Unexpectedly I’m in the divisive summer sandal Katie Holmes said she was in

If there’s one season that tends to see the scariest, conversation-starting shoe trends, it’s probably summer. There’s just something about spending time with toes that makes people wear very controversial shoes, and while a trend…uhmesh ballerinas – explodes for the season, another style, undoubtedly completely opposite, is also taking hold.

Before you write off the style completely, I ask you to have an open mind, because although they are the opposite of the mesh shoe trend, they are also quite practical. Not to mention, Katie Holmes basically opened them this season, and other celebrities, like Hailey Bieber, Hilary Duff, Mindy Kaling and Taylor Swift, have been spotted there since 2023.

The shoes I’m talking about? Fisherman sandals, and before you let the name scare you, hear me out, because while the silhouette was designed with fishermen in mind, they’re also secretly stylish, in the sense that they’re not trying to be stylish. They are not too Nothing, Actually; The typical fisherman’s sandal features a humble sole, with some having gone slightly trendy with platform bases.

Alohas Perry ankle strap fisherman sandals

Jeffrey Campbell Lurie Fisherman’s Shoe

If the mesh shoe trend is a little too “girly” for you, I understand. The fisherman’s sandal offers a similar breathable design, with an open woven upper that allows ample airflow (read: history says the style was ideal for fishermen because the silhouette allowed the shoe to dry quickly). So, given that summer means sweatier feet, this sandal seems like a no-brainer, right? RIGHT.

Holmes wore her brown fisherman sandals with baggy pants, while in the past, Bieber has worn his with everything from baggy Bermuda shorts to shorter denim cutoffs. Obviously, shoes can be worn in a myriad of ways, with dresses, skirts, jeans, shorts and more all fair game in the style game.

While the shoe is certainly causing some controversy, the fact that the styles are selling out like this Madewell pair that was completely in stock last month proves that people are drawn to them. And honestly, I am too. Although many are sold out, I found a multitude of styles below, from more traditional versions to trendier iterations. Buy them and prepare to be obsessed.

By Anthropologie Fisherman Sandals

Everlane the Day Fisherman Sandal

Reformation Freya Fisherman Sandal

GHBass fisherman sandal

Melissa Possession Jelly Fisherman Sandals