Padded sandals are this summer’s obsession, and this is how to wear them

Sometimes trends can overlap, but in this case it’s easy to find the “original” sandals. These were presented in neutral and saturated colors at the Bottega Veneta’s spring-summer fashion show. Each pair features exquisite capitonné quilting work and double ankle straps of intertwined leather created with masterful technique.

From this emblematic house of Italian fashion comes a summer classic revisited that exposes the heel and has a single strap around the instep of the foot. Many padded sandals have a waiting list, but these topaz ones in Nappa leather are available ($780).

Thanks to their characteristic shape, this type of shoe makes the legs look long and lean, so it’s a good idea to bring the hem up, just like Leonie Hanne did with her leather joggers during Paris Fashion Week.

It was everywhere last year, extending into the fall with retro boots. The square toe finish gives Lulus’ Klara Nude Quilted Squared Toe High Heel Sandals ($39) a modern twist.

Whether you pair them with a midi skirt, ethereal dress or Bermuda shorts, quilted sandals look fantastic. According to the queens of street style, the key to rocking this style is making them stand out as much as possible.

The finish of the carefully woven padded leather is definitely the ‘wow’ factor on these sandals. One of the versions of this trend that is valid day or night is Steve Madden’s Tangle Quilted Mule in off-white (Revolve, $100).

If you want a new pair of black sandals, they better have the soft lining of Pretty Little Thing’s Black Quilted High Heel Mules ($55), with a 3-inch heel that makes them ideal for maxi skirts or jeans with undone hems.

Great for a hot summer day, these braided, padded sandals work with casual looks as much as they do with elegant ones. Be sure to have smooth textures on the rest of your outfit to avoid oversaturation.

Take every step with confidence in Zara’s Padded Woven Leather Heeled Mules ($129), which have a braided effect that further enhances the look of the sandals, taking away all the neutrality suggested by their color.

Risk just a little more with Topshop’s Skyla Orange Quilted High Mules ($36), with an interesting crisscross pattern that enhances their already fantastic style. Imagine wearing them with wide pants or athleisure pieces. Capitalize on fashion trends by wearing padded sandals this season.