The quantity of open-toe shoe styles available can be overwhelming, ranging from kitten-heeled sandals and beach-ready flip-flops to toe-ring models with distinctive hardware. However, the fisherman sandal is the most cost-effective design. This utilitarian style features interlaced straps that form a cage-like vamp, an ankle clasp, and a rear panel that supports the heels. This style, which dates back to Ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire, is both functional and comfortable, including from a podiatric standpoint. “Because fisherman sandals are typically made of leather, they’re breathable and comfortable, and the back strap provides additional support,” explains Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon.
The InStyle crew spent four weeks trying some of the most popular, highly rated styles, wearing the shoes at least twice a week to see how they looked, felt, and held up over time. Find our favorites below, along with expert advice on how to choose the best pair for you.
Why We Love It: G.H. Bass’s Fisherman Sandal is both excellent quality and timeless. The vamp is made up of four broad, spaced-out leather straps, exposing your pinky and big toes at the front in traditional fisherman style. This streamlined style is all leather, with a thin quarter-inch sole and a slightly lifted 1-inch heel. Although it lacks arch support and cushioning, it fits true to size and seems sleek on the foot. According to InStyle Senior Beauty Editor Erika Reals, the buckle seemed sturdy and built to last, reinforcing her claim that these sandals might cost much more than they do.
Who It’s For: Anyone looking for a classic fisherman sandal that will endure more than a season will be satisfied with this G.H. Bass design.
Worth noting: Because of their smooth leather outsole, these shoes have little traction and can feel slippery on some surfaces. However, as Erika wore them, they grew more sticky.
Erika Reals, senior beauty editor: “I was quite impressed with the overall quality of these shoes; they appear and feel like they should be considerably more expensive, especially because they are made of genuine leather. They are extremely flexible for spring and summer wearing. I just wore these to a baby shower in a dressier ensemble, but they also worked well with jeans and a T-shirt. The design and look are sleeker and slimmer than the other fisherman sandals I have.”
Why We Love It: Described as a “’90s fisherman,” this thick, durable version of the style features a 1-inch platform and a 1.5-inch heel. Of course, it features the brand’s signatures: yellow welt stitching, grooving, and a beach sole. The rear strap pushed against and bothered our tester Mariza’s ankle, as it does with all Dr. Martens, but the shoe’s Quad Shore sole gave immediate arch support and cushioning. When our tester wore the sandals with socks, she discovered they were significantly more comfy.
Who It’s For: Anyone who enjoys chunky loafers or platform sneakers will adore this casual Dr. Martens style. It’s ideal for short trips or activities that require a lot of sitting, rather than long days of exploring, because it’s “very, very heavy,” according to our tester.
Worth noting: These shoes appear edgy and dramatic with jeans and a T-shirt or with a flowy white maxiskirt, but their substantial platform and grainy leather might be difficult to dress up.
Mariza, tester: “These are so lovely and comfortable! I love platform shoes, and these fit perfectly. They conformed to my feet as I wore them, and the back strap kept the shoes in place.”
Why we love it: This Mansur Gavriel design, made of sturdy, luxurious Italian leather, is a high-end spin on the fisherman style. The intertwined straps form a stunning vamp design, while the simple clasp secures the sandals to your feet. Despite being made entirely of leather, they felt flexible and comfy on our tester Sarah’s feet from the moment she opened the box. Styling was also a snap, as these sandals, available in four neutral tones, went nicely with everything from slacks to miniskirt.
Who It’s For: Because these sandals are constructed of such beautiful leather, they’re excellent for anyone looking to invest in high-end wardrobe essentials. Although their flat surfaces aren’t ideal for extended treks, they’re ideal for quick outings that don’t require much walking.
Worth noting: The sole is essentially flat, with no significant arch support, and the smooth outsole is prone to sliding.
Sarah, tester: “These are really lovely sandals. The leather was supple, flexible, and smelled great right out of the box, so I knew it was top quality. They’re neither too hefty nor too dainty, so they look good with almost any clothing. I enjoyed the black hue because I have a lot of black in my collection, and they were easy to style and incorporate into my clothing.”
Why We Love It: Fisherman sandals are rarely described as “dainty,” but this version from Eledera, one of stylist Dione Davis’ favorite brands, is exactly that: an exquisite take on the trend. The caged vamp features 14 delicate hand-cut straps and airy cutouts on the back heel that add to the style. The craftsmanship is exceptional, as these are handcrafted in Italy from buttery-soft calfskin leather with a leather sole. Our tester, Sidney, said that the shoes broke in after two wears, with the leather softening and extending to accommodate her foot form. She adored the shoe’s stylistic versatility, which can be dressed up with a skirt and blouse or a summery dress or worn informally with cuffed jeans and a loose button-down shirt or T-shirt. “They have the versatility of ballet flats, but with a more summery, airy look,” she says.
Who It’s For: The individual who always manages to make a trend chic. Davis comments that this pair is very attractive on tiny feet. “I have a narrow foot, so it can look awkward if my shoes are too chunky, and these are delicate and perfect for summer dressing,” she says.
It’s worth noting that the 0.07-inch leather sole provides little cushioning or support, so use this shoe for brief periods of time rather than long hikes across tough terrain.
Sidney, tester: “eledera’s Rete Fisherman sandals are literally amazing. The leather seemed and felt exceptionally high-quality, and the shoe’s subtle detailing were stunning. As I wore them to work, events, and restaurants, they got more comfortable.”
