This Spring’s Fisherman Sandals Trend Is Even Reeling In the Skeptics

Last year, boat shoes washed ashore, and 2025 will be the year its nautical footwear companion, the fisherman sandal, splashes onto the mainland—and not just in fashion cities like New York, Milan, and Paris. It's only time before everyone catches on to the caged shoe's sensible and uncomplicated virtues. It's a classic spring shoe trend that's as easygoing as the salt-sprayed life it evokes (and far more comfortable than a slingback stiletto or architectural wedge.) Distinguished by its woven front, typically made of leather or waterproof rubber, the shoe is experiencing a rise in popularity as the fisherman aesthetic drops anchor for spring 2025.

The origins of fisherman sandals cast back to ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire, worn primarily by sailors and seamen due to the breathability and quick drying of their open-toe design. While the esoteric era of BC civilization has been replaced with days spent surfing the web and watching TikTok OOTDs, the practical shoe resurges as a spring shoe that works just as well for life in a land-locked state or a concrete city, just like other nautical-minded styles like toggle-and-rope duffle coats and Breton striped shirts.

Michael Kors's Spring 2025 runway show perhaps painted the urban-meets-marine picture best: models wore fisherman sandals with relaxed blazers, Bermuda shorts, and wide-leg culottes, flushing out an archetype of a Manhattanite who works a corporate gig but longs to get her feet wet by the shore.

Fashion Week street style tells a similar story of tastemakers. Guests on New York, Milan, and Paris's city streets are slipping into the best fisherman sandals from big-wig brands like Prada and The Row and affordable options by Everlane and Madewell.

You'll notice the same city-bound sailor vibe in celebrity street style, too—like Katie Holmes styling fisherman sandals with a work-appropriate button-down shirt and $2,400 Khaite bag. Or Hailey Bieber, who wears her $1,000 leather The Row sandals with ankle socks, a trench coat, and vintage Levi's cut-offs.

For those looking to dip their toes in the trend, here you'll discover a comprehensive edit of fantastic fisherman sandals from luxury labels and affordable retailers alike. From versions that tie into the jelly sandals trend to minimal options with thick leather straps, these sandals will see you through spring, summer, and fall, too, if you steal Bieber's socks-and-sandals combo. Anchors away!

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 Emme Parsons, for instance—is a versatile shoe that will work in nearly any outfit combination. With jeans on the weekend or your best spring 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

Try a fisherman sandal with lifted soles when you need a literal boost. Your platform's height ultimately depends on 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 Ancient Greek Sandals, or, for more of a formal and luxurious feel, Loro Piana's options come in opulent olive green and burgundy.

The Best Fisherman Jelly Sandals

Last but not least, the fisherman jelly sandal. You can wholeheartedly commit to rubber with a pair like Melissa's. But if you prefer to slowly ease into a very jelly state of mind, one with a leather finish and metallic embellishments, like Ancient Greek Sandals, is the best option.