16 Leather Sandals To Add To Your Shopping Cart Immediately
Summer’s here and my feet are ready to break free from stuffy shoes!
I’ve been on a mission to find the perfect leather sandals that combine comfort with style.
After trying dozens of pairs and scrolling through countless reviews, I’ve rounded up my absolute favorites that deserve a spot in your wardrobe.
These aren’t just any sandals – they’re the kind you’ll reach for day after day, whether you’re heading to the beach or meeting friends for lunch.
1. Birkenstock Arizona Leather Sandals
Nothing beats the classic comfort of Birkenstocks. I resisted jumping on the Birkenstock bandwagon for years, thinking they looked too clunky for my style. Boy, was I wrong!
The Arizona leather model features that famous cork footbed that molds to your feet over time, creating a custom fit that feels like walking on clouds. The adjustable straps let you get the perfect fit, while the leather upper only gets better with age.
After wearing mine for three summers straight, they’ve developed this gorgeous patina that tells the story of beach trips and city walks. They pair surprisingly well with everything from shorts to flowy dresses.
2. Ancient Greek Sandals Taygete Crossover
Handmade in Greece using techniques that date back centuries, these crossover sandals transport me to Mediterranean coastlines every time I slip them on. The butter-soft leather straps cross elegantly over the foot, securing with a simple side buckle.
What makes these truly special is how the natural leather ages – mine have darkened beautifully from their original honey color. The leather soles develop this wonderful smoothness after just a few wears.
Ancient Greek Sandals come with a sweet mythology-inspired backstory too – the brand claims their sandals are blessed by the gods! Whether divine or not, they’ve survived cobblestone streets, beach walks, and countless summer adventures without losing their charm.
3. Teva Midform Universal Leather
Remember when Tevas were just for river rafting? Those days are long gone! The Midform Universal Leather version elevates the practical outdoor sandal into something genuinely stylish.
I grabbed these before a trip to Spain last summer, expecting to sacrifice style for comfort. Instead, I got compliments while walking 20,000 steps daily! The platform sole adds just enough height without compromising stability, and the velcro straps make adjustments super easy.
The leather version feels more polished than the fabric models, making them versatile enough for casual dinners. Plus, unlike delicate sandals that fall apart after one season, these are built to last through countless adventures. The cushioned footbed is like walking on little trampolines!
4. Madewell Boardwalk Ankle-Strap Sandals
Sometimes simplicity wins, and Madewell’s Boardwalk sandals prove this perfectly. I stumbled across these while looking for something minimalist that wouldn’t compete with my summer outfits.
The barely-there design features just two slim leather straps – one across the toes and one at the ankle. They’re completely flat with a slight cushion in the footbed, making them ideal for those who avoid heels. The leather breaks in quickly, molding to your feet after just a couple of wears.
My favorite thing about these sandals is their versatility – they work with literally everything in my closet, from jeans to sundresses. I now own them in both black and brown because they’ve become my summer uniform foundation.
5. Everlane The Italian Leather Day Crossover
Everlane’s Italian Leather Day Crossover sandals are my go-to recommendation for friends seeking that perfect balance between casual and elevated. Made from Italian leather that feels impossibly soft right out of the box, these required zero break-in time for me.
The crossover design creates this elegant line across the foot that’s somehow both timeless and modern. I appreciate the slight cushioning in the footbed – something many fashion-forward sandals sadly overlook.
What really sets these apart is their versatility. I’ve worn mine to beachside lunches with shorts and to outdoor weddings with dresses. The leather develops this beautiful lived-in look after a few months, with subtle creases that add character rather than looking worn out.
6. Rainbow Sandals Premier Leather Single Layer
Beach culture meets everyday wear with Rainbow’s Premier Leather sandals. Growing up in California, these were practically a rite of passage – you weren’t officially ready for summer until you had your Rainbows properly broken in.
The magic of these flip flops is in the transformation. They start off stiff and somewhat uncomfortable, then gradually mold to your exact foot shape. After about two weeks of consistent wear, they feel custom-made.
The single layer leather style offers the perfect balance of flexibility and support. Mine have survived beach trips, pool days, and impromptu hikes for years. The leather darkens beautifully where your feet make contact, creating this personalized footprint pattern that tells the story of your summer adventures.
7. Nisolo Huarache Sandals
Nisolo’s Huarache sandals bring traditional Mexican craftsmanship into modern closets. The intricate woven leather pattern isn’t just beautiful – it’s the result of techniques passed down through generations of artisans.
When I first slipped these on, I was struck by how substantial they felt compared to other summer sandals. The woven leather upper provides surprising breathability despite the full-coverage design. The leather footbed has just enough cushion without feeling spongy.
Beyond their good looks, I appreciate Nisolo’s ethical manufacturing practices. Knowing the artisans who made my sandals earn fair wages makes wearing them even more enjoyable. They’ve held up remarkably well through three summers now, with the leather developing this gorgeous honeyed patina that only improves with time.
8. Salt Water Original Leather Sandals
Childhood nostalgia meets grown-up durability with Salt Water sandals. I had these as a kid and rediscovered them as an adult – they’re still made with the same water-friendly leather that can handle trips to the beach and quick rinses afterward.
The simple design hasn’t changed in decades for good reason. The adjustable buckle ensures a perfect fit, while the lack of embellishments means they pair with everything. My tan pair has become my summer uniform foundation.
What really sets Salt Waters apart is their amphibious nature – you can literally wade into the ocean wearing them! The leather actually improves with water exposure, softening and conforming to your feet. They dry quickly and never develop that funky wet-shoe smell that ruins other summer footwear.
