Summer has officially begun in London, and one of the biggest differences I’ve noticed in the way its stylish residents are dressing is footwear. I haven’t seen any boots in weeks (not even cowboy boots), and socks have all but disappeared from loafer styles. In their place has been an abundance of sandals, flats that can be worn with anything from jeans to miniskirts, and effortless heels that add a touch of elegance to even the most everyday ensembles.
Let’s take a closer look. Call me biased, but I think London’s fashion crowd is one of the most fashionable in Europe, and their shoe choices reflect that. Of course, they enjoy classic style just as much as their French counterparts, but they add a touch of the unexpected to their shoe draping.
I’ve combed through the feeds of some of my favourite London-based influencers and the actual outfits I spotted the last time I was in the city centre, then scroll on to see the London summer shoe trends I’m keeping my eye on this season.
7 London summer shoe trends you should try this year
1. Chunky thong sandals
Style Notes: The one sandal trend you’ll definitely see on the streets of London as soon as the sun comes out is the thong sandal. Instead of the flimsy flip flops they wear on holiday, London women are looking for sandals with thicker, more substantial soles that offer much more support when commuting around the capital.
Shopping Trends:
Dispute
Ginza two-tone leather and suede platform flip-flops
Cos
Sculptural Eva flip flops
Arket
Chunky leather sandals
2. Slingback shoes
Style Notes: Like the rest of the fashion world, London women are embracing this year’s more elegant trends. This is especially evident in footwear, where more and more women are opting for sophisticated-looking slingback shoes. These shoes are particularly suitable for summer, as their open back allows your feet to breathe even when the temperatures reach their peak.
Shopping Trends:
Zara
Kitten heel shoes with ribbon
Charles & Keith
Metallic accent slingback pumps
3. Ballet shoes
Style Notes: Flats are a staple of the London aesthetic. When I lived in London, I would walk at least 10,000 steps just to get to my destination, so comfortable flats were a necessity. Instead of loafers, which went well with spring outfits, Londoners are still wearing the ballet flats that dominated much of 2024. While the weather allows, why not try softer materials like suede and mesh?
Shopping Trends:
Idea
Delfina suede ballet flats
Jeffrey Campbell
Moira Mary Jane Flats
& More Stories
Leather-trimmed mesh ballet flats
4. Colorful sneakers
Style Notes: I agree with what I said above, but I think London’s fashion crowd wears sneakers more than anyone else, whether they’re running to the station or walking around the city. You’ll always see black and white sneakers on the streets, but bright colors are always more prominent during the summer, and right now we’re seeing a lot of green and blue sneakers.
Shopping Trends:
Adidas Originals
Handball Spezial leather-trimmed suede sneakers
Gola
Gora Tornado Trainer
Puma
Puma Green & Beige Delphine Trainers
5. Leather sliders
Style Notes: London stylers have a keen eye for classic pieces as well as trendy pieces, and the best part about London’s eclectic style is how well they combine the two. If you’re looking for a timeless and extremely versatile sandal, leather sliders are the way to go. With chunky cut-outs or braided straps at the toe, these flat sandals go particularly well with dresses, skirts or cropped trousers that show off this detailing.
Shopping Trends:
Saint Laurent
Tribute Woven Leather Slides
Bobby’s
Thais Sandals Passion Black
6. Low-heeled mules
Style Notes: Nostalgia is another common thread woven through London’s summer footwear trends this year, with many of the shoes featured here clearly having their roots in the ’90s. Here we introduce another pair: kitten-heeled mules. A low heel is a must, especially given the capital’s uneven sidewalks and cobbled streets.
Shopping Trends:
mango
Heeled non-structured sandals
reform
Clementine heeled mule sandals
7. Wooden Clogs
Style Notes: Birkenstock Boston Clogs (flat, closed-toed suede shoes) have long been a favorite among London’s fashion crowd, and although they continue to be worn through the summer, they often look out of season, but wooden-soled styles are decidedly more suited to warmer weather.
Shopping Trends:
Alaïa
60 studded laser cut leather platform clogs
