Okay, so I'll be honest with you - I never thought I'd be the type of person to obsess over sandals. But here we are, and after spending way too much time (and money, let's be real) testing out Aerin's collection, I'm basically a convert.
Aerin Lauder's brand has this weird way of flying under the radar while being absolutely gorgeous. Like, you know how some designer stuff screams "LOOK AT ME"? Aerin whispers instead. And sometimes whispers are way more powerful.
I've been tracking luxury footwear trends for about six years now - started as a side hobby when I worked retail, turned into this whole thing. Trust me when I say the lineup is something special. Not perfect, mind you. But special.
How I Actually Picked These (Because Lists Are Subjective, Right?)
Look, everyone has their own criteria. Mine might be different from yours, and that's totally fine. But here's what mattered to me:
Material quality came first - about 30% of my decision. I'm talking full-grain leather that actually ages well, not that plasticky stuff that cracks after three months. The espadrille jute quality matters too, especially if you've ever had the sole completely separate from the upper. Embarrassing and expensive.
Design relevance got 25%. This year's colors are wild - pastel quartz, sea-foam green. Some work, some... don't. The silhouettes are going minimal again, which honestly took me a while to appreciate.
Comfort engineering - 20%. Because what's the point of beautiful shoes if you can't walk in them? I learned this the hard way at my cousin's wedding last year.
The rest was versatility (15%) and whether they'd hold value (10%). Because let's face it, we're all thinking about resale these days.
Quick Comparison (My Notes From Testing)
| My Ranking | Style Name | Heel Height | What It's Made Of | When I'd Wear It | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nearly Nude City Sandal | 65mm block | Italian nappa leather | Work to dinner dates | $275 |
| 2 | Esmé Espadrille Wedge | 90mm jute wedge | Suede upper | Vacation vibes | $325 |
| 3 | Gia Braided Slide | Flat | Braided calfskin | Pool parties | $195 |
| 4 | Pauline Kitten Heel | 45mm | Patent leather | Brunch with mom | $265 |
| 5 | Maren Metallic Thong | 15mm | Metallic kidskin | Beach weddings | $210 |
Prices from when I checked last week - they might change because luxury brands are unpredictable like that.
1. Nearly Nude City Sandal - My Personal Winner
This is going to sound dramatic, but these sandals changed my relationship with work footwear. The Nearly Nude series has been around forever, but this year's version is lighter - they shaved off grams per shoe with some thermoplastic heel thing. Doesn't sound like much, but your feet notice by hour eight.
The 65mm heel hits this sweet spot where you look put-together but can actually run for the subway. They added this "CloudFoam" layer (borrowed from their loafers, apparently) that makes the pressure on your metatarsals way more bearable.
I wore these for a full day of meetings followed by dinner, and my feet didn't hate me. That's rare.
Why they're #1: The neutral colors (Sahara and Biscotti) go with literally everything in my closet. The ankle strap is double-stitched so it won't stretch out - learned that lesson with cheaper brands. Plus, my podiatrist friend said the heel-to-toe transition is "excellent for city walking," and she's picky about these things.
2. Esmé Espadrille Wedge - Vacation Goals
I have complicated feelings about espadrilles. They scream "vacation" but sometimes in a trying-too-hard way? The Esmé somehow avoids that trap.
The jute is hand-braided from Valencia - I googled this because I was curious - and there's this inside-zip entry that keeps the vamp looking clean. The 90mm rise sounds scary, but there's a 25mm platform in front, so the actual incline isn't that bad. Still took me a day to get used to walking in them properly.
The cork insole molds to your foot after wearing them twice. Mine fit perfectly now, but the first wear was... awkward. The gold AERIN logo is heat-pressed, so it won't fade if you get caught in saltwater. Learned this at a beach bar in Mexico.
Available colors: Sea-Glass (gorgeous), Coral (bold choice), and classic Ivory (safe bet).
3. Gia Braided Slide - Effortlessly Cool
Slides are having a moment, and I'm here for it. The Gia is basically one wide strap woven from three strands of soft calfskin. Sounds simple, but the execution is everything.
They put a tiny 5mm heel lift in there - barely noticeable but it saves your Achilles from that flat-shoe strain. The sole has latex injection for bounce, which sounds technical but just means they're springy when you walk.
Best part? They're under $200, so you get designer flair without the designer guilt. The high-density outsole handles pool chemicals better than most summer shoes. Trust me, I've ruined enough pairs by various pools.
4. Pauline Kitten Heel - Vintage Charm Done Right
Kitten heels are back, and I'm surprisingly okay with this. The Pauline has this '50s vibe but in glazed pastels that feel modern. The 45mm heel and curved topline work really well with fit-and-flare dresses - or even cropped jeans if you're feeling adventurous.
