Can I Wear Sandals to Work
9 July 2026
As temperatures rise, you may be asking yourself, “Can I wear sandals to work?” The answer to this question isn’t a straightforward yes or no: it depends on your workplace, the sandal, the rest of your outfit and various other factors.
In this guide, we’ll untangle the sandals-to-work question. After reading, you’ll have a better feel for whether your favourite airy pair are suitable for your workplace.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Are sandals appropriate for work?
- How to wear sandals to work
- Can men wear sandals to work?
- Sandals at work FAQs
Are Sandals Appropriate for Work
Short answer: it depends. The industry you work in, the company culture, the dress code - all of these will factor into whether sandals are acceptable footwear where you work.
As a rule of thumb, sandals are generally alright for creative industries, tech, marketing agencies, or other business-casual settings, alongside retail and hospitality. But you should make sure they’re OK for where you work specifically, rather than just assuming you’re good to go because your industry is in this list.
And bear in mind that the type of sandal makes a big difference. A refined leather sandal in a neutral colour gives a very different vibe to a flip-flop or beach slider. It’s the style of the sandal that determines how good a fit they’ll be for your workplace, not just the fact that they are sandals.
Take a look at our guide to what shoes to wear for work if you want some more general work footwear advice.
Are Sandals Appropriate for All Office Environments?
No. There are some industries and workplaces where sandals are inappropriate and against dress code policy. Generally, these tend to be more traditional environments like banks, law firms, accounting firms and similar, but this list is by no means definitive. Assume that more formal means sandals are less appropriate, but always check the dress code to make sure.
If they are allowed, plan your outfit so that it strikes the right tone overall. Ensure you look professional, whatever that means for your workplace. And if in doubt, choose something else.
Take a look at our women’s work shoes if you need ideas for work-friendly footwear.
How to Wear Sandals to Work
Assuming your workplace does allow sandals, choosing the right style and pairing them with the right outfit will make all the difference. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Can You Wear Flat Sandals to Work?
Yes, if your workplace allows sandals, these are probably the most work-appropriate type. Minimalist strappy flat leather sandals or slingbacks with clean lines and neutral colours are a good bet; flip-flops, casual sliders, bright colours - probably less so.
Pair these sandals with tailored trousers, midi skirts, work-appropriate dresses and similar - the outfit as a whole should enforce the smart register of the sandal type.
Also remember that flat sandals are great if you’re on your feet a lot during your work day or have a longer commute.
Can You Wear Heeled Sandals to Work?
Yes, these are another work-friendly option because the heel reads as formal and considered, rather than overly casual. Choose strappy heeled sandals in leather or suede with a block or kitten heel, wedge sandals in a smart finish, or similar.
Heel height makes a difference here: mid-height block heels or kitten heels are more practical and professional than a stiletto. And comfort matters when you’re at the office all day.
Pair with tailored trousers, pencil skirts, or work dresses. Your heeled sandals will elevate the whole outfit.
Can You Wear Open-Toe Sandals to Work?
Yes, but more tentatively. Traditional or conservative-leaning workplaces may consider open-toe shoes too informal, so double-check against the dress code beforehand.
This style is likely to work in smart-casual or business-casual offices in creative industries. They may be less acceptable in traditional, corporate settings, or in legal or financial workplaces, or in any environment where health and safety policies dictate that open-toed shoes aren’t allowed.
How to Style Sandals for a Smart-Casual Office
Smart-casual offices are where sandals are most likely to shine, but the way you style them determines whether they look like a considered casual choice or something you’ve thrown on in a rush.
As a rule, the sandal should be the most casual element of your outfit. Pairing them with wide-leg trousers, midi skirts, smart shirt dresses or similar is a good shout. Keep a neutral or tonally coordinated colour to emphasise the smart part of smart-casual. And consider an accessory: a structured bag, a simple piece of jewellery, or something else to reinforce the smart-casual.
Can Men Wear Sandals to Work?
Generally speaking, the bar is higher for men’s sandals to be considered acceptable in a workplace. There is less precedent, and the range of styles available is slimmer.
Men’s sandals can work in casual offices, creative industries, tech companies with a relaxed dress code and potentially hospitality or retail. The best options are refined leather sandals in brown or black - never sliders, never flip-flops, and never sports sandals in a professional setting.
Most men prefer loafers without socks in warmer months - a compromise that delivers the breathability of a sandal without sacrificing the professionalism of a closed shoe. For most work environments, this - or a similar alternative - is probably preferable to a pair of sandals.
If in doubt, check the work dress code and see what your colleagues are wearing
Wearing Sandals to Work - Demystified
We hope this guide has been useful in breaking down some of the mystery around wearing sandals to work. The throughline to our advice is pretty simple: check your work’s dress code and, if it’s ambiguous, see what your colleagues are wearing to guide your decision. And always lean towards the more formal end of the sandal spectrum - unless you’re a lifeguard, flip-flops are probably never going to be appropriate at work.
To find your next favourite pair of sandals, take a look at our ranges for men and women. You can also head into a store if you need a hand finding an appropriate pair for you.
