The 23 Best Fisherman Sandals You’ll Reach for Again and Again
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Practical, comfortable, and oh-so versatile.
InStyle / David Hattan
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the countless open-toe styles, from classic kitten-heeled sandals and beach-ready sandals to buzzier trends like toe-ring silhouettes with statement hardware. But if you want something timeless and functional that’ll get you the most bang for your buck, consider the humble fisherman sandal.
What exactly is a fisherman sandal? Traditionally, this utilitarian style comprises interwoven straps that create a cage-like vamp and buckle at the ankle, usually with a heel-supporting back panel. The style dates back to Ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire and is quite practical from a podiatry perspective.
“Because they’re typically made from leather, they’re breathable and comfortable, and the back strap allows for added support,” says board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Anne Sharkey. We sorted through top-rated styles and tapped a team of experts and podiatrists to share their recommendations and shopping tips. Whether you’re a fisherman sandal purist or prefer something more trend-forward, keep reading for the season’s best offerings.
Best Overall: Madewell The Tegan Fisherman Sandal
What We Love: These fisherman sandals check all our boxes: They’re cute, comfortable, environmentally conscious, and reasonably priced.
What We Don’t Love: They run slightly narrow.
If you’re going to buy one pair of sandals this summer, let it be these. These Madewell fisherman sandals have earned our top accolades for style, comfort, sustainability, and affordability.
Design-wise, they’re as close to classic as you can get while still incorporating modern details—the traditional three-strap vamp is accented by a trendy squared toe, providing plenty of wiggle room. Another big draw is just how comfortable these are. Squared toe box aside, the footbed is designed with the brand’s MWL Cloudlift Lite, a super cushy padding that won’t weigh you down, a boon for anyone constantly on the go and doing a lot of walking.
We also appreciate that they were designed with sustainability in mind: The leather is sourced from a Leather Working Group (LWG) certified tannery, ensuring sustainable measures are practiced, and both the lining and sole utilize recycled materials. The under-$150 price tag for excellent quality tag sweetens the deal.
Material: Leather upper; recycled polyester, elastic, nylon lining; rubber/mixed materials outsole | Size: 5–11 | Colors: 2
Best Budget: Old Navy Chunky Heel Fisherman Sandal
What We Love: This chunky lug-sole sandal is practical, comfortable, and won’t break the bank.
What We Don’t Love: The faux material isn’t very breathable.
We’ve gotta give it up for this Old Navy style. The classic caged vamp is set on a chunky lug sole that’s as on-trend for the season as it is practical for traversing whatever your warm-weather plans have in store. (Muddy festival grounds? No problem.)
Statement sole aside, these are a super versatile summer staple you’re bound to reach for again and again, especially since they come in easy-to-style black or white. Bonus points for the fact that they’re super comfortable, thanks to a cushioned footbed that’ll keep aches and pains at bay. Of course, we can’t fail to mention that, at less than $30, they’re an absolute steal.
Material: Synthetic materials | Size: 6–11 | Colors: 2
Best Splurge: The Row Fisherman Leather Sandals
What We Love: A minimalist’s dream, these sleek and simple sandals are top-notch quality.
What We Don’t Love: They lack a padded footbed or arch support, which is something we’d expect from such an expensive shoe.
Those who gravitate toward minimalism will appreciate this pared-down fisherman sandal from The Row. Less strappy than more traditional iterations, the caged vamp hints at the classic silhouette with two thick front straps and a center toe strap for a clean and simplified look. And, as stylist and content strategist Sydney Engelhart points out, the tonal leather buckle blends in with the rest of the shoe, adding to its minimalist appeal. From a wearability standpoint, the slightly elevated rubber sole and adjustable ankle strap make for a practical, stable shoe, and its soft pebbled leather construction only adds to its level of comfort. Plus, its sleek, non-fussy design makes it easy to dress up and down, ensuring plenty of wear.
