Quilted padded sandals stand out as this summer's footwear

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

Tall, heelless and made of leather, these new styles will be everywhere as temperatures rise

JUNE 12, 2020 11:13 AM EDTJUN 12, 2020, 11:13 AM EDT

Sandals are the summer footwear par excellence, and this year’s fashion trends are bringing out designs that make the simplest feminine gestures – such as crossing your legs or strutting into a room – a proclamation of style. This summer, dress using the new padded mules with stiletto or block heels. Stylists agree unanimously that they are this season’s must-haves.

In this gallery, we take a look at insiders, who are relying on padded sandals to turn heads and attract gazes that go not from head to toe, but rather, from toe to head.

The powerful quilted effect

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.

Mule sandals

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).

Leonie Hanne in padded heels and a casual look

Padded, different and chic

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.

Soft leather padded sandals by Lulus, in pink

The square toe is a keeper

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.

Street style look with a midi skirt and white padded sandals

Fashion combos

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.

Padded sandals in off-white by Steve Madden

Fabrics and textures

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).

Black leather padded sandals by Pretty Little Thing

Slip-on comfort

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.

Summer look with Bermuda shorts and padded leather sandals

Versatile like no other

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.

Padded leather mule sandals in vanilla by Zara

Trending now

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.

Hints of summer

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.