Summer isn’t over yet. Even if my inbox says so, holiday gift guides are already in the works and fall previews are well underway (IYKYK, fashion people!). I’m going to enjoy this hot and muggy season until I can’t take it anymore. It’ll probably be October in NYC, and honestly, there’s more than enough time for that. Thank God!
Now that I’m enjoying summer to the fullest, I’m also eager to try out all of the biggest trends for Summer 2024, even ones I never thought I’d wear. I hated Birkenstocks until I was 15. Now they’re my everyday go-to shoes, and they save my feet when I get blisters on my heels from shoes I shouldn’t have. We’ve all been there. I never would have thought of wearing hiking sandals for anything other than hiking, but with so many celebrities turning “ugly” dad sandals into sandals that prioritize fashion over function, I’m now buying into that idea. In fact, I’ve been thinking that for a while now.
Gigi Hadid recently wore hiking sandals off the trail, and while she’s done so many times before, Katie Holmes’ image is still fresh in my mind. The actress was photographed in New York last summer wearing a flowy white skirt, an oversized gray sweater, and a pair of white Teva x Chloé sandals that quickly sold out. Her designer sandals were on-trend, yet had all the makings of a comfortable hiking sandal: a grooved, supportive sole, adjustable nylon straps, and an all-around breathable design.
Teva Hurricane XLT 2 Ampsour Sandals
Nordstrom
Hof Island sports sandals
Nordstrom
Hiking sandals are, naturally, designed to withstand tough conditions. Tread soles keep your feet safe when you encounter rough terrain or have to climb steep, glute-busting inclines. Straps keep the sandals secure on your feet, and the design is often moisture-wicking, so you’re fine if you run into streams or get sweaty feet (mine are both!).
Hiking sandals aren’t the first shoes that come to mind when thinking of stylish walking shoes, but after a while of trying out different sandals, I’ve found that some offer comfort that rivals that of sneakers. Their resilient, moisture-wicking footbed is something completely new. And unlike sneakers, these sports sandals are breathable, so you can wear them on hot summer days without your toes getting sweaty.
Of course, how you wear them will affect the look. Pairing hiking sandals with leggings and a sports bra will give them a hiking sandal vibe, and that’s totally fine. But if you want to up your fashion game, try pairing them with something unexpected, like Holmes’ white maxi skirt or a denim mini dress. Once you get over your initial hesitation, you’ll be hooked.
Buy some sportier options that you can wear on the trail and beyond.
Ecco Yucatan Sandals
Nordstrom
Hoka Hopala Sandals
Hoka
Teva Original Universal Sandals
Nordstrom
FitFlop Surff Two-tone Webbing Platform Sandals
Nordstrom
Teva Universal Sandals
Nordstrom
Sorel Vibe Sandals
Anthropologie