All that’s to say, these are a true “quiet luxury” fisherman sandal…with a quiet luxury price tag to match. But if you’re willing to spend quadruple digits on a timeless sandal you’ll have forever, these are it.
Material: Leather upper and lining; rubber sole | Size: 6–11 | Colors: 2
Best Classic: Ancient Greek Sandals Homeria Leather Sandals
What We Love: They’re clean and simple, providing plenty of styling versatility.
What We Don’t Love: The sole is quite thin.
As you’ll discover while scrolling through this list, many of today’s fisherman sandals nod to the original silhouette while weaving in other footwear trends of the season, such as chunky lug soles or squared toes. This one, however, is about as classic as it gets. Designed with the quintessential caged vamp, back heel panel, and flat footbed, this understated and practical sandal has plenty of versatility, should you choose to dress it up or down. Crafted from a supple leather that looks better with age, you’ll also get plenty of mileage out of them for years to come.
However classic these may lean, there is one nontraditional detail we’d be remiss not to mention: a wing-shaped buckle, which pays homage to the founders’ love for mythology—fitting, given the origin story of the style.
Material: Leather | Size: EU35–EU42 | Colors: 1
Best Dainty: Eledera The Rete Fisherman Sandal
What We Love: These strappy sandals are an elegant take on the fisherman—and they’re especially flattering on narrower feet.
What We Don’t Love: There isn’t much support for the sides of the foot.
Fisherman sandals are seldom referred to as “dainty,” but this style from Eledera—a favorite of stylist and creative director Dione Davis—is exactly that: an elegant, ultra-feminine interpretation of the style. The caged vamp features 14 delicate hand-cut straps and airy cutouts on the back heel that sweeten up the classically clunkier sandal. The quality here is top-tier, handmade in Italy from buttery-soft calfskin leather and set atop a 100 percent leather sole. Plus, they also feature a padded insole, making them a great choice for any situation you’ll be on your feet all day yet need to look polished.
Narrow feet? This style is an especially flattering choice for you, notes Davis. “I have a narrow foot, so I will never try the ‘big shoe theory,’ ever. It can look awkward if my shoes are too chunky, and these are delicate and perfect for summer dressing.”
Material: Leather | Size: EU35–EU41 | Colors: 1
Best Metallic: AllSaints Nessa Fisherman Sandal
What We Love: A chunky lug sole and statement hardware make these metallic sandals pop.
What We Don’t Love: They don’t have a padded footbed or arch support.
Searching for a pair of sandals that’ll be the star of your summer wardrobe? Look no further. As Davis mentions, metallics are one way we’re seeing the fisherman sandal get a modern makeover, and this AllSaints iteration makes for quite the statement shoe.
Constructed with a crinkled gold upper, they’re juxtaposed with a thick, lugged sole and black metal hardware that truly pops against the metallic leather. Metallic shoes have a reputation for leaning more dressy, but not here—the chunky black sole and modest 1.25-inch heel keep these in more casual territory; a fun, everyday shoe with plenty of styling versatility. Treat them as neutral and pair them with your favorite denim, workwear trousers, or printed sundresses…the list goes on.
Material: Leather upper; synthetic lining and sole | Size: 6–11 | Colors: 1
Best Platform: Ugg Cora Sandals
What We Love: Designed with a cushy 2.25-inch EVA platform, these are incredibly comfortable and lightweight.
What We Don’t Love: The textile details may stain easily.
Platforms are a comfortable way to add some height, as they’re designed to put less pressure on the balls of your feet than a typical heel—a great feature for summertime when you’ll be spending lots of time on your feet outdoors. We’re partial to the Ugg Cora, which provides a 2.25-inch boost with its cushioned sugarcane EVA sole that further helps absorb pressure with every step. For this reason, they’re also super lightweight, adding to their walkability. Moreover, they feature a fully open toe to ensure your toes have ample breathing room on hot and sticky days.
Design-wise, we appreciate the sportier vibe of the webbed straps, textile and mesh details, and technical buckles. The shoes are a far cry from the classic leather fisherman and pair just as well with your favorite athleisure as they do with denim cutoffs.
