How The Cool Girls Are Wearing Fisherman Sandals This Summer (Plus One Look that Dates You Immediately)

Fashion has always had a soft spot for ugly-pretty shoes. First it was dad sneakers. Then chunky loafers. Then jelly flats somehow re-entered the group chat. And now? Fisherman sandals, the once deeply practical shoe associated with European vacations, summer camp counselors and toddlers with sticky hands, have officially become fashion’s latest obsession. Yes, the same woven leather sandal your mom may have forced you into at age four is now being styled with $800 dresses and designer handbags. But unlike some trend-driven footwear (I’m looking at you, impossible-to-walk-in sculptural heels), fisherman sandals are actually wearable.

Fashion’s biggest brands have only accelerated the obsession. The Row⁠ arguably gave fisherman sandals their platform, styling buttery leather versions. Hermès⁠ has long embraced sleek leather flats that nod to the silhouette, while Prada⁠ leaned into chunkier, lug-sole versions with a slightly utilitarian edge.And who can forget how cool-girl favorite Ganni⁠ helped push chunkier rubber and leather styles into the mainstream.

That versatility is exactly why they’re everywhere right now. According to Erin Walsh, Marshalls and TJ Maxx Fashion Style Expert, fisherman sandals aren’t replacing another trendy shoe so much as evolving from them. “Rather than replacing an existing ‘it’ shoe, the fisherman sandal builds on existing trends, blending the best of fashion and functionality,” she explains. “Combining the polished feel of a ballet flat with the versatility of a classic flip flop, the silhouette feels timeless and modern while still providing comfort and durability.” Here’s how to style the fisherman sandal this summer and beyond.

This is perhaps the best styling trick of all. Fisherman sandals look especially chic with clothing that feels soft or looks delicate. A breezy white midi dress, eyelet skirt or silky trousers  instantly feels cooler when grounded by a chunky sandal.

Not all fisherman sandals are created equal. Some are minimal. Others are chunky enough to qualify as lower-body armor. If you’re wearing a platform or heavier sole, keep the rest of your look streamlined. Walsh suggests pairing “a chunky platform fisherman sandal with a monochromatic matching set or dress to offer dimension and cohesion.” Monochrome helps offset the shoe’s visual heft.

Yes, fisherman sandals can absolutely be worn with socks, provided you commit to the look. What once felt like a styling mistake has become a favorite fashion-person move, especially in New York. The key is choosing socks that are thin, soft or sheer. Skip bulky athletic socks unless you’re deliberately leaning into normcore. Pair the combo with relaxed tailoring, Bermuda shorts or a crisp poplin skirt. Bonus: No blisters!