Karin's Top 10 Sandals for Summer 2021

Karin's Top 10 Sandals for Summer 2021

Now that summer is coming around, sandals should be your go-to shoe. With many varieties, you can always find the perfect one to match your outfit! But if you need a head-start on what to look for, then read on to check out fashion blogger Karin's (@sincerelykarin) amazing picks.


She says, "When you look into your closet and realize that it's close to summertime and you have nothing to match the cute warm-weather dresses and shorts you have, never fear! I've taken the guesswork out of what you need to buy to complete your summer style. 

I have gathered ten pairs of sandals in a variety of neutrals, heel heights, and price points, so you can round out your outfits with the prettiest shoes that summer has to offer."
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Karin Chen Loo
Certified Yoga Instructor/Fashion Blogger

Karin is a certified yoga instructor and HR director in addition to running a successful Instagram account about fashion, lifestyle, and more. She describes ... See More

  • Steve Madden Travel Flat Sandal Image 1
    Source：zappos.com

    Steve Madden
    Travel Flat Sandal

    Karin Chen Loo

    The Steve Madden Travel Flat Sandal is so pretty and still such an essential for summer 2021. This leather-like strappy flat sandal has stud embellishments that give it that extra sparkle for your feet and elevates your casual outfits but stays dressy enough to wear with your fancier outfits as well. 

    The cushioned footbed keeps these flats comfortable and the shoe comes in six leather colors, including pink, if you already have a lot of nude sandals. There is a buckle closure, and they also run true to size. They're a lightweight, flat option that helps you to look just a little dressier.
    $69.95
  • Lala Ikai Women's Braided Block Heels Image 1
    Source：amazon.com

    Lala Ikai
    Women's Braided Block Heels

    Karin Chen Loo

    Hands down, the biggest trend of this season for mules or heels is the Women's Braided Block Heel Mules. This pair is unbelievable at under 36 dollars, which makes this shoe a "shoe-in" to try for the summer months! 

    The braided leatherette sandal has double straps and this seems to be the trend, as almost every slip-on style shoe designed for this season seems to have this feature. You can find many different versions, but the price is right with this pair. This shoe is a great buy to try the trend without spending too much money upfront.
    $35.99
  • Steve Madden Drips Nude Image 1
    Source：stevemadden.com

    Steve Madden
    Drips Nude

    Karin Chen Loo

    I'm loving this new casual-yet-not slide shoe from Steve Madden! The Drips sandal comes in either nude or black; my suggestion is to go with a neutral tone so you can use them as that one pair of shoes you can throw on and go with an easy outfit of cutoff shorts or a simple white dress.

    I loved the quilted upper and matching contoured sole. It's casually luxurious, which is easy to wear dressed up or dressed down. These are super comfortable, fit true to size, are effortlessly chic, and are covered up enough to feel almost like a closed-toe shoe. The footbed, especially, is cushiony and feels comfortable!
    $69.95
  • Aquapillar Thick Braided Woven Slides Image 1
    Source：amazon.com

    Aquapillar
    Thick Braided Woven Slides

    Karin Chen Loo

    This pair of flats, the Women's Thick Braided Woven Slides, is the flat version of the braided mule that I recommended earlier. If you're looking for something without a heel, they're perfect! 

    Keep in mind that this style tends to run slightly smaller or more narrow because the material is puffier, but it's very comfortable if you go up a half size. Slides that are a little snug can also be helpful so your shoes don't slip off, though! Note that this sandal is also a great budget option for trying this style out, so if you love it, absolutely invest in another higher quality pair.
    $26.99
  • Birkenstock Arizona Essentials Image 1
    Source：zappos.com

    Birkenstock
    Arizona Essentials

    Karin Chen Loo

    For less than 50 dollars, the Birkenstock Arizona Essentials Sandal is a shoe that I slip into almost daily. This is the workhorse casual slip-on sandal that you can leave next to your front door, but will also look great with a yoga outfit, simple shorts, or going anywhere near a body of water, whether it's a pool or a beach. 

    They are easily cleaned by washing them out or hosing them off and are cut in the same mold as the classic Birkenstock, just in a durable EVA poly material. They are very light, have moderate arch support, and run true to size. Did I mention that there are 10 colors to choose from?
    $44.95
  • Steve Madden Skyler Tan Image 1
    Source：stevemadden.com

    Steve Madden
    Skyler Tan

    Karin Chen Loo

    The Steve Madden Skylar Tan Sandal is like the slip-on, baby sister of the Steve Madden Travel Sandal. I love that this version is also trimmed in glamourous rhinestones or pyramid studs for that festive finishing touch, but does not need to be buckled. 

    This version doesn't come with as many color options, but it still carries that Valentino Rockstud fancy feel in a simple-to-wear flat. It also comes with a cushioned footbed for comfort, and for less than 90 dollars, will not break the bank. Plus, you can wear them all summer long.
    $79.95
  • Schutz Women's Cadey-Lee Sandal Image 1
    Source：amazon.com

    Schutz
    Women's Cadey-Lee Sandal

    Karin Chen Loo

    The Schutz Women's Cadey Lee Ankle Strap Sandal is a classic skinny heel that you will wear for years to come. It's a very simple leather strap dress sandal that is very glamourous in its simplicity. In other words, it's understated in elegance; plus, it's made with beautiful, slim straps. 

    The shoe has a thin four-inch heel, so for those who are not completely used to walking in high heels, there is no better time than now to practice! This sandal runs true to size and is made of Brazilian leather. It's also a somewhat delicate heel, but this shoe is a staple in any fashionista's closet and comes in sizes five to 11.
    $118.00
  • Marc Fisher Women's Bryte2 Flat Sandal Image 1
    Source：amazon.com

    Marc Fisher
    Women's Bryte2 Flat Sandal

    Karin Chen Loo

    For those of you who need even more of a statement flat, enter the Marc Fisher Women's Bryte2 Flat Sandal. These are a solid, leather-like option with large round studs that remind me of high-end, studded ankle strap sandals. 

    This pair runs slightly small, so be prepared to order a half size or full size up. However, they pair great with denim rompers, monochromatic outfits, or anything that is more basic in style and when you need an interesting pair of flats with a metallic touch to dress up your look!
    $37.50
  • Steve Madden Carmele Stud Cage Sandal Image 1
    Source：nordstrom.com

    Steve Madden
    Carmele Stud Cage Sandal

    Karin Chen Loo

    I personally purchased the Carmele Stud Cage Sandal by Steve Madden just last week and I am obsessed with how surprisingly versatile this pair of heels are! This year, large rectangular studs were made popular by Valentino Garavani, and this edgy heel is tempered with a square toe and a reasonably high heel. 

    The heel runs about 3.75 inches high and the shoe itself is made of leather and has a buckle strap. I've worn them twice now, once with simple distressed boyfriend jeans and another time with a dressy floral dress! Both outfits looked beautiful with this shoe. These run true to size to about half a size small.
    $109.95
  • Schutz Essie Wedge Sandal Image 1

    Schutz
    Essie Wedge Sandal

    Karin Chen Loo

    For the girl who needs a wholesome, casual-yet-put-together heel, try this white leather wedge. This shoe has that cork or jute-colored classic wedge heel but uses simple white leather in super thin straps to create a nice, preppy-cute look. 

    Wedges are somewhat easier to walk in than heels, and this one is flying off the shelves. This particular wedge is 4.1 inches high, and I love the look of it with A-line dresses and skinny jeans. Heels can sometimes look out of place with shorts, but this pair is casual enough to pull off the look!
    $63.70

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