Summer is sandal time. This year, there are plenty of options to choose from. With prices trending up, consumers are becoming increasingly picky about both the quantity they purchase and the quality of each shoe. Brands are pulling out all the stops when it comes to superior style and functionality for longer wear. “Fashionable comfort is probably the key category we are seeing consumers flock to,” says Sydney Simas, VP of Sales and Marketing for Simco Imported Shoes. “Now that fashion is coming back, consumers aren’t willing to sacrifice the comfort elements they’ve grown accustomed to (during the pandemic) and they want to look good at the same time.” Ayelet Lax Levy, President of US Operations for Naot, says, “anything with a heel or a wedge is blowing out as many women want the lift and elevated look with wedges and heels, but want to be able to walk and dance at events without pain.” We ask brand execs to share their new (and upcoming) styles, along with consumer trends in the category. 

What are customers looking for today in a sandal and how does what your brand is offering stand out?

“Comfort! Consumers look for sandals that are comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Especially for summer outings and travel. Features such as generously cushioned footbeds, adjustable straps, flexible outsoles, and soft, high-quality materials. Of course, style plays a major role as well. We want to feel good and look good!”
- Andrew Agati, director of merchandising, Ara

“Customers expect support and comfort, as much as the look and styling of the product. We spend so much time standing and walking on hard surfaces, that the technology built into the footbed is very important. Our orthotic support built into every pair, ensures we deliver the ‘WOW’ underfoot, while also including our Personalized Fitting Kit. Whether fitting narrow through extra wide feet, we offer a solution without compromising style.”
- Craig Truscott, CEO, Revere

“I feel that the most important attributes consumers are looking for today are fashion, function, wearability and value. Value is most important, but it is not about the price. It is about fitting me/my lifestyle, being able to wear the shoe with multiple outfits in multiple settings for many years and not needing to change shoes to meet the needs of a busy lifestyle.”
– Kelly Dumpson, Head of Sales – Wholesale, San Antonio Shoemakers (SAS)

“People are looking for versatility in their sandals. They want comfort features incorporated with fashion. They can be active and elegant in their sandal. The Filippa encompasses the consumer’s desire for versatility.”
- Rich Rask, president,
Rieker Shoe Corp. (Remonte)

“Today’s consumers are looking for footwear that is versatile enough to fit their everyday needs each season, whether that means exploring the outdoors or simply running errands. At Kamik, we have made it our sole purpose to leverage some of the brand’s timeless classics while also introducing newness in key areas like the sandals category.” 

– Gillian Meek, CEO, Kamik 

“We incorporated some of the top trends for SS24 sandals that are: 1. Athleisure, which takes the sneaker trend into hot weather. 2. Y2K silhouettes, like kitten heels, square toes, and chunky platforms revived as statement pieces. 3. Boho Chic, with ‘good for you’ natural elements like cork and natural shaped toe shapes.”
- Megan Gold, design director, Alegria

“Comfort is a crucial factor when it comes to sandals. People want footwear that feels comfortable and supportive for extended periods of wear. This includes considerations for cushioning, arch support, and a good fit. Style, versatility and affordability are also highly valued, so finding a balance between price and quality is often important to consumers. For 2023, we redesigned our sandal styles in response to customer feedback, adjusting the profile and strap design.”
– Mindy Moreland, marketing manager, Foundation Wellness (PowerStep)

“Consumers are looking for more fashionable comfortable sandals with contoured footbeds providing arch and heel support. The patented Xelero Technology helps make walking easier and has been shown to reduce pain and discomfort under the foot.”
– Dan Werremeyer, president, Instride Shoes (Xelero)

“Customers are looking for special pieces that not only complement their current wardrobe, but have a timeless element of style—such as the eternally classic wedge. Versatility is really key to this, so carefully chosen colors and quality finishes ensure that a pair can be worn with a range of looks. Customers also want to know that a new purchase is an investment that they’ll return to time and again, without having to sacrifice their comfort. With our technology in every footbed, our shoes help women get the most out of every moment.”
- Gabrielle Thompson, director of footwear, FRANKIE4

“I find the consumer has been looking at higher wedges and dressier looks since coming back from the pandemic. She’s also liking more color in her wardrobe. The Swena blends the need to look and feel great in jeans or a nice dress.”
– Rusty Hall, president, Mephisto USA

“With travel up over the last few years, consumers want shoes that are lightweight, comfortable and where no break-in is necessary. The Luna is truly a pillow for
your feet.”
- David Astobiza, owner, Biza

