The Best Chunky Sandals Prove Minimalism Is Out
Another footwear trend embracing maximalism.
With spring in full swing and summer not too far behind, you’ll see a slew of popular spring shoe styles making their annual debut. Ballet flats, espadrille wedges, and flip-flops will soon be on every street corner, alongside a few new sandal trends, including chunky sandals—the beloved platform that ruled the ‘90s and early aughts.
“We've seen open-toed footwear with larger soles reach new levels of popularity on and off the runways,” says fashion stylist Catherine Bibeau. A quick glance at the Spring 2024 catwalks reveals several designers experimenting with new platform designs that elevate the season's footwear selections (quite literally). Loewe's chunky-soled sandals include a polished twisted leather strap, Collina Strada's embrace intricate lacing details, and Jason Wu played into refined prints, like snakeskin.
Wardrobe stylist Laura Tully notes that the resurgence of bold, chunky sandals speaks to the fashion industry’s current love affair with maximal accessories. “Fashion is leaning less on minimal with a style reboot that includes more [of everything],” Tully tells Marie Claire. Adding that “chunky sandals definitely bring that [desire for maximalism] to the table.”
The sandal style is also a great shoe choice for its inherent comfortability, given its padded or cushy sole. Ahead, Marie Claire curated an exclusive edit of the 11 best chunky sandals that will give you a boost.
The Best Chunky Sole Sandals for Women
- Best Designer Chunky Sole Sandals: The Row Ginza Leather and Suede Platform Flip Flops
- Best Chunky Sole Sandals Under $100: Teva Universal Crochet Flatform Sandals
- Best Trendy Chunky Sole Sandals: Seychelles Joni Slingback Sandals
- Best Leather Chunky Sole Sandals: Vince Polina Platform Sandal
- Best Embellished Chunky Sole Sandals: Tory Burch Kira Slingback Sport Platform Sandal
“Just about every footwear designer is designing a pair of chunky sole sandals at the moment,” says Bibeau. Although The Row isn't considered a footwear designer exclusively, their investment-worthy Ginza platform flip-flops are a coveted chunky sole style. Why? They're so versatile that fitting them into your wardrobe will be seamless. For a casual day out and about, consider styling yours with a white-T shirt, baggy jeans, and a leather tote to match.
You don’t have to pay a fortune to have fun with chunky sandals. Teva’s Universal Crochet Flatform sandals cost only $80, and it's a bonus that they’re sustainably designed using recycled textiles. This sandal is also super comfortable with a cushy insole and adjustable velcro crochet straps so you can adjust them to your foot.
Add a cheery pop of color to your wardrobe with Free People’s Joni Slingback Sandals in this denim-looking leather fabric—and one of spring's trending colors, pale blue. Owners of these sandals have been raving about how comfortable they are.
“Even when I play with trends, I still need them to live on the practical side,” says Tully. “I love the look of leather because it brings a classic vibe.” This pair of leather pair of chunky sandals hits on both notes.
On the Spring 2024 runways, designers embellished chunky sandals in various ways (Junya Watanabe used buckles, Giambattista Valli showcased rhinestones, and Adeam put bows on full display). If you want to go the embellished route too, try Tory Burch’s Kira Slingbacks, adorned with sleek gold-toned hardware.
More Chunky Sole Sandals We Love
When you think of your typical sandals, strappy designs and thong-like silhouettes might come to mind, but don't forget about fisherman sandals. They're a tried-and-true classic in our expert fashion opinion, especially worn in a neutral shade that can serve a range of looks. They're also a great addition to your spring work outfits.
If you’re usually on your feet all day, consider investing in a pair of classic Birkenstock Milano sandals. These chunky sole sandals feature a contoured footbed crafted with supple leather, so you’ll feel like you're walking on clouds.
Tully mentions that in addition to leather, she loves the look of woven raffia on a chunky sandal. Woven raffia is a quintessential summer fabric, so there are endless styling options during the warm weather months. If you're heading to the beach, wear Isabel Marant’s chunky sandals with a breezy beach dress. On your way to lunch in the park, swap your beach dress for a casual tank top and a slip skirt.
These Vagabond platform sandals play with proportions, contrasting tiny straps with a chunky sole. The design itself is similar to crossover sandals that appeared practically everywhere on the Spring 2024 Fashion Week runways (Collina Strada, Emporio Armani, and Giambattista Valli had them, to name a few). We’re guessing this design will continue gaining momentum throughout the summer.
Chunky sole sandals already have a bit of height, but Melissa's Posh shoes will fit the bill if you’re looking for an even more elevated look. These shoes emulate a classic platform heel design (a trending style according to the Spring 2024 runways). They’re also offered in black and yellow, but we prefer this powdery shade of pink—after all, the girlhood aesthetic is still going strong.
Back in 2022, Kendall Jenner posted an Instagram picture of herself in a Loewe printed maxi dress and this pair of Dries Van Noten platform sandals. The post has since been deleted, but these chunky sandals live on. And for good reasons—the playful thong-shaped straps will give any outfit an effortless '70s boost.
Although chunky sole sandals boast an inherently bold quality, some designs out there are a bit more subdued. Take this St. Agni’s Mio Leather sandals, which feature a sleek black exterior and a slight platform sole. If a big old chunky sole is simply too much for you, this is a great alternative to the trend.
Key Features of the Best Chunky Sole Sandals
- Quality
We can't stress this enough: The quality of your shoes is a key factor in how long they'll last. Buy a pair of poorly made chunky sandals, and you'll likely only be able to wear them through one season. "Rubber soles are great for walking since they're flexible, shock-absorbent, and offer grip on slippery surfaces," explains Bibeau.
- Silhouette
In the world of chunky sandals, endless silhouettes exist (as you can tell by our curated market selection above). Styles include flip-flops, platform slides, fisherman shoes, and more. That said, selecting a style really boils down to personal preference. If you're not sure which one to go with, try one of Tully's favorites. "A chunky flat with crossover straps or a platform slide can be worn with anything, and that’s my jam," she notes.
- Comfort
"The great thing about chunky sole sandals is that they’re super comfortable despite the height—that’s why they’re perfect for running errands or even wearing out in the evening," says Bibeau.
Bibeau also notes that chunky sandals are often more practical than thin soles and provide extra cushioning for your feet—especially if you need additional arch support.
How to Style Chunky Sole Sandals
Unexpected pairings like slip dresses and chunky sole sandals are undeniably playful.
"I'm already dreaming of late-night summer strolls after dinner while I wear a cool contrast between a breezy slip dress and chunky leather slides," says Tully. She also mentions that mixing unexpected pairings is a great style hack that will encourage you to have fun with your look.
Say hello to your new breezy and easy outfit formula for spring and summer.
Looking for an airy outfit for spring? Pair a button-down top with trousers and slip on chunky sandals to really bring your look to life. You can opt for patterns or go monochromatic.
Go bold with bulky accessories, like a large slouchy bag and a pair of chunky sole sandals.
If you wear a laid-back outfit, don't be afraid to amp up your look with bulkier, statement-making accessories. A slouchy woven bag and a pair of chunky sandals present an easy way to do just that.
Catherine Bibeau is a renowned fashion stylist with over a decade of experience in the industry. She is widely respected in the fashion industry for her outstanding work in fashion design, styling, branding and fashion marketing and sales. She has experience working at Buffalo Jeans, Ferragamo, and various other consumer luxury brands.
Laura Tully is a wardrobe stylist who specializes in creating wardrobes that are versatile, polished, modern, and fun. She teaches her clients that real style embodies self-love wrapped in confidence—delivered in a fabulous outfit.