Material: Leather and textile upper; sugarcane EVA footbed and outsole | Size: 5–12 | Colors: 2
Best Mule: Dolce Vita Hippie Fisherman Sandal
What We Love: Effortless but still polished, this fisherman mule has an adjustable vamp for a customizable fit.
What We Don’t Love: The size range could be more inclusive.
For a less utilitarian take on the fisherman sandal, opt for a fisherman mule. Drawing inspiration from the traditional style, this pair from Dolce Vita features the quintessential caged lattice detail, designed with the freedom and convenience of an open back. It won’t offer the stabilizing support of an ankle strap, but if you prefer an effortless style you can slide on and off with ease, these are bound to become your summer go-to.
They’re made with shiny, crinkled leather that feels much less formal than classic patent, but the pointed toe and textured buckle lend a polished elegance to this style. What do we love most of all? The top strap is adjustable—a rarity for mules, and a boon for anyone with narrow feet who typically finds this silhouette too wide to wear.
Material: Leather upper; synthetic lining and sole | Size: 6–10 | Colors: 1
Best Jelly: Melissa Megan Sandals
What We Love: These chunky platforms are a grown-up version of our favorite childhood jellies.
What We Don’t Love: The PVC is scented, which may not be for everyone.
These jellies are not for the faint of heart, but that’s what makes them special (and a favorite of Shopbop fashion director Caroline Maguire). Set atop an ultra-chunky sole—a trend Maguire says is very much still going strong this season—they’re essentially a souped-up version of the jellies of our youth. “And because they’re made from PVC, they’re not only cute but also lightweight and durable,” she adds.
Because they’re on a platform, they’re surprisingly much easier to walk in than they might initially appear. Plus, the footbed is padded, making them super wearable for long periods. That being said, Maguire recommends this style for everything from roving the grounds of your favorite music festival to lounging by the pool or near the beach—they’re that comfortable. In addition to black, they also come in a variety of colors, like bubblegum pink, among other candy-colored hues.
Material: PVC | Size: 5–10 | Colors: 8
Best Espadrille: Castañer x Ancient Greek 210 Lesvos Fisherman Sandals
What We Love: These fisherman-espadrille-mule hybrids are an effortless and versatile style to pack for your next trip.
What We Don’t Love: They don’t have a padded footbed or arch support.
For a laid-back summer sandal that still feels polished, meet this fisherman-espadrille-mule hybrid, a collab between Castañer—the Spanish footwear brand behind the first-ever wedge espadrille—and iconic sandal brand Ancient Greek. Comfortable and low-key, the caged leather vamp sits on top of a jute footbed and outsole for an effortless warm-weather look with plenty of styling versatility, while the open back allows for easy on and off. Given its flat sole and generally daintier feel, these make a great sandal to pack on vacation, easily stowing away in your carry-on. Best of all? Unlike most mules, the caged vamp on this sandal can be adjusted for the perfect fit thanks to a buckled top strap, accented with the brand’s signature wing-shaped hardware.
Material: Leather upper; jute footbed; rubber sole | Size: EU35–EU41 | Colors: 1
Best Minimalist: Jenni Kayne Leather Lake Sandals
What We Love: These effortless everyday sandals are sturdy and supportive yet pleasantly soft.
What We Don’t Love: The sole is quite thin.
Is flashy not your thing? This clean and simple caged sandal from comfort-forward minimalist label Jenni Kayne was designed for you. Constructed with buttery-soft calfskin leather, this strappy style is sturdy and supportive from ankle to vamp but isn’t stiff in the slightest (no blister-inducing break-in period, here).
A stacked, barely there heel and a slightly cushioned footbed add to this style’s ease and effortlessness, while its goes-with-anything neutral colorways make them an obvious choice for every day, no matter what outfit plans you have in mind. In keeping with its minimalist design, the only hardware you’ll find is a small ankle buckle, ensuring you can adjust for a snug, ankle-stabilizing fit.
