My non-fashion friends just asked me what the best leather sandals of the season were and I had a lot to say about it.
There’s always that shoe. The one that quietly dominates every wardrobe for a season, popping up on pavements, in front-row photos, and on all the best dressed people you pass in cafés. Autumn has its loafers, winter gets all snug and booted up—but when spring hits, sandals step in (quite literally) to remind us that style doesn’t have to be heavy-handed. And this year, the best leather sandals are doing more than just filling the seasonal slot—they’re setting the tone for the entire outfit.
There’s something deliciously optimistic about sandal weather. It means we’ve survived the long slog of winter and we’re slowly edging back into our social selves. Dinners that start in daylight, weekends spent outside (ideally with wine), and a sense that getting dressed doesn’t have to be about shielding yourself from the elements. And while you might be tempted to dig out last year’s worn-in favourites, the 2025 runways have quietly made the case for a refresh—with a few leather sandals emerging as some of the most wearable and genuinely cool trends of the season.
But here’s the catch. Finding the best leather sandals can be a bit of a minefield. Between the toe-post styles that are almost too minimal, the chunky pairs that err on practical, and the heeled options that look great but rarely survive more than two hours, the sweet spot isn’t always obvious. Add to that the overwhelming number of options, from designer labels to high-street gems, and it’s understandable if your ‘Add to Basket’ confidence is wavering.
Luckily, spring 2025 has made it easier. The runways were peppered with sandals in every iteration—from Ferragamo’s sleek ankle straps (styled with sharp tailoring and low-slung skirts) to the elevated takes on fisherman styles at Gabriela Hearst and JW Anderson. And off the catwalk, the street style set has been quick to follow suit. We’ve spotted A.Emery’s Jalen sandals everywhere from Sydney to Shoreditch, and The Row’s cultish Ginza sandals continue to earn their spot as a quiet favourite among editors, stylists and anyone who’s ever flirted with a Phoebe Philo-era wardrobe. Even the more nostalgic Y2K thong styles have returned—but reimagined in premium leathers and smart, adult-friendly colourways.
Leather, whether buttery soft or textured like suede, always adds that something extra. It wears in beautifully, lasts for years, and brings a polish to even the most low-effort look. Of course, not everyone’s budget stretches to designer, and that’s where the high street really delivers. Brands like Arket, COS and Mango are offering genuinely well-made options that mirror the mood of the season—clean, unfussy, and quietly directional. Think less Instagram bait, more “I just have great taste”.
So, where to begin? I’ve narrowed it down to five of the most relevant sandal styles this season—all of which tick the boxes of comfort, style and wearability. From suede textures to slide-on ease, these are the best leather sandals to know about now.
Shop The Best Leather Sandals:
1. Suede Leather Sandals
Style Notes: Suede sandals bring a tactile softness to spring outfits, offering a subtle contrast to crisp cottons and linens. They’re ideal for those transitional days when the weather can’t quite make up its mind. The A.Emery Jalen sandal, with its criss-cross straps and moulded footbed, is a prime example of this trend.
