Cord sandals are the style of the summer thanks to Miu Miu – here’s why you need a pair

Cord detail sandals street style Paris Fashion Week

Credit: Getty images / Paris Fashion Week

Fashion


Cord sandals are the style of the summer thanks to Miu Miu – here’s why you need a pair

By Kitty McGee

7 months ago

All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article

3 min read

Miu Miu’s playful but fashion-forward Riviere cord sandals are the ultimate wear-with-everything summer shoe. The style has captivated fashion insiders, who are wearing them with Bermuda shorts and polo shirts, but they will truly work with everything in your wardrobe – from maxi dresses to denim.


Brand of the moment Miu Miu has been responsible for some of the most hyped accessories we’ve seen in recent seasons. We don’t need to cast our minds back far to the label’s sell-out colourful crochet bag or its camel sneakers collaboration with New Balance, not to mention the brand’s major 90s-inspired sunglasses and logo-embossed retro leather bowling bags.

Currently claiming the top spot as the most influential brand of 2024 according to Lyst, which credits the brand’s “playful, unique styling and must-have viral products” for helping it cement its place at the top of the table. 

Cord detail sandals street style Paris Fashion Week

Credit: Getty

Chunky sandals have been leading the summer footwear charge in recent years, from Chanel’s boy sandals to Prada’s two-strap Velcro leather flats. Even A.Emery’s much-imitated minimal leather sandals have a heft to them. But it’s Miu Miu’s Riviere rope sandals that have broken the cycle to become the style of the summer. 

Understated but playful, these of-the-moment sandals feature colourful cord straps in a trending palette that includes tobacco, red and black. You can even buy anklets in the same cord for a similar effect without the full investment. 

While Miu Miu’s Riviere sandals are certainly an investment, there are a few cord-style sandals available elsewhere. Our favourite more budget-friendly options are Free People’s Island Hopping Wrap Sandals, £88, and the Marla Rope Sandals, £140. 

Known for its zeitgeist-grabbing summer collections, Free People’s bohemian, free-spirited fashion pieces have a fan club that includes stylist Angie Smith and content creator Lucy Williams. Its sandals come in a palette of effortless shades, including blue and brown; navy and black; chocolate brown; and flame red – all perfect for your summer silhouettes.

Elsewhere, Desigual’s flatform sandals come with bright neon rope detail. Bershka offers a more elegant option with a gold-tone buckle and subtle orange rope detail, while Havaianas Una Açaí sandals feature two thicker, cylindrical straps tied at the back and at the front that come in four bright, contrasting colourways, making them a great choice for a casual beach holiday.

Six of the best cord sandals 

Miu Miu Rivere sandals £640

Miu Miu Rivere sandals

The original inspiration for this summer’s cord sandals, Miu Miu’s chic but timeless style comes in red, tobacco and black and looks great with everything from lightweight summer separates to elegant maxi dresses.

Shop Miu Miu Rivere sandals, £640

Buy now

Best cord sandals Free People Island Hopping sandals navy

Free People Island Hopping Sandals

These casual rope sandals are perfect holiday fodder – wear them for the beach or a city break with a swimsuit and shorts.

Shop Free People Island Hopping Sandals, £88

Buy now

Desigual cord flatform sandals

Desigual cord flatform sandals

These flatform sandals are great for semi-smart occasions. Wear them with oversized linen tailoring.

Shop Desigual cord flatform sandals, £145

Buy now

Bershka cord sandals

Bershka Rope Sandals

These simple but elegant sandals are great with crisp cotton shirt dresses or satin pyjama-style trousers and oversized T-shirts.

Shop Bershka rope sandals, £29.99

Buy now

Best cord sandals Havaianas

Havaianas Una Acai sandals

A great option for the beach or pool, these Havaianas sandals look best with lightweight separates. Think crepe, cotton and linen pieces – whether that’s in a neutral, monochrome or clashing palette.

Shop Havaianas Una Acai sandals, £45

Buy now

Free People Marla Sandals £140

Free People Marla Sandals

These chunky rope sandals make a statement, so keep the rest of your look minimal. Wear with wide-leg linen or crepe trousers. Or denim Bermuda shorts and a vest.

Shop Free People Marla Sandals, £140

Buy now

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands

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