Material: Leather upper and footbed; leather and rubber sole | Size: EU36–EU41 | Colors: 2
Best Embellished: Sandro Olys Studded Caged Sandals
What We Love: Studs and toe plates bring the fisherman sandal into punk territory.
What We Don’t Love: It’s not offered in a wide size range.
Unlike the pared-down pair above, this style from Sandro is anything but. Nodding to classic fisherman sandals with a woven, latticed vamp and a closed toe, the brand toughened up the utilitarian style by embellishing it with heavy-duty studs, rhinestones, and metal toe plates. A lugged sole with a 2-inch heel imbues great traction and modest height for a shoe that’s deceivingly functional and practical, despite its glitzier design. And while it’s far from understated, the all-black upper and sole still deem it a very wearable shoe. Tone down the edginess by pairing them with your flounciest summer dresses and maxi skirts, or lean in by styling them with your favorite worn-in moto jacket.
Material: Leather upper and lining; EVA sole | Size: EU36–EU40 | Colors: 1
Best for Walking: Loeffler Randall Espresso Leather Caged Sandal
What We Love: A cushy padded footbed makes these super comfortable for long walks, while a Velcro closure makes for easy, on-the-go fit adjustments,
What We Don’t Love: We wish they were available in more colors.
If your plans entail lots of walking, whether running errands or simply for leisure, comfort should be a top priority—but you shouldn’t necessarily have to sacrifice style, either. That’s where these caged sandals from Loeffler Randall come in. This understated fisherman is an easy, throw-on-with-anything-and-look-polished kind of sandal, and it’s super comfortable thanks to its padded footbed. It’s also equipped with a minimalist Velcro closure, providing ankle support you can easily adjust while on the go (no fiddling with buckles here!).
They’re also made from soft Italian leather, which, according to Dr. Sharkey, is one of the most comfortable materials for walking shoes since it’s breathable and molds to the shape of your foot over time. Overall, you’ll get plenty of mileage from these—without a blister in sight.
Material: Leather | Size: 5–12 | Colors: 1
Best Pointed-Toe: Vagabond Wioletta Sandals
What We Love: A narrow pointed toe gives this fisherman sandal a more refined, feminine feel.
What We Don’t Love: It’s not available in half sizes.
Fisherman sandals tend to lean pretty utilitarian, and we appreciate how Vagabond gave the style a refined, feminine feel with the addition of a slender, pointed toe. True to the classic style, it features a caged vamp and buckled ankle strap for added support, while the almost-flat 11-millimeter heel ensures you can comfortably wear these for whatever plans your day entails. These are understated enough to be worn with just about anything, but they’d look especially great with a breezy linen dress or your favorite tailored trousers.
Just keep in mind: Folks with wider feet may find their toes crowded in the narrow toe box and may want to opt for a style with a rounded or squared toe.
Material: Leather | Size: 6–11 | Colors: 1
Best Velcro: Maguire Marta Fisherman Sandal
What We Love: Velcro closures ensure fully adjustable ankle support, while heel panels make these sandals extra sturdy.
What We Don’t Love: They don’t provide any height.
There’s a lot to love about these Maguire sandals, starting with their super supportive design. The caged vamp features thicker-than-average straps made from soft yet sturdy pebbled leather, while the ankle includes a stabilizing heel panel for even more support. Also nice? A plush, padded footbed provides plenty of support, suitable even for those with high arches.
But where this style really shines is its convenient Velcro closures. Buckles are great for adjusting the fit of your ankle straps, but you’re limited to the notches that come with the shoe—unless you feel comfortable puncturing the leather to create your own—while hook-and-loop straps allow for complete adjustability to find your perfect fit. The lack of a traditional buckle also contributes to the shoe’s clean lines and minimalist feel. Pick from neutral cream and white, or opt for oxblood for a subtle pop of color that still feels understated.
