Step into summer with stylish, water-resistant sandals

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We no longer have to compromise between fashion and function when it comes to summer sandals. True – comfort, performance and style rarely go hand in hand, but these water-resistant summer sandals both protect your feet from ocean rocks and keep you looking effortlessly chic.

The season of outdoor dining and outdoor adventure doesn’t mean you have to swap shoes between events anymore. Advances in weatherproofing and hi-tech materials mean adventure shoes are no longer limited to clunky, utilitarian designs. These new sandals seamlessly blend fashion-forward aesthetics with cutting-edge technology to create a footward revolution.

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We’ve carefully handpicked a selection of water-resistant sandals that strike the perfect balance between style and practicality. Whether you’re planning a beachside getaway, an outdoor adventure, or simply navigating your daily routine, these sandals are poised to become your go-to summer footwear choice.

In this guide, we’ll present the most sought-after water-resistant summer sandals, where performance meets style, where adventure sandals become a summer essential and where your feet can confidently carry you through any adventure without compromising your fashion sensibilities. 

Summary

Best overall: Cougar Juliana Leather Water-Repellent Sandal
Best adventure: Keen Newport Retro
Best lightweight: Teva Flatform Universal
Best style: Cougar Julep Metallic Leather Water-repellent Sandal
Best flip flops: Crocs Classic Flip
Best slip on: Keen Yogui
Best eco-friendly: Allbirds Sugar Sliders

Our top stylish adventure sandals explained

Best overall: Cougar Juliana Leather Water-Repellent Sandal

Why buy: Strappy with a 1” platform, this sandal hits all the summer sandal hallmarks. Made with water-repellent soft leather and an anti-slip hybrid foam rubber sole, this open-toe sandal easily goes from brunch to beach. The padded leather straps enhance the comfort of the pillowy footbed, making this comfortable day to night. It’s cushiony, water-resistant, stain-resistant and anti-slip. I’ll take two, please.

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Where to buy:  Bloomingdales | Amazon $114-140

Best adventure: Keen Newport Retro

Why buy: Ugly sandals are a vibe. And if it’s yours you’ll love these, which have been called “The ugliest sandals in the world.” If you need sandals you can go morning white water rafting in, then throw a dress over to head to the farmers market in the afternoon and end the day kayaking into the sunset, all without changing, look no further. One person’s ugly is another person’s love. And there’s a lot to love about these. They’re comfortable from the first wear, they have high-traction rubber soles, they have odour control and they’re even machine washable.

Where to buy: Amazon $140

Best lightweight: Teva Flatform Universal

Why buy: These are the Tevas we’re all familiar with, but upgraded with a substantial 4cm (1.5”) platform. The minimal straps give the otherwise “weighty” sandal some levity and even elegance. The sculptural minimalism wouldn’t look out of place on the catwalk for an Issey Miyaake runway show. Despite the lack of structure, these stay snug on your feet; no worries about them floating away downriver. Featherlight and incredibly quick drying, these are a new summer staple.

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Where to buy: Amazon, $79.99

Best style: Cougar Julep Metallic Leather Water-repellent Sandal

Why buy: With their wide, puffy channels, these are highly reminiscent of Givenchy’s line of “marshmallow” sandals. These are for the minimalists who want a strong anchor to their fits. The metallic leather looks delicate, but they wouldn’t be on this list if they weren’t water-resistant (and stain-resistant and anti-slip). Soft and cushy, inside and out, these will be your wear-with-everything sandal this summer.

Where to buy: Amazon, $73-140

Best flip flops: Crocs Classic Flip

Why buy: There’s something nostalgic about the classic flip flop – summers at the cabin, weeks at camp, wrigley toes at the beach. These are an upgraded, grown-up version that make them more comfortable, without compromising on that retro style. Sometimes, a simple pair of flip flops is all you need to complete the perfect summer outfit.

Where to buy: Crocs, $34.99

Best slip on: Keen Yogui

Why buy: These have a charming granny-chic aesthetic that makes everything you pair with them look like you stepped out of Instagram. Part orthopedic shoes, part clogs, these have the comfort you’d associate with both. With a textured footbed that gently massages your feet, these are the after-everything indoor-outdoor hero that are so light, so comfortable, you’ll forget you’re wearing them. And, of course, completely waterproof.

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Where to buy: Amazon, $68

Best eco-friendly: Allbirds Sugar Sliders

Why buy: We all want comfy, squishy sandals, but the truth is that traditional EVA (the foam used in just about every footwear sole) is a petroleum-based synthetic. These sliders use “SweetFoam”, which is made from Brazilian sugarcane and engineered into the world’s first carbon-negative green EVA and the adjustable straps are made from recycled polyester. There’s a slight platformed profile, making the soles thick and cushiony, but also supportive and excellent shock absorbers. Wearing these all day or on long walks won’t be an issue. These sliders are the perfect balance of comfort and sustainability.

Where to buy: Allbirds, $60

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