Every year when summer comes around, I panic about which sandals to wear. Is the gladiator sandal back on trend? Are people still wearing the infamous slider? Are espadrilles cool again? Can I still wear my old Birkenstocks? What about wedges?
It's a first world problem at its finest, but finding a stylish sandal that's comfortable and high-quality enough to walk around all day in can be a thankless task.
That's until I discovered rope sandals. This season's hottest footwear trend are flat sandals made from woven or braided rope. Designers and retailers are churning out dozens of different variations on the theme, and trust me- soon you will see them on everyone's feet on the high street. I recently got some traditional rope sandals from Corda, a brilliant ethical fashion brand which creates jobs and preserves artisanal craft in Ethiopian communities.
Here are my top rope sandals to shop for from around the web, with 4 from luxury brands if you're in a 'treat yourself' mood, and 4 from affordable brands if you're on a budget this summer.
Designer rope sandals
If you're looking for something a little more luxury this summer, take a peek at these key designer picks, including Valentino's classic chic black rope sandals, and a pretty in pink pair by cult brand Ancient Greek Sandals.
Valentino | Garavani Torchon sandals | £402
Saint Laurent | Nu Pieds rope and leather sandals | £435
Ancient Greek Sandals | Almini sandals | €170
Tila March | Rope ankle strap Santiago sandals | £267
Affordable rope sandals
Head to the high street for some quick and easy options, like Topshop and Whistles, or go online to discover emerging brands cretaing more unique styles like Corda and Nomadic State of Mind.
Topshop | Fiesta Rope Flat Sandals | £49
Nomadic State of Mind | Fuscia JC Camel Sandals | $48