Material: Leather upper and lining; synthetic outsole | Size: EU35–EU44 | Colors: 3
Best Suede: Massimo Dutti Split Suede Cage Sandals
What We Love: The crisscross straps are a unique, modern detail that elevates this otherwise classic style.
What We Don’t Love: They don’t have a padded footbed or arch support.
Suede adds a softer feel to fisherman sandals, which are typically made with leather for a more rugged feel. Engelhart is a fan of this split suede pair from Massimo Dutti. “These are the sandals I’ve been sending to all of my friends—I find the color to be so chic,” she says. The neutral taupe hue is extremely wearable, pairing well with both neutrals and more vivid colors alike.
Where this pair shines the most is its design. The caged vamp nods to the classic style, but the crisscross detailing on the middle straps is a unique, modern touch that makes the sandals feel a little less basic, and much more elevated. And since they’re set on a 2.5-centimeter platform, they add just a touch of height yet remain comfortable and easy for everyday wear.
Material: Split suede upper; leather lining | Size: 5–11 | Colors: 1
Best Puffy: Hereu Cabersa Padded Fisherman Sandal
What We Love: Designed with puffy woven straps, these are a statement take on the classic fisherman.
What We Don’t Love: The sole is quite thin.
The puffy shoe trend we’ve seen over the last few seasons is still going strong if the fact that it’s now showing up in fisherman sandals is any indication. This pillowy style from Hereu comes recommended by Davis: “The brand makes so many standout shapes, but this puffy leather style feels elevated yet relatable,” she says. Featuring an intricate woven pattern of padded straps and a modern squared toe, this style is as comfortable and practical as it is sleek—and given that it’s crafted by artisans in Spain from soft Italian leather, you can trust the quality is top tier.
Davis is particularly a fan of the metallic colorways, another footwear trend she calls out for this upcoming season, but if you prefer something with less shine, the style comes in five nonmetallic hues ranging from espresso brown to canary yellow.
Material: Leather upper, lining, and sole | Size: 4.5–10.5 | Colors: 7
Best Heel: Intentionally Blank July Fisherman Heel
What We Love: A mid-height block heel and foam-padded footbed deem these heels comfortable enough for all-day wear.
What We Don’t Love: We wish it was available in more neutrals.
Fisherman sandals are an inherently casual shoe, but place the caged straps on a sturdy mid-height block heel, and they’re instantly all dressed up. Intentionally Blank’s July is the perfect heeled sandal, set atop a 2 ¼-inch heel that adds flattering height without leaving your feet aching, and it’s designed with a foam-padded footbed—an absolute must for any heeled shoe—to up the comfort factor.
The crinkled patent leather lends the shoe an interesting texture—according to Engelhart, textured leathers and suedes are having a moment—and is an especially fun detail when seen on vibrant colorways like lime green and cherry red. But if you’d rather have a pair of shoes that won’t outshine the rest of your outfit, you can also snag this style in a classic black patent.
Material: Leather upper and lining; memory foam footbed | Size: 5–12 | Colors: 3
Best Lug Sole: Charles & Keith Nell Gladiator Sandals
What We Love: These Y2K-inspired sandals are practical, comfortable, and so much fun!
What We Don’t Love: The faux material isn’t very breathable.
In case you haven’t been paying attention, lug soles are wildly popular right now, in part due to the Y2K renaissance of the last few years. But on top of being super on-trend, they’re also an extremely practical feature for any shoe you’ll spend a lot of time outdoors wearing since they provide great traction and grip should you encounter wet or slippery terrain. These Charles & Keith fisherman sandals are a great option, which put a contemporary twist—quite literally—on the traditional style with twisted detailing throughout the woven vamp.
They come in four colorways, but we’re partial to the cherry red, which adds a bold pop of color to any outfit, and the black, which features the cutest studded daisy details.
Material: PU upper and sole; textile lining | Size: 5–11 | Colors: 4
Best With Arch Support: Aerosoles Liberty Fisherman Mule
What We Love: Designed with a molded, arch-supporting footbed, these sleek mules are as comfortable as can be.
