I'd Never Buy Designer Sandals—7 High-Street Brands I Turn to Instead
These affordable stores are the best in the business for editor-approved summer sandals.


Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki
Over the years, I've found that sandals, like swimwear or It dresses, wait for no stylish person. The best styles sell out fast, particularly when they’re chic and at the lower end of the price spectrum—the sweet spot for any savvy person buying sandals.
You may know by now that we're big advocates of buying quality over quantity, and well-made shoes do last longer, generally look better and are likely to be more comfortable. However, because sandals get so battered so quickly (not to mention they become dirty when you’re walking around a city like London every day), I would say this is one shoe category that you can legitimately spend less on and not feel like you’re compromising on style.
Like always, make sure you are purchasing wisely. Are your chosen sandals versatile, stylish, comfortable and likely to look just as current next year? All of these boxes need to be ticked if you want longevity from your more affordable footwear.
A few brands, in particular, have really impressed me with their summer sandal offerings ( Other Stories and Mango included), producing chic, grown-up and elevated styles that I feel have staying power and look like they are made to be sturdier than some cheaper footwear.
Keep scrolling to see the high-street sandals on my radar right now.
1. H&M
Style Notes: When it comes to refreshing my warm-weather shoe collection, H&M remains my reliable go-to. Season after season, the brand delivers an impressive array of on-trend styles and classic silhouettes, all at an accessible price point. From sleek sandals to easy slip-ons, their designs offer the perfect balance of affordability and sophistication.
We predict these leather flip-flops will sell out fast. Available in sophisticated brown and classic black, they look far more expensive than their price tag.
2. ZARA
Style Notes: If in doubt, you can always rely on Zara's shoe department to serve up designer-looking styles on a budget, and this season's lineup is no exception.
3. M&S
Style Notes: Marks and Spencer knocks it out of the ballpark every year with its brilliant sandals. The brand's penchant for comfortable yet stylish pieces makes them one of my first destinations for timeless shoe shopping, always.
Aren’t these just darling? With a sophisticated sprinkle of colour, this baby-blue-and-brown pairing delivers a striking contrast combined with an elegant silhouette.
4. COS
Style Notes: A personal favourite of mine, COS is known for high-quality contemporary minimalism and is the go-to destination if you're in the market for pared-back designs that hold their value. Its pieces are a worthy investment because they last.
A perfect blend between the ever-popular thong sandal and a kitten heel with contemporary COS edge. These are poised to become your new go-to.
Fisherman sandals are one of the best choices you can make when creating a chic and sophisticated summer outfit. I love how this pair incorporates a dark chocolate-brown shade, adding a rich, modern twist to this design.
5. MANGO
Style Notes: I had a sneak preview of Mango's summer sandals, and boy, are they good. From minimalist flatform flip-flops to wedding-guest ready strappy styles, there's a lot to love here.
Dripping with clean minimalism and with an undeniably cool edge, these leather-strapped platform sandals perfectly embody the essence of Scandinavian style.
The perfect choice for a laid-back yet polished look. I’d pair them with a white linen co-ord for a relaxed afternoon in the sunshine.
6. Other Stories
Style Notes: Whether you're looking for a chunky everyday style or a strappy heel, Other Stories has some of the best sandals on the high street this year, and it seems many fashion people agree.
Thong leather sandals pretty much always look chic. I’d style these with a pair of blue barrel-leg jeans and an off-white tank.
7. ARKET
Style Notes: Arket's edit of shoes may be small, but it's perfectly formed. With a mini edit of sleek and chic flat sandals, if you're a minimalist, you're going to love them.

Emily Dawes is an editor, stylist and writer with over 12 years in the industry. Known for impeccable taste, our readers trust her advice, especially in her top-selling column, expensive-looking high street buys. Working forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2020, Emily has been a contributing editor, branded content editor and affiliate editor. Now, as senior shopping editor, she leads the e-commerce content strategy. After obtaining a BA in English and American Studies from Nottingham University, Emily interned at The Mail on Sunday’s YOU. As the magazine’s fashion editor, she managed the fashion team and travelled the globe to style and direct fashion editorials and celebrity cover shoots. As a freelancer, she styled Grazia cover shoots, developed brand marketing and content plans and worked with VIP clients including Elizabeth Day.
-
Suddenly, The “Ugly” Sandal Trend Jennifer Aniston Wore Relentlessly in the ‘90s Is Back
It's about time if you ask me.
-
I Thought I Hated '00s Fashion, But These Throwback Sandal Trends Are Actually Chic
Serving Y2K realness.
-
It's True: Fashion People Are Swapping Their Foam Flip-Flops for This Elevated Alternative
I'm tempted, too.
-
These Sandals Used to Look "Cheap" But Now They've Transformed Into Classy
What an overhaul.
-
H&M Has Declared These the 6 Key Trends of Summer 2025
Expensive-looking buys ahead.
-
A.Emery Sandals Are a Fashion-Insider Favourite—I Predict This New Style Will Be the Next It Pair
Call off the search for great summer sandals.
-
An A-List Celeb Walks Into Mango—Here's What They'd Buy
What Kendall, Iris, Daisy and Alexa would and have (!) picked up lately.
-
Black Sandals Will Never Be Out, But This Trending Colour Is Officially In for 2025
I’m seeing red this summer.