7 Fashion Insiders Told Me Their Fave Designer Shoes RN—I'm Losing It Over Them

I've always felt like summer is the best season to invest in designer shoes. Trudging through snow in the winter makes me opt for sturdy and affordable pairs, as I know I may have to replace them the following year. But the time to treat yourself to great shoes is now. Designers are putting out bright and vibrant styles, and I am on the lookout for my next big purchase.

After a lot of scrolling and thinking, I still haven't narrowed it down to just one pair, so I decided it was a good time to ask a few industry friends for their take on the best sandals to invest in. One thing that tied the entire crowd together was the fashion person's love for good sandals. You'll find that every person I asked came back to me with a stunning pair of sandals, and I think I need them all. Common themes among the crowd included bright colors, strappy silhouettes, and mules. You're guaranteed to find a winner below, and the best part is the common theme here is anti-trend.

"I prefer my flat sandals a little substantial. You’ll never catch me in a delicate strappy number. These are still sleek but have that something extra, a little weight to keep you grounded."

"I'm really into Blumarine's butterfly heeled sandals. I love them in all colors, especially in that very Y2K-esque bubblegum pink. I love accessories that add a cute and whimsical flair to my look, and like everyone else, I'm super nostalgic for early 2000s fashion at the moment."

"I'm a big fan of the up-and-coming Berlin-based shoe brand Aeyde. Their designs are modern and classic, but versatile. Great quality and very affordable, too. This summer, I will be living in their Wilma sandals (launched in May), an effortlessly chic shoe, perfect for summer days and nights.

"90s trends always have a resurgence and this Summer I feel that thong sandals are going to be one to watch. The Miu Miu Boot is already becoming a hot topic on Instagram—it's a hybrid between a boot and a sandal which makes it such a versatile shoe. The perfect minimalist accessory for the summer months ahead!"

"For me, this season is all about the big, surrealistic shoe design – which translates well into the summer season. Bottega Veneta continues to stand out here and their Canalazzo Platform Sandal in raffia is the perfect addition to your vacation wardrobe."

"I’m really into the pointed-toe mule for Spring/Summer. It’s edgy/cool and looks great with baggy jeans or a fun dress!"

"The Bottega Stretch Strap Sandals in Nero are my go-to heels for special occasions or nights out. It's super sleek, minimal, and simple and goes with so much whether I'm wearing a dress for a wedding or black trousers for a fancy dinner. It's really the only high heel that I wear at the moment and I haven't felt the need to spend on other heels because this one is so versatile."

Up Next: I Tried the Under-$50 Shoes Our Readers Love and Walked 10,000 Steps Pain-Free