When it comes to summer footwear, you can count on chunky sandals to be the style to have in your wardrobe [1]. This season is no exception as designers were swapping stomper boots [2] for chunky sandals, seen on the Prada, Celine, and Max Mara runways. Thankfully, the style has made its way to the High Street and, since it can be rare in fashion to see practicality and fashion combine, we are adding to basket immediately.

"Following the Autumn / Winter season of chunky boots, we are now seeing the revival of the chunky sandal, albeit in a feminine way," Natalie Edgley, Ladies Buyer at Dune London tells POPSUGAR. "The heavy black fisherman styles have been updated with cork and espadrille soles, whilst flatforms are detailed with natural textures and hardware – super exciting!"

The time is now to start shopping for your holiday wardrobe [3], although it can be tricky to know how to wear chunky sandals. Weaving them into your wardrobe is easier than you might think, and we have found plenty of pairs to ease you into sandal season.

How to Wear Chunky Sandals

While there's no instruction manual on how to wear chunky sandals, it's worth keeping some things in mind as you peruse the options ahead. Do you want to make a statement with your footwear and try a tough black or bold colour? Or are you hoping to transition from delicate sandals into a slightly thicker sole? Are you in need of an ankle strap or do you prefer a no-nonsense slider? Have a think about what is already in your summer wardrobe and it will help guide your footwear buys.

When it comes to what to wear them with, anything goes! "The elevated height means the sandals are comfortable yet stylish. Pair them with long wide leg trousers, baggy jeans, or a denim midi skirt for the ultimate fashion statement," Edgley adds. Chunky sandals can be a great way to toughen up a ditsy print or feminine dress, or look great with jeans and t-shirt.

Plus, chunky sandals are actually better for your feet. Super flat sandals have unsupportive soles with little to no arch support, whereas thicker soles solve this issue. Are you tempted yet? Scroll ahead to see our pick of the best chunky sandals to suit everyone, from sliders, to straps, to thonged '90s wedges. We are booking our pedi as we speak!

Best Chunky Sandals: River Island Black Platform Sliders

You can't go wrong with adding classic black sliders to your wardrobe, and the River Island Black Chunky Sandals [4] (£25) will keep you looking stylish this season and beyond. The ridged soles also provide extra grip which comes in handy with sliders (as they can be notoriously unsupportive). With only one thick strap, made in spongy fabric rather than leather or PVC, there is minimal risk of the shoes rubbing on your skin. Wear with cropped jeans, a t-shirt, and blazer for a casual laid-back look.

Best Chunky Sandals: H&M Chunky Mules

Chunky sandals take on a whole new form with these H&M Chunky Mules [5] (£17, originally £25). With a cushioned slider shape over the front of the foot and a rounded footbed, they offer maximum comfort with minimum effort. The contrast of the neutral grey and black smooth sole would look great with cropped trousers and shirt in summer. They have a lift of 5cm, meaning you can add some extra height to your outfit without having to wear heels. And they come in cream and black, too.

Best Chunky Sandals: Monki Blue Faux Leather Platform Sandals

If you're after a bold chunky sandal then look no further than these Monki Blue Faux Leather Platform Sandals [6] (£35). Not only do they stand to attention, but cobalt blue is a big colour this season, having been seen on the runways of David Koma and Off-white. Complete with a square finish at the toe, try pairing these chunky sliders with a cute midi printed dress for a fresh summer 'fit.

Best Chunky Sandals: New Look Off White Chunky Flatform Sandals

Creamy and soft, the New Look Off White Chunky Flatform Sandals [7] (£30) are no frills, no fuss, and a great addition if you're looking for chunky sandals to go with everything. Jeans, palazzo trousers, denim skirts, and floaty dresses all work when paired with chunky sandals like these. The soft flatform sole and high ankle strap give your feet extra support. Plus, they have a feel of Prada flatforms, but for a fraction of the price. We're adding to basket right now.

Best Chunky Sandals: Topshop Gold Chunky Sandals

Shine this summer and try a pair of the Topshop Gold Chunky Sandals [8] (£35). Metallics are all the rage this season having been seen on the catwalks of Diesel, Tom Ford, and Isabel Marant, so why not carry the trend down to your feet and opt for this gold pair? They're bold, chunky, and would look great worn with a neutral outfit to add some extra glow to your look. The perfect day-to-night sandals, they are also available in a wide fit.

Best Chunky Sandals: Stradivarius Black Sporty Sandals

If you're after a sporty style of chunky sandals this season, then head to Stradivarius where you can have your pick of the bunch. Not only are these Stradivarius Black Sporty Sandals [9] (£40) very similar to Valentino's Rockstud platform sandals, they're less than £40 too. With velcro straps for easy access on and off, they'd look great worn with anything utilitarian or even contrasted with the likes of a patterned midi dress. With a sports luxe feel, these chunky sandals will take you from pub garden to barbecue with ease.