“Between the sneakers/athletics and working from home, many consumers that had previously accepted foot pain as part of fashion are now re-thinking their old ways. As people are going out to parties, restaurants and traveling more; they are looking for shoes they can dress up or down and invest in. We are especially seeing a large amount of back-to-office and travel requests. Although our basics are still selling like crazy, we have seen a lift in sandals that have a unique and special element.”
- Ayelet Lax Levy, president of US Operations, Naot

DAY TRIP

Biza/Luna

Combining comfort and fashion elements, the Luna provides a cushioned footbed and thermoplastic rubber outsole for additional grip, along with a fresh look. The stretch elastic upper and double Velcro adjustment make the Luna great for travel. MSRP $119.95.

Ara/Oregon 

With athleisure being a way of life, this sandal acts as a bridge between a sandal and a sneaker. It is travel-ready with a removable and washable memory foam insole, along with arch support and a walkable outsole. Adjustable ankle and forefoot straps customize the fit, ensuring maximum comfort and support. MSRP $164.95.

Kamik/Cara Mix 

New for Spring 2023, the Cara Mix is crafted with leather sourced from gold-rated tanneries. Elastic webbing toe and heel straps provides adjustability. The sandal features a soft, suede-wrapped EVA footbed to cushion feet for all-day-long endeavors. MSRP $74.99.

Revere/Emerald

This three strap leather sandal fits both narrow and wide feet and has a molded footbed that can be easily removed to fit orthotics, ankle-foot orthoses or braces. A Personalized Fitting Kit allows for the customization of sandals through the use of adjustability and innovative strap extenders. MSRP: $159.95.

SAS/Conga

The Conga walking sandal features a leather and breathable mesh textile upper with a soft lining to cushion the foot. Three-way adjustable straps and multiple widths make fitting easy. A triple density outsole with two layers of EVA at the midsole assist in heel stability and forefoot flexibility, while a third layer offers underfoot comfort. MSRP $195. 

Remonte/Filippa

Filippa incorporates fashion and comfort on a lightweight, flexible outsole. This customizable offering has fully adjustable straps for the perfect fit and a contoured, removable footbed. MSRP $120.

DATE NIGHT

Naot/Innovate

Rhinestone accents on a demure 2” heel make the Innovate an option for dancing all night – comfortably. A hook and loop backstrap and gore at the middle straps help create a custom fit. A padded front strap offers comfort. Naot’s anatomic cork & latex footbed is wrapped in leather with a microfiber center to prevent slipping and molds to the shape of the foot with wear. MSRP $189.95.

Mephisto/Swena

A lightweight painted wedge gives a touch of class to a comfortable, supportive Mephisto Soft Air molded midsole. Air-Relax technology preserves foot anatomy. A hook and loop closure allow for adjustability. MSRP $289. 

Frankie4/Rosie II 

A Sole Hero footbed is built into every pair of FRANKIE4 shoes to cushion, cradle and support the foot. This wedge with ankle strap offers all-day-long stability without sacrificing style. Dusty Blossom is an updated take on a classic nude tone and also elongates the leg. MSRP $198.

Geox/Spherica

This mid-height wedge is contemporary, yet comfortable and versatile. The Zero Shock System allows the sole to absorb impact and allows for flexibility (which often, wedges don’t have). The Spherica offers superior cushioning and breathability, even in hot weather. MSRP $140.

RELAXATION SESSION

Alegria/Sandie

The Sandie arrives on Alegria’s new athletic ReBounce bottom, which features a bounce-back feeling to the heel strike. The footbed is a dual-density soft polyurethane that won’t break down quickly and offers great, but lightweight, support. The sandal features an adjustable vegan upper, suitable for all water-related activities. MSRP $99.

Propet/TravelActiv Sport

A fun, sporty choice, the flexible and water-friendly TravelActiv Sport sandal has a lightweight TravelTek outsole and a mesh upper with colors that pop. It also features two adjustable microfiber straps at the forefoot and heel. MSRP $49.95. 

Xelero/Tru

Xelero’ s TRU sandals are designed to have a positive impact on health by enabling the wearer to walker easier and stay on their feet longer. Xelero Motion Control Technology keeps the foot in alignment throughout the gait cycle for less stress on the foot, ankle, hips, and lower back. MSRP $79.99.

PowerStep/Archwear

While the PowerStep team redesigned sandal styles for 2023, they retained what is core to the brand – the PowerStep arch support and heel cup, which provides proper foot alignment to help relieve and prevent foot pain for all-day comfort. MSRP $69.95.