The “Dad” Sandal That Fashion Girls Have Officially Made Cool for Spring

An old aphorism goes, "A rising tide lifts all boats." It's true of shoe trends, too; when fashion girls co-opted boat shoes from frat boys last year, all types of nautical footwear buoyed in popularity—and against all odds, rubber flip-flops became a symbol of luxury. Fisherman sandals have also seen an impressive swell in interest—but unlike their seaside shoe counterparts, the woven-front style isn't a passing tide. As laid-back as the salt-sprayed lifestyle it evokes, fisherman sandals are a perennial classic that come out once the sun does in early spring. Put differently, the semi-closed-toe caged shoe is to warm weather what boots are to fall.

The sandal's origins date back to ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire, where they were mainly worn by sailors and seamen because of their breathability and quick-drying open design. While the esoteric era of BC civilization has been replaced by days spent browsing the web and watching TikTok OOTDs, fisherman sandals have proven themselves as a practical, warm-weather option in the modern era—whether you're in a landlocked state or a concrete jungle, you wear them the Dad-approved way with socks or without.

For years now, the fashion street style set has been modeling the archetype of city-goers who work corporate gigs but long to get their feet wet by the shore. Come April, tastemakers in New York City, Milan, and Paris slip into their best fisherman sandals from big-name brands like Prada and The Row, as well as affordable options from Dr. Martens and Zara.

• The Best Leather Fisherman Sandal: G.H. Bass Fisherman Sandal, $195
• The Best Platform Fisherman Sandal: Dr. Martens Tan Wrenlie Bronx Suede Fisherman Sandals, $160
• The Best Fisherman Mules: Ancient Greek Sandals Cosmia Off White, $285
• The Best Jelly Fisherman Sandal: Melissa Possession Jelly Fisherman Sandal, $79

You'll notice the same city-bound sailor vibe in celebrity street style, too—like Katie Holmes pairing fisherman sandals with a work-appropriate button-down shirt and a $2,400 Khaite bag. Or Hailey Bieber, who wears her $1,090 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 the best fisherman sandals from luxury labels and affordable retailers alike for Spring 2026. 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 good starter sandal, try one made of leather. A black fisherman sandal made of high-quality material—like The Row and Emme Parsons, for example—is a versatile shoe that works well with nearly any outfit. Whether you’re wearing jeans on the weekend or your best summer dress in a floral print for casual office days, you name the garment and the occasion, and you'll be pleased with how well the neutral sandal complements it.

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. Aim for the moon with Chloé's wedge sandals, which sit on a large, chunky-shaped base, or stay grounded with Dr. Martens' lightly lifted sandal.

The Best Fisherman Mules

Compared to the traditional ankle-strapped style, a backless fisherman mule is a more surprising choice. Go for an easy slip-on slide like Ancient Greek Sandals, or, for a more formal and luxurious feel, consider the woven-leather mule from fashion brand Jenni Kayne.

The Best Fisherman Jelly Sandals

Last but not least is the fisherman jelly sandal. You can go full-on rubber with a pair like Melissa's iconic stappy styles. But if you prefer to gradually ease into a very jelly vibe, one with a leather finish and metallic embellishments, like Ancient Greek Sandals, is the best choice.