Best Chunky Sandals: Next Forever Comfort Crossover Sports Wedges

You can always rely on Next for practical, yet stylish sandals and the Next Forever Comfort Crossover Sports Wedges [10] (£44) are just that. Part of its Forever Comfort range, the pair feature a foam sole padding for extra protection, plus an added woven chevron pattern around the bottom of the sandal for a stylish finishing touch. The double straps around the front of the foot keep the pair on the chunky side for a more subtle nod to the trend.

Best Chunky Sandals: Teva Cream Sandals

Teva's are renowned for being comfortable and practical, yet these cream ones from the American brand certainly tick the fashion box, too. The brand had a resurgence recently and became a favourite of fashion influencers so it's a guaranteed win in the style stakes. These Teva Cream Sandals [11] (£60) include fuss-free velcro straps and a thick sole. They're also an "earth friendly sandal" so win on the sustainability front as well. Whether you're planning a summer hike, a fresh country walk, or a shopping trip in the city, this pair will be like walking on air.

Best Chunky Sandals: Zara Black Embellished Sandals

If you've historically been a fan of gladiator sandals with multiple straps, but want to bring the trend into 2023, then the Zara Black Embellished Sandals [12] (£60) are the pair you've been searching for. A sleeker style under the chunky sandals umbrella, this black pair has added chic detail in the form of a circular gold buckle.
Also available in tan, this pair can be dressed up or down. An ideal summer evening look.

Best Chunky Sandals: Mango Platform Strap Sandals

No, you haven't just fell into the '90s, these Mango Platform Strap Sandals [13] (£60) are trending for summer. The thong platform sandals are certainly chunky thanks to the wedge sole. Denim is also everywhere this season, so why not wear the fabric from top-to-toe? Double up your denim by wearing these chunky sandals with a denim midi skirt or wear them with a floaty boho frock to give you some added height. If denim shoes aren't quite your thing, then fear not, these also come in black.

Best Chunky Sandals: Charles & Keith Crossover Slingback Sandals

Charles & Keith is fast becoming our go-to for fashion-forward, affordable footwear, and of course it has the best chunky sandals for your spring / summer wardrobe. The Charles & Keith Crossover Slingback Sandals [14] (£69) include a chunky black sole that offsets the pale spring yellow of the crossover straps, providing a contrast to toughen up the the most delicate of looks. The strap at the back is also adjustable, meaning that you can have it as loose or tight as you wish, which can also be an extra bonus if the fabric becomes loose over time with wear. Plus, ideal if your feet swell in the summer heat, too. Finished off with white stitching around the sole, this pair tick a lot of boxes for attention to detail.

Best Chunky Sandals: Dune Woven Flatform Sandals

These Dune Woven Flatform Sandals [15] (£75) scream summer. Worn with long floaty dresses and skirts, they're one of the more feminine styles around that won't look too harsh on your feet. The woven style adds extra texture and the neutral colour means that they can be paired with any colour. Plus the strap across the ankle adds extra support.
If you like this style but don't want a full woven shoe, they also come with tan, white, and metallic leather straps.
They'd make for a great holiday shoe — lightweight and stylish — and serve as a softer chunky sandal for those looking to slowly transition into the tougher sandals.

Best Chunky Sandals: Dr Martens Pale Pink Blaire Sandals

Dr Martens is a brand synonymous with quality, long-lasting chunky boots, so it makes sense it has a number of chunky sandals for summer appeal. The Dr Martens Pale Pink Blaire Sandals [16] (£99) combine soft pink thick leather straps with a sturdy black sole. The brand's signature yellow stitching can be seen and there's the classic fabric pull tag at the heel, too. They come in an array of colours so take your pick! Let us offer you one piece of advice, though. Dr Martens generally need to be worn in, so you might find them a little stiff the first few wears but, give it time to break them in, and you won't look back.

Best Chunky Sandals: & Other Stories Tan Sandals

Where to begin with the & Other Stories Tan Sandals [17] (£95)? The soles are shaped to mould to your feet for extra comfort, they have adjustable straps depending on how loose or tight you wish to wear them at the back, the tan shade looks good with all skin tones, and they can be worn with most things in your wardrobe to instantly make an outfit look expensive. At £95 they might not be the cheapest of the bunch, however good quality chunky sandals can last for years so are often worth the investment.

Best Chunky Sandals: Ganni Rubber Sandals

Scandi brand Ganni is known for its chunky boots and chunky sandals so is worth a browse if you're in the market for quality pairs that really last. These Ganni Rubber Sandals [18] (£98, originally £175) in khaki are both practical and stylish. The warm hue plays into the utility trend of the season, while the chunky rubber sole is comfortable and the velcro straps mean they are easy to get on and off. They also come in red, pink, yellow, and black so you can choose whether you want to keep your footwear neutral or add a pop of colour. Plus, the Ganni logo features subtly on the side for a touch of luxe to your outfit.