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.
Francesca keeps it easy-breezy with denim city shorts and a vest for warmer days.
But first, the history of the fisherman sandal. 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 outfit.
Brittany wears hers with a classic white cotton midi dress.
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 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.
The Best Fisherman Sandals to Wear No Matter the Season:
1. The Row Fisherman Sandal, £1060
2. Russell
Bromley Siracuse Sandals, £275
3. Reformation Freya Fisherman Sandals, £248
4. Zara Cage Sandals, £28
Shop the Best Fisherman Sandals:
The Row's original sellout sandals are back but I imagine they won't be around for long.
Size Range: EU 35-42 (half sizes included)
Available Colours: Black, ivory
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.
Size Range: UK 3-9 (half sizes included)
Available Colours: Tan, gold
Reformation has introduced a slightly-heeled option in black and white.
Size Range: UK 3-9 (half sizes included)
Available Colours: White, black
This chic chocolate brown shade is just as versatile the classic black fisherman sandal.
Size Range: UK 2-9
Available Colours: Brown
A rich cognac leather with a flat sole for the perfect balance between modern and classic.
Size Range: UK 3.5 - 9 (half sizes included)
Available Colours: Cognac, black
A suede pair promises to be super comfy.
Size Range: IT 35 - 42
Available Colours: Beige suede
An investment, but one I think we've proven is worth making.
Size Range: EU 36 - 39.5 (half sizes included)
Available Colours: Tan
Burgundy has become a neutral in my wardrobe.
Size Range: IT 35 - 42 (half sizes included)
Available Colours: Burgundy, white
These are the most demure fisherman sandals we could find, and they now come in brown and black too.
Size Range: UK 5 - 11 (half sizes included)
Available Colours: White, burgundy, black, brown suede
If you're looking for something with a unique spin, these fit the bill.
Size Range: UK 2 - 6
Available Colours: Leopard, black, chalk
Aeyde is the accessories brand I can't get enough of right now.
Size Range: IT 35 - 42 (half sizes included)
Available Colours: Chocolate brown, black
A lime finish adds a little something extra to the mix.
Size Range: UK 3 - 8
Available Colours: Lime, black, cream, leopard
COS does it again with perfectly elevated yet beautiful sandals.
Size Range: EU 36 - 42
Available Colours: Black
I love the contrast stitching and the double buckle detail.
Size Range: US 5 - 11
Available Colours: Brown, black
These ASOS sandals look way beyond their under £30 price tag.
Size Range: UK 3 - 9
Available Colours: Black, natural weave
A gorgeous gold hue that will look so good with white, black and basically every other colour in your wardrobe.
Size Range: UK 3 - 9 (half sizes included)
Available Colours: Gold, tan, orange
A chic slingback pair.
Size Range: UK 3 - 8
Available Colours: Beige
Honestly, this under-£50 pair have shot right to the top of my wish list.
Size Range: UK 2 - 9
Available Colours: White, black
These scream comfy and would look great with a floral dress.
Size Range: UK 3 - 8
Available Colours: Silver
If you're keen on a slimmer sole then this is the option for you.
Size Range: UK 3 - 8
Available Colours: Black, stone
You can't beat a classic, and this JW Anderson pair is exactly that.
Size Range: EU 35 - 42 (half sizes included)
Available Colours: Green
Chocolate brown is a favourite colour of mine for summer dressing. Lighter than black but just as chic.
Size Range: UK 2 - 9
Available Colours: Chocolate brown, black
A jelly version. I'm pretty sure I had this exact pair as a child.
Size Range: US 5 - 10
Available Colours: Lilac, beige glitter, beige, periwinkle, grey, pink glitter, pink, black
How Celebs and Street Style Stars Wear Their Fisherman Sandals
Monochrome
Hailey Bieber nails the slick city look with white and off-white pairings, all punctuated with black accessories and gold hardware.
Colder Climates
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!
Trench Business
Hailey's look is perfect for warm days and cooler nights with rolled-top socks and her go-to black fishermans.
Prep Style
Ahead of the fisherman sandal shopping below, these Prada get the school playground upgrade with smart pulled up socks.
Cosy Knits
I love the rolled down socks and loose-fitting knits of this look. Knitwear heaven!
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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