Fashion’s Taking Their Best Fisherman Sandals Into Fall

Ask any fashion editor, and they’ll gladly share one of the many runway shows stored in their mental Rolodex of favorites. Loewe Spring 2024 is in mine because of one specific styling choice: in the March show, models wore fisherman sandals with puddle pants so long that only a peek-a-boo of caged toes peered out from beneath. It was a delightfully oddball pairing that continues to fascinate me.

While the show was technically pegged to the spring and summer seasons, these were not beach outfits; a woman wearing ultra-high-rise suede trousers and a starched button-down shirt isn’t sprawling out in the sand, no matter her warm-weather footwear. The handiwork showcased in Loewe’s best fisherman sandals, woven from creamy black leather and brushed brown suede, peeked out under heavy-weight denim, wool, and leather.

It wasn't exactly clear where any women from Loewe's spring runway were going—or what season they were dressing for. But controlled chaos has always been the one constant in creative director Jonathan Anderson's work— and the British designer doesn't really care about the calendar; to him, summer shoes can play dress up in autumnal tweeds and caramel-colored suede.

Since the end of summer is near, Loewe's Spring 2024 head-scratching sandal outfits have been at the top of my mind...for fall. I'm now formulating a game plan for what pieces in my current wardrobe to keep in play or bench until next year—including my favorite fisherman sandals (specifically, my black leather Emme Parsons pair). And when searching for greater fashion inspiration, I turn to celebrity street style, of course.

I discovered that Katie Holmes wears her fisherman sandals with cashmere crewnecks, wide-legged trousers, and wind-breakers, while Gwyneth Paltrow styles hers with linen pants and a sweater tied over her shoulders as a makeshift cape. However, my favorite fall-adjacent fisherman sandal look from the A-list set is Hailey Bieber’s: the Rhode founder is partial to wearing socks with her sandals, a strategic style tip that makes the shoe work for three out of the four seasons. The controversial combination is also a leading summer 2024 accessory trend, which means the odds are high that it will carry over into the fall.

Bieber's socks-and-sandals combo and Anderson's head-scratching pairings have made it official: Fisherman sandals are a hard-working transitional hero item worth keeping around until there's a crisp in the air.

The fashion fiend I am, I put together a comprehensive edit of fantastic fisherman sandals that work perfectly as a transitional shoe style. From versions that tie into the jelly sandals trend to minimal options with thick leather straps, these sandals will see you through summer, but still feel fresh come fall.

The Best Leather Fisherman Sandals

If you're looking for a starter sandal, try one made of leather. A black fisherman sandal made of high-quality leather—like The Row and Lemaire's, for instance—is a versatile shoe that will work in nearly any outfit combination. With jeans on the weekend or your best fall dress in a floral print for casual in-office days—you name the garment and the occasion, and you'll be pleasantly surprised with how well the neutral sandal works.

The Best Platform Fisherman Sandals

When you need a boost (physically, not necessarily mentally), try a fisherman sandal with lifted soles. The level of how you want to go with your platform ultimately lies with you. Shoot for the moon in Chloé's wedge sandals set on a massive chock-shaped base or keep a low profile with Dr. Marten's lightly-lifted option.

The Best Fisherman Mules

Compared to the traditional ankle-strapped style, a backless fisherman mule is the more unexpected choice. Opt for an easy slip-on slide like Aerosoles, or, for more of a formal and luxurious feel, Ancient Greek Sandals's Cosmia sandals come in supple chocolate suede.

The Best Fisherman Jelly Sandals

And last, but in no way, shape, or form, least: the fisherman jelly sandal. You can commit wholeheartedly to the rubber material with a pair like Melissa's. But one with a leather finish and metallic embellishments, like Moschino's, is the best option if you prefer to ease into a very jelly state of mind slowly.