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The Best Thong Sandals That Bring the Classic Into the Present
The fail-safe footwear icon is back
Not since the ’90s have thong sandals looked so appealing. It seems like everywhere we turn, we’re presented with a chic proposition, from kitten-heel flip-flops to strappy stilettos.
Shop the Best Thong Sandals for 2025
The appeal of the silhouette is equal parts timeless and current. On the mood board are references as varied as Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, who was a noted fan of running errands and walking her dog in a pared-back sandal, and Kylie Jenner, who was photographed vacationing in Italy in transparent jelly flip-flops by the Row.
The beauty of a well-constructed thong sandal is in its versatility, ease, and ability to give an air of nonchalance to any outfit. While a sleek flat option in suede or leather lends a cool factor to whatever you’re wearing, a low-key heel or wedge style, particularly one in a fun print or with a pop of color, makes for an unexpected statement with the most simple of outfits.
Ahead, we have rounded up the best thong sandals for women, which are sure to become a backbone of your footwear rotation for many years to come.
Ultra-walkable, these 100 percent leather slip-on sandals are the kind of capsule wardrobe shoe that you will turn to both day and night. While the sleek black is a best-seller for obvious reasons, our eyes are also on the off-white colorway for when our summer tan starts to develop.
Sizes: 6–12
Material: leather
Colors: black, dark brown, natural, off-white, platinum
Made in Europe and loved by minimalist-leaning tastemakers everywhere, Emme Parsons is a fan favorite for sandals that feel light as air on the foot. The Cecilia has a T-bar and adjustable ankle strap, plus a padded footbed for optimum comfort, while a subtle 10mm heel gives the style an added level of polish.
Sizes: 5–12
Material: leather
Colors: red, silver, black, orzo, silver
The Row Dune Classic Sandal
The Row’s Dune nods to the tried-and-true round-toe flip-flop silhouette while kicking things up a gear with expert construction and a luxurious finish. Channel designers Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen by teaming yours with languid suiting all year round.
Sizes: 5–12
Materials: cotton, viscose
Colors: black, scarlet, gray
Edging into gladiator-sandal territory without looking too costumey, the Heidi is a sophisticated take on the ankle-tie look. This hit from the Melbourne-based brand features a nicely bouncy footbed and an additional loop that hugs the toe, ensuring you can easily hit 10,000 steps without regretting your footwear choice.
Sizes: 5–12
Material: leather
Colors: walnut, eggshell, cherry, black, snake
London brand Neous brings impeccable craftsmanship using responsible leather to the fore, making these Safi sandals even more covetable. With their cone-shaped 40mm heel and seductive criss-cross straps, they will up the ante when paired with all of your summer occasionwear. Brides-to-be should note that they come in white too.
Sizes: 6–11
Material: leather
Colors: dark chocolate, cream, dark taupe
Here’s a pair you’re bound to wear on repeat, with everything from tailored Bermuda shorts to boyfriend denim. Toteme’s version of the perennial thong sandal becomes desirable all over again thanks to a square-toe footbed, understated 35mm kitten heel, and a mock-croc finish in a delicious cognac colorway.
Sizes: 5–12
Material: leather
Color: camel
A thoroughly modern proposition, thanks to a luxe ruched suede band that hugs the front of the foot, these simple-in-theory thong sandals from Dear Frances are anything but. A slim 75mm heel further propels these slides into the ideal summer-night-out shoe category.
Sizes: 7–11
Materials: leather, suede
Color: sand
Jude, which debuted in 2024 from industry veterans Jurgita Dileviciute and Denitsa Bumbarova (the cofounder of By Far), is a footwear label that’s heating up fast. With early support from the likes of Tracee Ellis Ross, Ruth Negga, Mikey Madison, and Kim Kardashian, the Paris-based line is gaining traction for its perfectly pared-back silhouettes in premium materials. Handmade in Portugal, the Heath sandal has rich goat suede and leather piping that sum up the label’s design ethos.
Sizes: 6–11
Materials: leather, suede
Colors: brown, black
Based between Sydney, Milan, and New York, internationally minded Studio Amelia’s shoes are on the wishlists of women all over the globe. The delicate and understated slingback Wishbone comes to mind as the type of shoe that you would see on a stylish passerby in any of these fashionable cities. The brand is also committed to social and environmental causes, pledging funds from each sale to charities and causes around the world.
Sizes: 5–11
Material: leather
Colors: black, beige, white, acid yellow
Curious, but not ready to invest in the trend just yet? Look no further than Gap, which has both a simple black vegan leather and a more bold python-print cushioned style up for grabs for this tempting price.
Sizes: 6–11
Material: PU leather
Colors: black, snakeskin
What reviewers are saying: “The sandals have a lot of padding and you can walk in these all day long. Looks great with shorts, mini dresses, or maxi dresses. Great staple for nice weather. Excellent purchase.”
As if the comfy foam insole wasn’t enough of a draw, Massimo Dutti has further convinced us we need to add a napa-leather thong sandal to our seasonal rotation by elevating the style with a statement silver orb and buckle-adorned ankle strap.
Sizes: 5–11
Materials: sheep leather, goat leather, thermoplastic sole
Colors: Black
For a teeny lift, Le Monde Béryl’s Micro Wedge 40mm thong sandal is the ideal baby heel to wear peeking out from under jeans or with satin slip skirts. A cushioned insole also guarantees you’ll last in them, complaint-free, from 8 a.m. until after-work drinks.
Sizes: 6–12
Material: leather
Colors: snake effect, black
Berlin-based Aeyde never fails us when it comes to its myriad of colorways and finishes. If you’re trying to track down the right thong sandal for you, it’s a great first port of call, with everything from look-at-me animal print and metallic numbers to flat flip-flops, spindly stilettos, and more.
Sizes: 5.5–11
Material: goat leather
Colors: snake, black, cream, hazelnut, silver, moka, etc.
What reviewers are saying: “Love this brand. Very cute sandals. kitten heel is good for walking. I walked about two hours the first time in them and no real big issues.”
Ideal for everything from the coffee run to the daily commute, Reformation’s chunky 1990s-esque thong sandal combines cloud-like comfort with a slight 35mm platform heel.
Sizes: 5–11
Material: calf suede leather
Colors: espresso, black
To make a strappy thong sandal feel fresh, Australian brand Acler has added an asymmetric sculptural heel and a scrunched-up gold ornament on the toe divider. Available in inky black or bridal-ready white, they’re bound to take even the most mundane of outfits to the next level.
Sizes: 5–10
Material: calf suede leather
Colors: black, white
Veronica Beard Clea Jelly Flip-Flop Sandal
As the nostalgia for fashionable updates to the jelly sandals of our youth continues to abound, we’re turning to Veronica Beard’s Clea offering. The hit style straddles the line between playful and chic and is now available in several colorways. Our inner child would approve.
Sizes: 5–12
Materials: leather, polyurethane
Colors: clear, coconut, brown, black, blue
In on-trend tortoiseshell, the Tracie kitten heel thong sandal is a true throwback to the type we grew up wearing, with a more of-the-moment feel. This retro silhouette is also available in everything from suede to jelly and raffia. Shop it while stock lasts.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: tortoiseshell, black suede, chestnut suede, white croc, smoke jelly, etc.
What reviewers are saying: “These are the perfect height to wear all day long, especially to work or out with friends. I love the little heel.”
Shop more spring footwear essentials
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