What We Don’t Love: They’re mules, so they don’t provide ankle support.
If you have flat feet or are prone to aches and pains, arch support is the feature to look for, notes Dr. Sharkey. These fisherman-inspired mules from Aerosoles are as supportive as can be, equipped with a double-density molded with built-in arch support that helps absorb impact and distribute weight. The foam padding cradles your foot with every step, ensuring you stay comfortable throughout your day.
Also important? They’re cute! The unique crisscrossed straps and oversized organic buckle lean way more designer than orthopedic—and without the designer price tag, to boot. If you’ll be on your feet all day, these are an excellent casual option that doesn’t skimp on style.
Material: Leather upper; synthetic lining; rubber sole | Size: 5–12 | Colors: 5
Best for Wide Feet: Bella Vita Sinclaire Fisherman Sandal
What We Love: This chunky lug sole fisherman is offered in wide and extra-wide sizing.
What We Don’t Love: The light outsoles can be tough to keep clean.
If you have wide feet, Dr. Sharkey stresses the importance of finding a wider sandal or, even better, a style offered in different widths. These chunky lug-sole sandals are offered in wide and extra-wide sizing (in addition to medium and narrow), allowing wearers to find their perfect fit. If you have wide feet, it’s also important to consider toe box width and make sure there’s adequate wiggle room for toes, adds Dr. Sharkey, as anything too pointed or narrow will squish the toes and cause pain (and other foot problems) over time. This style has a rounded footbed with an ever-so-slightly narrowed point that, while flattering, is nice and roomy. We also love that it comes in a variety of neutral colorways that can be seamlessly worked into any summer wardrobe.
Material: Leather upper; textile and synthetic lining; synthetic sole | Size: 5–12; N–WW | Colors: 4
Best Raffia: Anthropologie Fisherman Sport Sandal
What We Love: A raffia upper gives the fisherman style a summery feel.
What We Don’t Love: They run slightly large.
Does anything say “summer” like raffia? Anthropologie put a vacation-ready spin on the fisherman style by designing it with a full raffia upper that takes cues from traditional fisherman styles, complete with a caged vamp and a center strap that intersects the toe. We also appreciate that they’re thoughtfully lined in leather to ensure an ultra-comfortable—not scratchy—feel.
While raffia may not be a first choice for summer footwear, especially if there’s a chance of encountering rainy weather, this shoe is still practical enough for everyday wear thanks to its light and airy foam sole—lugged, for great traction. And if you like the style but raffia isn't your thing, they also come in five other colorways, including leather and denim options.
Material: Not listed | Size: 5–10.5 | Colors: 6
Best Ankle Wrap: ALOHAS Perry Ankle Strap Fisherman Sandal
What We Love: Designed with a wrap-around ankle closure, padded footbed, and low-profile heel, these are as comfortable as can be.
What We Don’t Love: Some straps cross over the ankle bone, which may cause irritation.
Fisherman sandals typically buckle right below the ankle bone, but we love that this style from ALOHAS—a recommendation from Maguire—wraps around the ankles without quite reaching gladiator sandal territory, providing great ankle support without making so much of a statement. In addition to the stabilizing ankle strap, the shoe is also designed with a padded footbed and set on top of a super modest block heel to ensure your feet are comfortable (and look good) on all your warm-weather adventures. “They’ll go with everything in your closet during the warmer months—tan is universal and perfect for the season ahead,” says Maguire. And if tan leather isn’t your thing, the style also comes in goes-with-everything black.
Material: Leather upper and lining; synthetic sole | Size: 5–10.5 | Colors: 2
What to Keep in Mind
Silhouette: The fisherman sandal has a pretty distinct look, but many of today’s iterations offer a more contemporary take on the classic style; you’ll find them in a range of heel heights, sole styles, and toe shapes. That’s why both Davis and Engelhart consider silhouette a key feature to consider as you shop. “Fisherman sandals are a naturally heavier shoe, so I typically lean towards styles with a leaner shape to keep everything in balance and make sure my clients can get the most wear out of them,” says Engelhart. For this same reason, she also gravitates towards styles in a neutral color palette, though you can certainly find styles in a rainbow array of neons, pastels, and metallics. Really, it’s up to personal preference.
