I'm a fashion editor and I'm OBSESSED with these £18 Sainsbury's sandals that look so much more expensive than they are

With the weather heating up, it’s time to think about ditching heavy trainers, shoes and boots in favour of daintier flats.

But while once the flat shoe was a boring backup option when you couldn’t bear heels any longer, this year they’re no longer the understudy, they’re taking centre stage. Transformed by new prints, shapes and leathers, flats are this season’s most coveted look, meaning there’s no need to choose between style and comfort. 

So forget stilettos sinking into the grass, put down the blister plasters, and leave that pair of emergency handbag flip flops behind you, summer’s must-have shoe is elegant and incredibly wearable. 

Even better? The hottest designs are available in high end and High Street stores, meaning there’s something for you whatever your budget.

Toe-ring flats  

The High Street is full of toe-ring detailed flats. The best part about them is that while simple, that glamorous metallic adornment transforms a basic pair of strappy sandals from holiday wardrobe to occasionwear. 

This pair from TU at Sainsbury’s have been much sought after - largely because the gold detailing looks much more expensive than the £18 price tag.

For those unconvinced by the separate toe divide who worry about comfort, this pair by Dune might be the answer. Under £100, the gold trim gives the illusion of a toe ring when really it just sits atop one simple strap across your toes.

The woven ballet flat

Forget the classic plain ballet flat, this summer it’s all about the woven style, in particular a weave which allows your pedicure to peek through. Next’s Mary-Jane style - £36 - has the perfect round toe and double strap detail. This pastel blue colour would be my go-to for summer occasions. If you’re after a leather pair, head to Anthropologie. Their buttery soft flats - £120 - with elasticated straps are perfect to throw on as you’re rushing out the door. 

 The fisherman sandal

You might remember Chanel’s quilted double strap sandals that looked a lot like the sort of footwear that middle-aged men would wear for a summer hike. Despite having their debut in 2019, they’re still very much in fashion with High Street homages continuing to fly off the shelves. 

But this year, another ‘dad shoe’ style, the fisherman sandal, is stealing their thunder with celebrities including Katie Holmes and Hailey Bieber rocking the look. 

Whether you’re wearing the £98 Boden version around the city with a pair of wide leg jeans or Russell & Bromley’s £225 offering with a floaty dress in the sunshine, you’ll find this traditional style can look impressively modern. And best of all, they’re both a lot more purse-friendly than The Row’s £1060 rendition so beloved of the A-list. 

Sliders

There’s something about wearing sliders - those backless, wide-strapped shoes - that instantly makes it feel like summer. No, not the sloppy sportswear kind, but a sophisticated sandal that blends both comfort and style. When it comes to colour, tan is a failsafe hue as the neutral shade will work with everything in your wardrobe. Both Whistles and Primark’s sliders feature moulded footbeds for comfort and adjustable straps to create the perfect fit. If you’re after real leather then head to Whistles (£135), but if you’re simply in need of a trendy sandal, then Primark’s £26 pair is your best bet.

Whatever the occasion, these summer flats will allow you to park your heels and still give your wardrobe an elegant edge - the only thing left to do now is book in for a pedicure.

Whatever the occasion, these summer flats will allow you to park your heels and still give your wardrobe an elegant edge - the only thing left to do now is book in for a pedicure.