

Trend
Pricey

Key specifications

Material: Lambskin
Sole: Leather
Fit: True to size
Made in: Italy

Read the full review

Valentino Garavani · Designer sandals

Valentino Garavani Rockstud Flat Sandal

Flat sandal with studs.

Buy it if: you love Rockstud.
Skip it if: you want quiet.

Pros

Signature studs

Cons

Dates
Studs scratch

Key specifications

Material: Calfskin
Sole: Leather
Fit: True to size
Made in: Italy

Read the full review

Christian Louboutin · Designer sandals

Christian Louboutin Miss Sabina

Wrap sandal.

Buy it if: you want red sole.
Skip it if: you want comfort.

Pros

Iconic

Cons

High

Key specifications

Material: Leather
Sole: Red lacquered leather
Fit: True to size
Made in: Italy

Read the full review

Dior · Designer sandals

Dior Dway Heeled Mule

Heeled mule.

Buy it if: you want Dior.
Skip it if: you want value.

Pros

Pretty

Cons

Pricey

Key specifications

Material: Embroidered cotton
Sole: Leather
Fit: True to size
Made in: Italy

Read the full review

Compare more Designer sandals on Amazon Paid link

The short answer

Slides, flat sandals and heeled sandals from Hermès, Ancient Greek Sandals, Aquazzura, René Caovilla, Bottega Veneta, Dior and more, judged on comfort and quality. We researched 20 pieces and put each one in one of two piles: buy it, or skip it (with a few “consider” calls where it depends on you).

How the buy-or-skip call is made

We compare materials and construction, read the houses’ care and warranty terms, follow long-term owner experience and track the usual retail and resale prices. A piece earns “Buy” only if we would recommend it to a friend at that price. No house pays for a place on this list.

Check these before you buy

Straps: thin straps can cut in on hot days; wider straps and lined footbeds are kinder.
Footbed: a molded or padded footbed makes all-day wear possible; flat leather footbeds tire feet quickly.
Heel: block heels and wedges are far easier on vacation cobbles than stilettos.

Buyer tip

Sandals are cheapest in the late-summer sales of July and August; iconic slides such as the Hermès Oran rarely discount at all. Buying in Europe: Italian and French sizes are used on most designer shoes, and they differ from US sizes by brand. Check the house’s own size chart, and remember that many Italian brands run about half a size small. The full checklist is in our designer sandals buying guide.

Frequently asked questions

Which designer sandals should I buy in 2026?

Start with the Hermès Oran Sandal (h-cutout leather slide). It usually sells for $760–$860.

Are designer slides worth the price?

The best ones are leather-lined, resoleable and last many summers. Rubber logo slides are mostly paying for the logo.

What heel height works for weddings?

A 70–85 mm block heel or a wedge handles grass and long evenings far better than a stiletto.

What is the most affordable designer sandals worth buying?

The Ancient Greek Sandals Desmos, usually $230–$300. Read its skip-if line first so you know what you give up.

Opulique Editorial Team

Part of the Opulique research team. We compare specifications, documentation and real-world trade-offs so you can decide faster.

How we research products Editorial policy

The best designer sandals, sorted into buy and skip

Which designer sandals should you buy in 2026? It depends on how you will wear it, your style and what you want to spend, so instead of one winner this list gives every piece a clear call and a one-line reason. 10 of the 20 pieces here earn a straight buy. Read the skip-if lines too: they save more money than the buy-if lines.

Every piece, one line each

Buy: Hermès Oran Sandal ($760–$860). H-cutout leather slide. Buy it if you want the most iconic summer slide; skip it if you want arch support.

Buy: Gianvito Rossi Ribbon Sandal 85 ($895–$995). Ribbon ankle sandal on block heel. Buy it if you want a comfortable evening sandal; skip it if you want flat.

Buy: Hermès Chypre Sandal ($850–$1,000). Velcro sport sandal. Buy it if you want comfort Hermès; skip it if you want elegant.

Buy: Ancient Greek Sandals Desmos ($230–$300). Handmade leather strap sandal. Buy it if you want handmade leather at a fair price; skip it if you want luxury branding.

Buy: K. Jacques Epicure Sandal ($260–$340). Handmade thong sandal. Buy it if you want authentic Riviera style; skip it if you want luxury branding.

Buy: Manolo Blahnik Chaos Sandal ($795–$895). Low-heel cross-strap sandal. Buy it if you want an elegant, walkable sandal; skip it if you want flat.

Buy: René Caovilla Cleo 80 Sandal ($1,250–$1,500). Cleo 80. Buy it if you want wearable sparkle; skip it if you want daily.

Buy: The Row Ginza Sandal ($790–$950). Minimal flat sandal. Buy it if you want minimal; skip it if you want support.

Buy: Hermès Kelly Sandal ($1,100–$1,300). Kelly lock sandal. Buy it if you want Hermès; skip it if you want online.

Buy: Ferragamo Lia Sandal ($700–$850). Block-heel sandal. Buy it if you want value; skip it if you want statement.

Consider: Aquazzura Very Bow Tie 105 ($850–$950). Bow-tie ankle sandal. Buy it if you want a romantic heel; skip it if you want walkable.

Consider: Jimmy Choo Saeda 100 ($850–$950). Crystal-strap sandal. Buy it if you want sparkle; skip it if you want walkable.

Consider: Dior Dway Slide ($950–$1,100). Embroidered cotton slide. Buy it if you want Dior summer style; skip it if you want tough.

Consider: Chanel Dad Sandal ($1,100–$1,300). Quilted velcro dad sandal. Buy it if you want comfort with Chanel; skip it if you want elegant.

Consider: Loewe Paula’s Ibiza Comfort Sandal ($550–$700). Leather sandal with rope details. Buy it if you want vacation style; skip it if you want formal.

Consider: Aquazzura Amazon 105 ($850–$950). Lace-up sandal. Buy it if you want drama; skip it if you want easy.

Consider: Bottega Veneta Stretch Sandal ($1,050–$1,200). Square-toe heeled sandal. Buy it if you want a modern statement; skip it if you want timeless.

Consider: Valentino Garavani Rockstud Flat Sandal ($750–$850). Flat sandal with studs. Buy it if you love Rockstud; skip it if you want quiet.

Consider: Christian Louboutin Miss Sabina ($795–$895). Wrap sandal. Buy it if you want red sole; skip it if you want comfort.

Consider: Dior Dway Heeled Mule ($1,100–$1,300). Heeled mule. Buy it if you want Dior; skip it if you want value.

How we sorted them

How we make the call: we read the house’s own product details and care guides, compare materials and construction, follow owners’ long-term experience and track the usual retail and resale prices. A piece gets “Buy” only if we would tell a friend to spend that money on it. No fashion house can pay for a verdict. Straps: thin straps can cut in on hot days; wider straps and lined footbeds are kinder.

When to buy

Luxury prices move in a different rhythm from everyday shopping. The great houses (Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Rolex) raise prices once or twice a year, often in January and in spring, and almost never discount their icons. Seasonal pieces, colors and many shoes, coats and knitwear drop 30–50% in the end-of-season sales in January and from late June. Watches from brands such as Omega, TAG Heuer, Longines and Breitling, and most fragrance, see the best prices around Prime Day and Black Friday. Judge any deal against the usual price we show.

US and Europe

Buying in Europe: Italian and French sizes are used on most designer shoes, and they differ from US sizes by brand. Check the house’s own size chart, and remember that many Italian brands run about half a size small.

Sandals are cheapest in the late-summer sales of July and August; iconic slides such as the Hermès Oran rarely discount at all.