Comfort and Fit: Like any shoe you’ll be wearing for long periods, ensuring they’re comfortable is crucial. According to Dr. Sharkey, making sure the fit is just right is important, especially when it comes to closed-toe options (which many fisherman styles are). “Make sure the sizing is appropriate to allow room for the toes to spread,” she says. “In general, ensuring the sandal fits well will reduce discomfort and skin rubbing or blisters, particularly at the strap at the back of the heel.” Fit aside, a supportive sole will make a world of difference, especially if it includes cushy footbed padding. “I look for supportive styles that are not too flat, so they’re walkable,” notes Davis.
Material: Material heavily influences a shoe’s durability and comfort. “Genuine leather is more durable and breathable than synthetic materials—and it will conform to the foot over time for a more comfortable fit,” says Dr. Sharkey. “Breathability is important here especially since fisherman sandals have much more coverage than other sandal styles. A material that’s breathable will decrease sweating and other foot-related issues, like foot fungus.”
It’ll also play into how casual or dressy your sandal is and, ultimately, how you’ll style it. Maguire recommends opting for leather styles if you want your look to lean dressier or a classic jelly sandal if you’d prefer something more laid-back. (Fun fact: The original 1940s jelly sandal was inspired by the classic fisherman sandal.)
Your Questions, Answered
What is the difference between gladiator and fisherman sandals?
From the ankle down, fisherman and gladiator sandals have a near-identical look, consisting of interwoven straps creating a caged look and some sort of ankle strap. The difference? “Gladiator sandals wrap up your calves, offering a warrior-like look, whereas fisherman styles stop below the ankle and cage your foot,” explains Maguire. That being said, Engelhart considers a fisherman sandal much more relaxed than a gladiator style. “They’re much easier to reach into your closet for, as they’re not as much of a statement shoe,” she adds.
How do you style a fisherman sandal?
There’s something inherently effortless about styling a sandal—you can typically throw them on with any of your summer looks, casual or not. But fisherman sandals propose a special challenge: Even though you’ll find styles ranging from sleek and minimalist to chunky, as Engelhart points out above, they’re still a somewhat “heavier” style, and their latticed straps provide a lot more coverage than a classic strappy sandal.
So, how do the experts style them? “I love the juxtaposition of pairing fisherman sandals with lightweight fabrics or pieces that have an ease to them,” says Engelhart. “I tend to put my clients in a black linen or silk trouser with a great tank and button-down, or white jeans and a white T-shirt to give the sandal its moment.” Davis prefers pairing hers with a mini skirt and socks, menswear staples like a cardigan, or a chic blouse. “I try not to wear them with shorts or anything that looks too delicate or coquette, because I don’t want to look like a chic toddler.”
While they tend to lean pretty casual, the experts agree they can easily be dressed up. “Generally, I opt for fisherman sandals in black or brown leather—or even a patent—so I can wear them day to night,” says Davis. “To make them feel even more evening, style them with a suit with no blouse underneath. I also prefer to wear them over a sheer black trouser sock to dress them up.” Maguire and Engelhart agree, adding that styling them with a cute pair of socks can level up your look—and extend the style beyond the summer season. Finally, never underestimate the power of a lightweight, flowy dress with a trench or leather jacket to make them feel less casual, adds Engelhart.
Why Shop With Us
Jenna Igneri is a freelance writer who has worked in fashion and beauty media for over a decade. For this story, she researched dozens of brands and read through online reviews to narrow down our top picks. She also tapped the below accessories experts for further insights:
Dione Davis is a stylist, creative director, and movement coach.
Sydney Engelhart is a stylist and content strategist.
Dr. Anne Sharkey is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon based in Cedar Park, Texas.
Caroline Maguire is the fashion director at Shopbop.
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