Granny sandals shed the stigma of being footwear solely functional, and today they occupy a prominent place in the looks of style icons. The rise of comfort continues to set the pace of fashion.
There is a scene that keeps repeating on European streets this summer: lightweight dresses, wide-leg linen pants and, on the feet, thick-soled sandals that until recently many would have linked to a grandmother’s closet. There appears one of the season’s most unexpected trends.
The so-called granny sandals (grandma sandals) proved that comfort is no longer at odds with style. With a functional design, adjustable buckles, and an orthopedic vibe, these models have transformed into some of the favorite footwear of trendsetters.
What Granny Sandals Look Like
If there is one thing that defines these shoes, it is that comfort comes first above all else. They are distinguished by sturdy soles, comfortable lasts, and designs conceived for hours of walking.
For a long time they were seen as footwear merely practical, but today that same aesthetic is what has made them a coveted object within European street style. The result is a relaxed, laid-back style with a vintage wink that keeps winning more followers.
The Return of “Ugly” Shoes
Grandma sandals aren’t the first example of how fashion redefined the so-called ugly shoe. In recent years, Birkenstock has led a similar journey.
For decades they were known as the classic “tourist sandals,” but they ended up winning over style icons. Both the suede Boston and the double-strap Arizona opened the way for comfortable footwear to reclaim a central spot in trends.
The Styles That Lead the Trend
With comfort established as one of fashion’s major pillars, inspiration continues to travel back to the past. More and more designs appear that seem rescued from old family photo albums.
Among the most sought-after models are Wörishofer sandals, easily recognizable by their ergonomic wedges and adjustable buckles. Figures like Jeanne Damas have already incorporated them into their looks, following in the footsteps of Lily-Rose Depp, who began wearing them in 2023.
Another icon of this aesthetic is Scholl’s Pescura clogs. Originally introduced in 1956 and relaunched by the brand in 2021, today they are part of the cult universe that blends history, design, and functionality.
Comfort Keeps Setting the Pace
Far from being a passing trend, the rise of granny sandals confirms a movement that has been growing for several seasons: the spotlight on comfortable footwear.
Although they currently dominate European streets, these sandals are part of trends to keep an eye on ahead of the next spring. The growing prominence of comfortable footwear and the return of retro-inspired silhouettes suggest that these models could also start appearing more frequently in local-season looks.