9. Dr. Martens Blaire Leather Sandals
Dr. Martens aren’t just for winter! Their Blaire sandals bring that iconic rebellious spirit to summer footwear. The chunky platform sole features the same air-cushioned technology as their boots, making these surprisingly comfortable for all-day wear.
The wide leather straps provide sturdy support while the adjustable buckles ensure a custom fit. I was hesitant about the weight at first, but they’re actually lighter than they look. The signature yellow stitching adds that unmistakable Dr. Martens DNA.
I’ve found these to be surprisingly versatile – they toughen up feminine dresses and complement casual outfits equally well. Unlike many trendy platform sandals, these are built to last for years. The leather breaks in beautifully, getting more comfortable with each wear.
10. Soludos Lauren Sandals
Soludos created the perfect balance between minimalist design and statement footwear with their Lauren sandals. The braided leather straps create visual interest without overwhelming your outfit.
The completely flat sole makes these ideal for walking long distances – I wore mine throughout a weeklong vacation in Portugal without a single blister. The leather footbed has just enough padding to prevent that slappy sound some flat sandals make.
What impressed me most was how these dress up or down effortlessly. They look equally at home with cutoff shorts or a linen dress for dinner. The natural leather color deepens beautifully with wear, developing a rich patina that tells the story of summer adventures. The braided detail elevates them above basic flat sandals.
11. Cole Haan Anica Thong Sandals
Cole Haan brings their comfort technology to elegant summer footwear with the Anica sandals. These elevated flip flops feature buttery soft leather that required zero break-in time for me.
The cushioned footbed incorporates the same technology as their dress shoes, making these feel like walking on little pillows. A subtle metallic rand along the edge adds just enough visual interest without being flashy. I appreciate the sleek profile – they’re much more refined than typical flip flops.
My metallic pair has become my go-to for summer evenings when I want something dressier than flat sandals but can’t face wearing heels. They pack flat in a suitcase and don’t take up much room, making them perfect travel companions. The leather has held up beautifully through multiple seasons.
12. Frye Ally Western Criss Cross Sandals
Frye brings their legendary leather craftsmanship to summer footwear with the Ally Western sandals. Known for boots that last decades, they’ve applied the same quality standards to these gorgeous cross-strap beauties.
The full-grain leather feels substantial from day one but softens beautifully with wear. I was initially concerned about the criss-cross design causing blisters, but the leather is so supple that it molded to my feet immediately. The stacked leather heel adds just enough height (about 1.5 inches) without sacrificing comfort.
What sets these apart is the subtle Western-inspired stitching detail – it’s distinctive without screaming “cowgirl.” I’ve had mine for four summers now, and they’ve aged magnificently, developing this gorgeous patina that only premium leather can achieve.
13. Chaco Wayfarer Leather Sandals
Chaco brings their outdoor expertise to everyday wear with the Wayfarer sandals. Unlike their sportier models, these feature premium leather straps that elevate the look while maintaining the brand’s famous comfort.
The contoured LUVSEAT footbed provides exceptional arch support – something rarely found in stylish sandals. The leather straps are strategically placed to prevent rubbing, with just enough adjustment to customize the fit. I was surprised by how quickly the leather broke in.
These have become my go-to sandals for days that involve serious walking. I’ve tackled museum tours, farmers markets, and city exploration without foot fatigue. While they lean casual, the leather version looks polished enough for most summer occasions. The slight rocker sole provides a natural walking motion that reduces strain.
14. Mephisto Helen Leather Sandals
Don’t let the orthopedic reputation fool you – Mephisto’s Helen sandals are the secret weapon of stylish women who refuse to sacrifice comfort. These cork-footbed beauties might look unassuming, but they’ve developed a cult following for good reason.
The contoured footbed provides exceptional arch support while the adjustable buckle ensures a perfect fit. The leather strap across the toes is lined with soft suede that prevents rubbing, even during marathon walking days. I’ve had mine for five summers and they’re still going strong.
What really sets these apart is the cork footbed that molds to your feet over time, creating a custom fit. While the price tag might cause initial sticker shock, the cost-per-wear makes them a bargain. They’ve survived countless city walks, beach trips, and travel adventures.
15. Tory Burch Miller Sandals
The iconic Tory Burch medallion makes these sandals instantly recognizable, but it’s the comfort that keeps fans coming back year after year. The Miller sandals feature a perfectly flat sole with just enough cushioning to prevent fatigue.
The leather-wrapped footbed feels smooth against bare feet, while the wide strap across the front holds your foot securely without pinching. I was skeptical about the lack of adjustability at first, but the design somehow works for various foot widths. The leather breaks in beautifully after just a few wears.
Beyond the recognizable logo, these sandals offer surprising versatility. I’ve worn mine with everything from shorts to summer dresses, and they always look appropriate. They pack flat in a suitcase and have become my travel staple for warm destinations.
16. Naot Sabrina Leather Sandals
Naot’s Sabrina sandals taught me that “comfort brand” doesn’t have to mean “frumpy.” These Israeli-made sandals feature a hidden secret – a cork and latex footbed that feels like walking on clouds.
The delicate leather straps create an elegant silhouette that belies the serious comfort technology underneath. Multiple adjustment points ensure a perfect fit for various foot shapes. The suede-lined footbed prevents slipping, even on hot days.
My favorite feature is the anatomical support that properly distributes weight across your foot. After developing plantar fasciitis years ago, these sandals have been my saviors during summer. The modest 1.5-inch wedge provides just enough lift without compromising stability. They’ve accompanied me through European vacations, outdoor weddings, and everyday errands with equal success.