If there’s one season that tends to see the most eye-browing raising, conversation-sparking footwear trends, it’s probably summer. There’s just something about toes-out time that makes people wear some very divisive footwear, and while one trend—ehem, mesh ballerinas—is blowing up for the season, another, arguably totally opposite style is gaining a foothold, too. 

Before you write off the style altogether, I ask that you have an open mind—because while they’re the opposite of said mesh shoe trend, they’re pretty practical, too. Not to mention, Katie Holmes basically ushered them in this season, and other celebs, like Hailey Bieber, Hilary Duff, Mindy Kaling, and Taylor Swift have been spotted in them since 2023. 

The shoes I’m talking about? Fisherman sandals, and before you let the name scare you off, hear me out, because while the silhouette was actually crafted for fishermen, they’re secretly stylish, too, in that they’re not trying to be stylish. They’re not overly anything, in fact; the typical fisherman sandal features a humble sole, with some having been slightly trend-ified with platform bases. 

Alohas Perry Ankle Strap Fisherman Sandal

Buy on Nordstrom$200

Jeffrey Campbell Lurie Fisherman Shoe

Buy on Nordstrom$195

If the mesh shoe trend is a bit too “girly” for you, I get it. The fisherman sandal offers a similar breathable design, with the open-weaved upper that allows for ample airflow (read: history says the style was ideal for fisherman because the silhouette enabled the shoe to dry quickly). So, given the fact that summertime equals sweatier feet, this sandal sounds like a total no-brainer, right? Right. 

Holmes wore her brown fisherman sandals with baggy trousers, while in the past, Bieber has worn hers with everything from baggy bermudas to shorter denim cutoffs. Clearly, the shoes can be worn a myriad of ways, with dresses, skirts, jeans, shorts, and more all fair in the styling game. 

While the shoe certainly causes some controversy, the fact that styles are selling like—like this Madewell pair that was fully in stock last month—proves that people are gravitating toward them. And honestly, I am, too. While many are sold out, I found a slew of styles, from more traditional takes to trendier iterations, below. Shop them, and get ready to be obsessed.

By Anthropologie Fisherman Sandals

Buy on Anthropologie$125

Everlane the Day Fisherman Sandal

Buy on Everlane.com$168

Reformation Freya Fisherman Sandal

Buy on Reformation$248

G.H.Bass Fisherman Sandal

Buy on Nordstrom$165

Melissa Possession Jelly Fisherman Sandal

Buy on Nordstrom$69