Your Summer, Six Ways: Sandals & Espadrilles for Every Occasion

From barefoot beach walks to wedding dance floors, South African summer calls for more than one kind of shoe. Our edit of women's summer sandals and espadrilles brings together six distinctive styles from New Arrivals at My Shoe Shop, each chosen for a different occasion.

Think natural textures for the coast, gold leather for celebrations, colourful flats for weekends and low wedge sandals for days spent exploring. Here is how we would wear them.

Find your summer occasion: Beach days · Weddings · Markets & brunch · Sightseeing · Evenings out · Garden lunches

1. Beach days and seaside cafés: natural Gaimo espadrilles

Start with a slow morning by the sea: a linen dress, a woven tote and natural espadrilles for the walk to your favourite seaside café. When the sand calls, slip them off and carry them while you stroll barefoot along the shore.

The Gaimo Belmira low wedge espadrille brings together textured cotton, leather detailing and a natural jute wedge. Its closed toe and cream crochet-style finish make it an easy choice when you want more coverage than a sandal without losing that summer feeling. Made in Spain, it pairs beautifully with relaxed linen trousers, cotton sundresses and a straw hat.

Style note: Keep the jute soles dry; these are your beach-to-café shoes rather than shoes for the water.

Shop Gaimo Belmira Natural Low Wedge Espadrilles →

2. Summer wedding guests: gold leather heel sandals

A garden ceremony, a glass raised to the happy couple and the first song on the dance floor: gold heels bring the occasion together. Wear them with a flowing sage dress, soft pink tailoring or a bold printed midi.

The Via Veneto Napa Leather Heel Sandal in Gold has a metallic leather finish, crossing front straps and a buckle fastening. Its sculpted heel makes the silhouette feel dressed up, while the soft gold tone works with both warm and cool colours. If you are looking for wedding guest sandals in South Africa, this is a versatile place to start.

Style note: Let the shoes provide the shine and finish with a small gold earring. Check the venue surface before choosing heels, particularly for ceremonies on lawns.

Shop Via Veneto Napa Leather Heel Sandals in Gold →

3. Weekend markets and brunch: colourful flat sandals

Some summer plans deserve colour: picking flowers at a weekend market, meeting friends for brunch or browsing little holiday boutiques. A pair of detailed flat sandals can make a simple white dress feel considered.

The Inuovo Coconut Multi flat strappy sandal combines a tan base with colourful decorative straps, a toe loop and an adjustable ankle buckle. The low profile keeps the look relaxed, while the patterned detailing gives neutral outfits a focal point. These women's flat summer sandals are an easy alternative when you want interest without a high heel.

Style note: Try a white cotton skirt and a woven bag, or repeat one of the strap colours in your top. Keep other accessories simple so the detailing stands out.

Shop Inuovo Flat Strappy Sandals in Coconut Multi →

4. City sightseeing and holiday exploring: Via Veneto Angelin sandals

For a holiday morning that starts with coffee and turns into browsing galleries, sightseeing and a long lunch, a neutral leather sandal makes outfit planning easy. Wear warm beige with cropped linen trousers, a relaxed shirt and a light bag for a look that moves naturally between your summer plans.

The Via Veneto Comfort Napa Leather Criss-Cross Sandal in Angelin, style 7080, brings together broad criss-cross leather straps, an adjustable ankle strap and a low wedge. The soft neutral colour works with white cotton, natural linen and dark denim, while the simple silhouette offers an everyday alternative to dressy summer heels.

Style note: Keep your trouser hem above the ankle so the crossing straps remain visible. Adjust the ankle strap to your own fit and check the available sizes on the product page before ordering.

Shop Via Veneto 7080 Angelin Leather Criss-Cross Sandals →

5. Sunset drinks and rooftop dinners: black platform wedge mules

As the sun goes down, swap your beach tote for a small evening bag and let a black platform mule do the styling work. It is a strong match for rooftop drinks, holiday dinners and a summer evening in the city.

The Inuovo Slip in Mule Wedge in Black has a broad leather front band, an open back and a substantial platform wedge silhouette. The clean black upper and tan footbed create a different mood from delicate occasion heels: bold, simple and easy to style with wide-leg trousers or a fluid maxi dress.

Style note: Choose a trouser hem that clears the ground and leaves the front of the shoe visible. Add a fine gold necklace or a structured clutch for an evening finish.

Shop Inuovo Black Leather Slip-in Mule Wedges →

6. Winelands lunches and garden parties: red espadrille wedges

For a lunch among the vines or a garden party that stretches into the afternoon, make the shoes the colour statement. Red espadrille wedges look especially fresh with white linen, soft florals or a simple cotton dress.

The Gaimo Ronny suede peep-toe espadrille wedge in Rojo Red combines a heart-shaped throat, an ankle buckle and a woven heel counter. Made in Spain, it has a 6.5 cm organic jute wedge with a 2 cm platform. The small peep-toe opening and red suede give it a more dressed-up feel than the natural low wedge at the start of our summer journey.

Style note: Keep your bag neutral and echo the red with lipstick or a small accessory. Stick to dry terraces and paths to care for the suede and jute.

Shop Gaimo Ronny Red Suede Peep-toe Espadrille Wedges →

Find your summer shoes online or in Constantia

Explore the full New Arrivals collection online, or visit Via Veneto Shoes, Shop 28, Constantia Village, Constantia, Cape Town to try on your favourites. Product pages show current prices and available sizes.

Unsure about fit or choosing between two styles? WhatsApp us on 061 236 3448 for help.

Summer sandal shopping: your questions answered

What shoes should I wear to a summer wedding?

Gold leather heel sandals work beautifully with occasion dresses and tailored outfits. Choose a heel that suits you and check whether the ceremony is on a firm floor, lawn or sand before deciding.

Which summer sandals should I pack for a holiday?

Start with an adjustable low wedge sandal for sightseeing, add a flat pair for casual outings and finish with an evening style. Natural espadrilles are a useful addition for coastal cafés, while a red wedge brings colour to lunches and celebrations.

Do you deliver summer sandals across South Africa?

Yes. South African delivery is free on orders of R1,000 or more, or R109 for orders below R1,000. Standard delivery is 3–5 business days unless you choose the express option.