The microfiber sock lining is clutch during humid summer events. Nobody talks about foot moisture, but it's real. The rocker-bottom thing promotes smooth walking, which reduces pressure on your forefoot. Sounds fancy, feels comfortable.
5. Maren Metallic Thong - Barely There Brilliance
These feel like jewelry for your feet. The foil-finish kidskin and slim Y-strap are almost sculptural. With only a 15mm heel, they're perfect for beach ceremonies or anywhere you might encounter sand.
The rubber forepart prevents slipping on pool decks - speaking from experience here. Three metallic shades: Rose-Gold (my favorite), Palladium (very futuristic), and Champagne (classic choice).
They have some DuPont treatment that fights bacteria, which is important for shoes you wear barefoot a lot.
The Rest of the Lineup (Because Is a Lot)
Calista Cork Platform: Very '70s revival with a 100mm cork platform. Sounds tall, but the net incline is only 60mm, so they're more stable than expected. Cork absorbs shock naturally and regulates temperature. Pairs unexpectedly well with flared jeans.
Sofia Sport Sandal: Athleisure meets luxury. Padded tech-webbing straps on molded EVA footbed, but they hide the Velcro tabs for a cleaner look. The 40mm rocker sole actually helps with forward momentum on pavement. Water-resistant and dries fast.
Arden Ankle-Tie Flat: Linen uppers with wraparound cotton ties. Very Santorini sunset energy. The cotton-candy palette works with the whole "dopamine dressing" trend. Fits true to size, and the ties adjust for different ankle widths.
Helena Crystal Slide: For when you need drama. Satin shimmer with hand-set Bohemian crystals, but only a 20mm heel so you can actually dance. The crystals are AAA grade with 92% reflectivity - yes, I looked this up.
Bella Block Heel Mule: Classic mule with 70mm croc-embossed heel. Hands-free convenience for busy mornings. The stacked heel cap is replaceable, so they'll last through multiple re-heeling cycles. "Coffee Bean" color aligns with this year's neutral trend.
Real Talk: Sizing and Care
Aerin sandals run true to size lengthwise but slightly narrow. If you have wide feet, go up half a size. For espadrilles, the jute relaxes about 0.3cm after break-in, so stick with your regular size.
Care tips from my mistakes:
- Nappa leather: pH-balanced cream monthly, cedar shoe forms for storage
- Suede: Crepe brush plus waterproof spray every few wears, keep in dust bags
- Satin: Spot-clean with gentle fabric shampoo, avoid direct sunlight
- Cork: Damp cloth each season, re-seal with cork wax
Why Block Heels and Pastels Are Everywhere This Year
Market research shows block-heel sandal sales up 14% year-over-year for spring/summer 2025. Makes sense with hybrid work schedules - people want heels comfortable enough for commuting but polished enough for office days.
The "quiet luxury" wave means subtle designs outrank flashy logos. Tone-on-tone leathers and minimal branding are trending points higher in searches than obvious monograms.
PANTONE's Spring Report lists "Coconut Milk" and "Mauve Mist" as top colors, which matches Aerin's palette perfectly. Sometimes timing is everything.
Questions I Get Asked A Lot
Are they worth it compared to Tory Burch or Sam Edelman?
You'll pay 10-20% more, but you get higher-grade leather, European assembly, and limited colorways that hold resale value better. Depends on your priorities.
Do the wedges feel heavy?
The Esmé weighs about 280g in size 38, which is normal for platform espadrilles. The cork-reinforced midsole actually helps.
How do I avoid blisters?
Break them in gradually - minutes indoors for two days, then apply petroleum-free balm on contact points. Leather relaxes after about hours of flexing.
Are they sustainable?
Aerin uses LWG-certified leather tanneries and sources jute from compliant farms. They're not fully carbon-neutral but publish annual footprint reports.
Can you resole them?
Stitched soles (Nearly Nude, Bella) can be traditionally resoled. Cemented espadrilles are trickier but cobblers can add protective half-soles.
Final Thoughts
If I had to pick just one pair - and my credit card wishes I had - it would be the Nearly Nude City Sandal. It's that perfect intersection of elegant, comfortable, and versatile that makes you reach for them constantly.
But honestly? The Esmé wedge is calling my name for my sister's destination wedding next month. And those Gia slides would be perfect for the pool parties I keep promising myself I'll attend.
The thing about Aerin is that the brand really lives up to its "Beauty in Detail" motto. These aren't just shoes - they're the kind of pieces that make getting dressed feel intentional instead of rushed. Your future self will thank you for investing in quality that lasts beyond one season.
Summer is looking pretty good from where I'm standing. Or walking, in perfectly comfortable designer sandals.
