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Brown sandals are stepping in as a softer, more versatile alternative to black this summer, according to Natalie Tincher, founder and principal stylist at BU Style.

She told BI that sandals are becoming popular in “shades from light tan to deep espresso” and “taking a cue from Pantone’s Color of the Year, ‘Mocha Mousse.’”

These earthy tones pair well with natural fabrics, relaxed tailoring, and minimalist looks, grounding an outfit without overpowering it, the stylist said.

Offering a stylish balance of structure, breathability, and comfort, fisherman sandals are going strong this summer

“Characterized by their closed toe and interwoven straps, they’re ideal for city wear or summer holidays,” Hellana Mardasian, personal stylist at Styled by Hellena, told BI. “They suit both tailored and relaxed summer looks.”

The stylist recommends looking for fisherman sandals in neutral colors that are made from quality leather for a modern and elevated feel.

Tincher said leather slides continue to trend as a refined alternative to flip-flops.

“They’re incredibly versatile and comfortable, and come in a range of silhouettes — some more substantial, others sleek, which makes them a go-to for many of my clients,” she told BI.

Sleek leather slides are an easy way to add polish to everything from tailored shorts and resort-inspired outfits to breezy dresses or a classic jeans-and-tee combo, the stylist said.

Celebrated for their breezy texture and artisanal vibe, raffia sandals are another popular summer trend, both Mardasian and Tincher told BI. They blend lightweight comfort and effortless style, making them an easy upgrade for warm-weather looks.

“The woven texture adds dimension and visual interest without overwhelming an outfit,” Tincher said.

Mardasian recommends styling them with linen or denim for a polished but relaxed summer outfit.

Towering flatforms and mega-platform espadrilles are likely to be less popular this season, according to Danielle Yates, fashion designer, stylist, and cofounder of Headcovers Unlimited.

“After a few summers of rolled ankles and cobblestone mishaps, shoppers are gravitating toward lower, more stable soles that still provide a bit of height,” the designer said.

Sleek silhouettes, like minimalist walking sandals or low-profile heels, offer a more wearable update that fits seamlessly into 2025’s shift toward functional, everyday style.

All of the professionals we spoke to agreed that PVC sandals are out this summer as shoe trends move toward comfort, breathability, and more tactile materials.

“While they had a fashion-forward moment, their synthetic feel and lack of wearability in heat made them a tough long-term sell,” Tincher told BI.

Instead, many will opt for woven-leather or jelly sandals, which can offer more personality and practicality.

Bulky Velcro “dad” sandals — the ultra-padded, rubber-soled kind — are starting to fall out of favor, Yates said.

“With quiet-luxury dressing still going strong, shoppers want a sleeker silhouette that doesn’t shout ‘hiking shop,’” Yates told BI.

For an updated look, the designer recommends a slim sport sandal or a leather fisherman instead, as both can serve a similar purpose with less heft.

Once a go-to for festival season in the 2010s, lace-up gladiator sandals are starting to feel overly complicated next to 2025’s more streamlined shoe aesthetic, according to both Yates and Mardasian.

For a fresher take, the stylists suggest opting for sleek Grecian silhouettes or minimalist leather slides instead.