Fisherman Sandals Are Summer 2025’s Unsung It Shoe

From function to fashion essential

Suede loafers, peep-toe heels, and floral slip-ons may be fighting for attention, but the most relevant shoe right now is the sleekest of them all. Believe it or not, fisherman sandals remain the season’s standout and it’s no fluke. Their appeal lies in a rare balance of contemporary nostalgia and an unassuming yet undeniable style. As fashion toys with barefoot silhouettes and ultra-minimalist flips, the fisherman sandal holds its ground, offering a mix of old-world practicality and modern-day polish.

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The resurgence of the fisherman sandal is part of a broader movement toward shoes that feel like they’re doing something, anchoring outfits, offering protection, and suggesting stability. With the same comfort-first ethos that made Birkenstocks a pandemic-era staple, the fisherman sandal steps into 2025 with structure and substance. Unlike its softer cousins (slides, mules, or rubber thongs), it has an architectural silhouette that hugs the foot with intention. It’s the rare summer shoe that feels both wearable and designed.

This isn’t an entirely new phenomenon, but its endurance is worth noting. After all, the look has been gathering steam for a few seasons now. Fashion historians will remind you that the sandal originated centuries ago on Mediterranean coasts, worn by fishermen and laborers who needed a breathable shoe for hot or wet conditions. Thick leather straps provided ventilation; a closed toe gave protection; the woven design allowed water to drain and the material to dry quickly.

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Luxury’s quiet obsession

The pivot from practicality to luxury came, as many things do, by way of The Row. In 2019, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen introduced their version of the fisherman sandal that was stripped back and perfectly proportioned. It became a cult item almost instantly, and five years later, it’s still among the label’s best sellers.

Others followed suit, each bringing their own interpretation. Prada offered a sculptural rubber version that speaks to both utility and youth. LOEWE’s Campo sandal leans into craft, rendered in brushed suede and designed for texture obsessives. COS refined theirs into a streamlined suede model.

What unites them all is a refusal to overcomplicate. These shoes are about silhouette and surface. They don’t need logos. They don’t need embellishment. They speak softly, but they carry style weight.

And if you need more proof that this isn’t just a showroom fantasy, look no further than the streets of Milan. During the ongoing Spring/Summer 2026 shows, fisherman sandals have been spotted on editors, models, and stylists alike, worn with everything from breezy separates to sharp tailoring. Several designers even sent versions down the runway, suggesting that what started as a utilitarian throwback is now embedded firmly in the conversation.

How to wear them

The beauty of the fisherman’s sandal lies in its range. It pairs with nearly everything: baggy jorts and boxy button-downs, oversized tailoring in soft linens, even breezy summer sets. You can wear them to the beach, but also to an art opening or a casual dinner. And when cold days creep in, simply add socks.

For styling, think grounded but not heavy. Try a sleek leather pair with crisp cotton trousers, or rubber versions with swim shorts and an open shirt for a modern coastal look. More elevated styles work well under a wide-legged suit or cropped denim, while suede options pair best with monochrome neutrals or a head-to-toe ecru palette.

Something is refreshing about a shoe that doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard. In a summer ruled by contradictions, eclectic maximalism on one side, stealth wealth on the other, the fisherman sandal is a rare neutral ground. It’s comfortable. It’s wearable. It’s built to last. And most importantly, it knows exactly what it is.

Photos courtesy COS, The Row, Prada, Loewe